Mental Health Clinician

Join the RFDS as a Senior or Mental Health Clinician delivering evidence-based counselling and wellbeing services across remote Far North Queensland.

Classifications

• Healthcare & Medicine
• Mental Health
• Full-time

Key points

• Full-time, Cairns-based role
• Monday to Friday- no shift work!!
• Be a part of a highly experienced and skilled multi-disciplinary team

Description

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) is looking for a Senior or Mental Health Clinician to support community health and well-being across Far North Queensland. The Far North Mental Health and Wellbeing Service offers free counselling and support to people living and working in rural and remote areas.
  
In this role, you will be dedicated to client-centred care and improving the well-being of people in the communities we serve. On a day-to-day basis, you will be involved in the delivery of psychological therapies to people presenting with mild to moderate mental health needs. In remote locations, you will work with people from various cultures and will have the flexibility to provide care tailored to their needs.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for Clinicians who meet the following criteria;

• Qualification in Psychology, Social Work (Accredited with AASW), Occupational Therapy or Mental Health Nursing (Suitable for Mental Health credentialing)
• Registration with AHPRA or membership of the AASW
• Postgraduate experience as a clinician with a minimum of three years in a relevant clinical field (with Seniors having greater than five years of experience)
• Demonstrated experience in brief interventions and therapeutic counselling with clients across the lifespan
• Demonstrated experience and respectful understanding of cultural diversity, including traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views of health and wellness

  
This full-time role is based in Cairns, with fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) travel to the Cape York Peninsula. You’ll work in the community Monday to Thursday, and every second week, have an admin day at the RFDS Cairns Base. You will stay overnight in the communities (up to 3 nights per week), where we’ll provide accommodation, a vehicle, and daily allowances.
Please be aware that this position is under a maximum term contract until June 30, 2026. There may be opportunities for extension.
  
What might a typical day look like?

When you join our team, you will travel to various communities, from the Northern Peninsula area to Wujal Wujal. Typically, you will be assigned to one or up to three communities within this region. In each community you will be;

• Working with the community to deliver and develop culturally appropriate, holistic services
• As the clinician in the community, you will be responsible for the intake, triage, assessment and ongoing treatment of any clients referred to the program
• Providing a range of evidence-based clinical interventions
• Undertaking complex, holistic clinical assessments
• Deliver ongoing psychological therapies and counselling
• Conducting case reviews
• Collaborating with other service providers supporting our inter-agency networks

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) acknowledges the 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.
  
The RFDS is committed to the protection of human and legal rights, including the rights of children, young people and adults to be safe, heard and cared for. In upholding the Universal Principle, RFDS is committed to creating an organisational environment that ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families feel welcome, safe, valued, included and respected.   

Why Join the RFDS Mental Health and Wellbeing Service?

The connections you establish while working in small communities and witnessing people thrive will be truly rewarding as you contribute to a trusted brand within the communities we serve. In this role, you will join a team of highly skilled professionals renowned among their peers for the complexity of their work and the remarkable level of independence it demands. The following benefits will also be provided to you;

• Attractive remuneration up to $121 468 (depending on seniority) + Super
• Salary packaging of $18,500, increasing your take-home pay  
• Allowances approx. $130 per day (depending on the departure and arrival times)
• Additional Education Allowances for master’s and PhD qualifications
• Training and development opportunities with paid study leave
• Employee Assistance Program- advice for staff and their families (support, nutrition & financial)
• Novated leasing options
• Private health insurance discounts
• Fitness Passport membership (discounted access to gyms and health centres for staff and families)
• RemServ Rewards, where members receive cashback benefits on purchases from hundreds of leading Australian retailers, including groceries, fashion, technology and travel

  
Interested?

If you would like any further information, please contact Talent Acquisition at recruitment@rfdsqld.com.au or call 07 3852 7553. Alternatively, please get in touch with the Manager of the Far North Mental Health team, Jos Middleton, at jmiddleton@rfdsqld.com.au

This position will be open until the 23rd of January 2026. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon, as we’ll start reviewing applications before the deadline.

Candidates are required to hold a current, unrestricted Australian driver's licence. Before the appointment, you will be required to provide certified copies of your qualifications/registrations and evidence of immunity or vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases. You will also be required to complete the RFDS credentialing process.

Please note- non-AHPRA registered professionals will need to obtain a blue card and undertake a criminal history check during the recruitment process.