Recognised Mental Health Counsellor

Make a real impact in Far North QLD, delivering culturally appropriate, evidence-based care for clients with low-intensity mental health needs.

Classifications

• Healthcare & Medicine
• Mental Health
• Part-time

Key points

• Permanent, part-time position
• 4-week roster cycle: 1 week off, 3 weeks on
• Travel from Cairns to Cape York communities or live in eligible Cape communities

Description

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Recognised Mental Health Counsellor to join our Far North Mental Health Team.

In this role, you will make a meaningful impact on the lives of people living in rural and remote Far North Queensland by providing culturally appropriate, evidence-based therapeutic interventions to clients with low-intensity mental health needs. Working closely with RFDS Mental Health Clinicians and other healthcare professionals, you will support individuals and families to develop recovery pathways that focus on social, emotional wellbeing.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide culturally safe, recovery-focused counselling to individuals, families, and communities.
• Work collaboratively with health professionals to implement tailored recovery pathways.
• Deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions to meet client needs.
• Facilitate mental health promotion and education programs in both group and individual settings.
• Provide cultural mentoring and support to colleagues.
• Conduct triage and intake for new clients.
• Undertake holistic risk assessments, develop care plans, and escalate complex cases when required.
• Participate in case reviews with Senior Mental Health Clinicians.
• Attend and contribute to community Field Days.

  
The role:

• Permanent, part-time position
• 4-week roster cycle: 1 week off, 3 weeks on
• During rostered weeks: work Monday to Thursday (every Friday off!)
• Stay in community Monday–Wednesday nights
• Travel from Cairns to Cape York communities, or
• Option to live in eligible Cape York communities

  
Who we’re looking for:

You’re passionate about working with people across diverse cultures in remote Far North Queensland and motivated to provide care in a way that best meets each client’s needs. Resilient, adaptable, and community-focused, you bring:

• Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice.
• Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
• Knowledge of health issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing.
• Experience delivering therapeutic interventions and follow-up care for individuals and families.
• Ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate community programs.
• Confidence using computer systems and working with limited supervision.
• Respect for confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a client-centred approach.

  
Why work for RFDS?

When you join RFDS, you join a team dedicated to making a real difference in Queensland communities. In return, we offer:

• Competitive base salary (commensurate with qualifications and experience) + superannuation.
• Generous not-for-profit tax-free benefits (up to $18,550).
• Daily allowances while in community.
• Paid training and development opportunities, including study leave.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (counselling, nutrition, financial and legal advice).
• Novated leasing options and private health insurance discounts.
• Fitness Passport membership (discounted access to gyms and health centres for staff and families).

  
About us:

Since 2000, RFDS (Queensland Section) has delivered vital mental health services across some of the most remote parts of Far North Queensland. We provide culturally appropriate, evidence-based psychological therapies to people experiencing mild to moderate mental health needs.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the Traditional Custodians of the land. The RFDS is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of healthcare. We embrace diversity and welcome all people irrespective of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.
  
Interested?

Applications close 13th October, but shortlisting may begin earlier — so don’t delay!

For further information, please contact: Jos Middleton, Manager – Far North Mental Health: jmiddleton@rfdsqld.com.au / 0409 154 477 Or our Talent Acquisition team: recruitment@rfdsqld.com.au / (07) 3852 7553

Please note:

• Candidates must hold a current, unrestricted Australian driver’s licence.
• Non-AHPRA-registered professionals must obtain a Blue Card and undergo a criminal history check.
• Proof of qualifications, registrations, and immunisations/vaccinations is required before appointment.
• Completion of RFDS credentialing is mandatory (We will support you with this process).