Mental Health Nurse

Make a real difference in the lives of people experiencing distress or crisis, supporting recovery, wellbeing, and connection to community services.

• Deliver holistic, person-centred mental health and physical health support that promotes recovery and wellbeing.
• Permanent role | Full-time or Part-time options available
• Salary from $119,093 p.a. (equivalent to $60.27 per hour) + Super 12% & 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 more than 45 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 dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Nurse to join our new Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre. In this pivotal role, you will provide person-centred, evidence-informed mental health nursing care, including education, referral and advocacy to support people with mental health, physical health, and psychosocial needs.

You will deliver risk assessments, mental state examinations (MSE), physical health screening, and medication adherence support. Working with a multidisciplinary team, you will play a key role in care coordination, clinical risk monitoring, and empowering clients to manage their wellbeing.

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 and safe space for people experiencing distress or crisis. Offering clinical and non-clinical support, the centre provides an alternative to hospital emergency departments and helps people access early intervention and ongoing supports, including AOD, housing, and social services.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments, including risk reviews and mental state examinations (MSE).
• Provide health education and counselling on topics such as medication, nutrition, exercise, and overall wellbeing.
• Engage clients through brief interventions, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed practice.
• Advocate for clients, families, and carers to promote informed choice and self-management.
• Facilitate health promotion and wellbeing group sessions.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure integrated and holistic care.

What you'll bring

• Tertiary degree qualifications in Mental Health Nursing, Registered Nursing or other health related field and hold current registration with AHPRA and Mental Health Accreditation.
• Post-graduate qualifications or equivalent in Mental Health Nursing, with at least 3 years' post-graduate experience in a Mental Health setting.
• Demonstrated experience in mental health nursing, including risk assessment, crisis planning, and care coordination for people experiencing psychological distress or suicidality.
• Strong understanding of health promotion, physical health screening, and recovery-oriented practice within community and primary care settings.

Benefits

• Generous not-for-profit salary packaging - up to $15,899 p.a. to reduce taxable income and cover living expenses.
• Meal and Entertainment allowance – access up to an additional $2,650 p.a. through salary packaging.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - support for you and your immediate family.
• Fitness Passport - access to a wide range of fitness facilities for you and your family.
• Professional development - ongoing training and career growth opportunities.

Interested?

To apply online visit Mind Careers - reference number Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Friday 7 November 2025. 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:

Tracey Hocking – General Manager, Complex Care National Services

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

Position Description

PD Mental Health Nurse (CMMHC) -

The successful applicant is required to complete comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check, and NDIS Workers Screening Check.