Job Description
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone with lived or living experience of mental health challenges who is passionate about supporting others on their recovery journey.
The Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre provides a welcoming, low-stigma entry point for people experiencing distress or crisis, offering support as an alternative to emergency departments.
Employment Type: Permanent full-time and part-time opportunities (4 days per week available) | 7-day roster
Applicants must be able to work varied shifts across the roster
About the Role
As a Peer Practitioner, you will draw on your lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery to walk alongside people accessing the service.
Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will provide person-centred peer support, helping individuals build hope, develop meaningful goals and reconnect with community supports.
You will play a key role in ensuring lived experience perspectives inform service delivery, while also contributing to group programs and collaborative care planning.
Benefits
- Generous not-for-profit salary packaging - up to $15,899 p.a. to reduce taxable income
* Fitness Passport - access to a wide range of fitness facilities
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your immediate family
* Workplace Banking Portal through CommBank
* Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities
Key Responsibilities
- Provide peer support informed by lived experience and recovery-oriented practice
* Share recovery insights to promote hope and empowerment
* Deliver flexible, person-centred support for individuals experiencing distress
* Assist people to navigate services and access community supports
* Facilitate group programs that support recovery and connection
* Collaborate with clinical staff and community organisations
* Maintain accurate documentation and service records
What You'll Bring
Qualifications
- Minimum Certificate IV in Mental Health, Peer Work, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), or another relevant health-related field
* Intentional Peer Support Training desirable
Experience / Requirements
- Lived or living experience of mental health and/or AOD challenges
* Ability to use lived experience appropriately to support others
* Previous experience in a Peer Worker or Peer Practitioner role strongly desirable
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Commitment to recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practice
Join a service where your lived experience can bring hope, connection and meaningful change.
About Tradewind Australia
Tradewind Australia is a multi-award-winning recruitment agency, recognised nationally for delivering exceptional candidate experience across the education, social and community services sectors.
We partner with leading organisations across Australia to connect skilled professionals with roles that align with their values, strengths and long-term career goals.
What sets Tradewind apart:
- Winner of multiple Candidate Experience Awards
* Specialist consultants with deep sector expertise
* Tailored support throughout the entire recruitment process
* Insight into organisational culture, leadership and role expectations
* Transparent communication and ongoing post-placement care
We focus on supporting people, not just filling jobs.
Apply Now
If you are passionate about peer support and helping people on their recovery journey, we would love to hear from you.
Please apply with your CV and a brief cover letter or contact the Tradewind team for more information
Commitment to Safety, Inclusion & Equal Opportunity
Tradewind Australia is committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and vulnerable people. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
All successful applicants will undergo reference checks, identity verification and role-specific compliance requirements.
