Community Engagement Officer

• Lead community engagement initiatives and build community partnerships to connect people with mental health support, resources and opportunities
• Fixed-term, part-time role (22.5 hours/week) until 30 June 2027
• $53.43 per hour + Super & Benefits
• Cairns Location

Mind strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people with a lived experience of mental ill health and recovery, and applicants from all cultures, genders, sexualities, bodies, abilities, spiritualities, ages and backgrounds.

Mind Australia is one of Australia’s largest providers of community-managed psychosocial services, supporting people experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges to find help, hope and purpose in their lives. Operating for almost 50 years and employing more than 1,300 staff around Australia, Mind is a leading employer of people with lived experience of mental health challenges, recognising their unique ability to connect with and motivate clients and guide recovery.

About the role

We are seeking a passionate and community-focused Community Engagement Officer to join our Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre team.

In this rewarding role, you will lead community engagement initiatives, build strong partnerships across the region, and promote the Centre as a welcoming place for support and connection. Working closely with consumers, families, carers, community groups and service providers, you will champion mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen pathways that support people to access services and participate fully in community life.

You will also play a key role in delivering the Life Links Social Prescribing Model, identifying and connecting people with local community resources, activities and supports that enhance wellbeing, social inclusion and recovery.

About the Service

The Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre, delivered in partnership with Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, provides a welcoming, low-stigma alternative to emergency departments for people experiencing psychological distress or crisis. Operating 7 days a week, the centre provides immediate support, telehealth, and outreach services.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement community engagement initiatives that strengthen connections with local communities, particularly disadvantaged, marginalised and underrepresented groups.
• Facilitate co-design and engagement activities with consumers, families and carers to inform service delivery.
• Lead the development and maintenance of a community assets register to support social prescribing and recovery outcomes.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with community organisations, service providers, networks and local leaders.
• Promote mental health awareness and identify opportunities to reduce stigma across the community.
• Identify, analyse, and communicate community insights, trends, gaps, and opportunities to inform service planning and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen referral pathways and improve access to support services.

What you’ll bring

• A tertiary qualification (minimum Certificate IV) in Mental Health, Peer Work, Psychology, Social Work, Community Development, Health Promotion, Occupational Therapy or a related field, and/or equivalent experience.
• Experience in community development, community engagement, social prescribing, health promotion or related fields.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders and community groups.
• Strong project coordination, communication and facilitation skills, including experience supporting co-design activities.
• Knowledge of the mental health, health and community services sectors and recovery-oriented practice.
• A commitment to culturally responsive, inclusive and person-centred approaches that support diverse communities.

Benefits

• Generous not-for-profit salary packaging - up to $15,899 p.a.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - support for you and your immediate family.
• Workplace Banking Portal - access to a variety of banking and lifestyle benefits through our CommBank program.
• Fitness Passport - access to a wide range of fitness facilities for you and your family.

Interested?

To apply visit Mind Careers - reference number 500239. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Tuesday 8 September 2026. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the advertisement may close early if a suitable candidate is identified.

For more information, please contact:

Gabrielle Brown – Centre Manager Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre            

***************@mindaustralia.org.au

Mind is committed to a barrier-free recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to complete your application, please email **@mindaustralia.org.au

Position Description

 PD Community Engagement Officer (CMMHC) - 20260727.pdf