Senior Mental Health Clinician
Senior Mental Health Clinician
Join RFDS and provide essential mental health care to remote communities in Far North Queensland, with FIFO and great benefits.
Classifications
- Healthcare & Medicine
- Psychology
- Full-time
Key points
- Work alongside dedicated multidisciplinary teams supporting rural and remote QLD
- FIFO Cairns to Cape York & Gulf communities, with travel & accommodation covered
- Deliver culturally responsive mental health care where it's needed most
Description
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) is seeking a Mental Health Clinician or Senior Mental Health Clinician to support the health and wellbeing of communities across Far North Queensland. The Far North Mental Health and Wellbeing Service provides free counselling and mental health support to people living and working in rural and remote communities.
In this role, you will play a vital part in delivering client-centred care and improving mental health outcomes across the region. You will provide evidence-based psychological therapies and counselling to individuals experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns. Working in remote communities, you will engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and tailor your approach to meet their unique needs in a culturally safe and respectful manner.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a Clinician who meets the following criteria:
- Qualification in Psychology, Social Work (AASW accredited), Occupational Therapy, or Mental Health Nursing (eligible for Mental Health credentialing)
- Current registration with AHPRA or membership with the AASW
- Minimum three years' post-graduate clinical experience in a relevant field (Senior Clinicians will have five or more years' experience)
- Demonstrated experience delivering brief interventions and therapeutic counselling across the lifespan
- Strong understanding of cultural diversity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on health, wellbeing and healing
This is a full-time maximum-term position based in Cairns, with regular fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) travel to communities across Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
You will spend Monday to Thursday working in community, with an administration day at the RFDS Cairns Base every second week. The role requires overnight stays in community of up to three nights per week. Accommodation, vehicle access and daily travel allowances are provided.
This position is available until 30 June 2027, with the possibility of extension.
What might a typical day look like when you are in community?
As part of our team, you will travel to communities across Far North Queensland, from the Northern Peninsula Area to Wujal Wujal. Clinicians are generally allocated one to three communities and build meaningful relationships with local stakeholders and residents. In community, you will:
- Work collaboratively with communities to deliver and develop culturally appropriate, holistic mental health services
- Manage intake, triage, assessment and ongoing treatment for clients referred to the program
- Deliver a range of evidence-based clinical interventions
- Undertake comprehensive and holistic mental health assessments
- Provide ongoing psychological therapies and counselling
- Conduct case reviews and maintain high-quality clinical documentation
- Collaborate with local service providers and contribute to interagency networks to support coordinated care
RFDS is committed to safeguarding the rights, wellbeing and safety of children, young people and adults. We actively work to create an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities feel welcome, safe, included and respected.
Why join the RFDS Mental Health and Wellbeing Service?
This is a unique opportunity to combine meaningful work with adventure, autonomy and professional growth. The relationships you build in remote communities and the positive impact you make on people's lives provide a level of professional reward rarely found elsewhere. You will join a highly respected team of clinicians known for their expertise, independence and commitment to improving mental health outcomes in rural and remote Australia.
In addition, you'll enjoy:
- Attractive remuneration of up to $125,000 plus superannuation (depending on qualifications and experience)
- Salary packaging of up to $18,500 per year, increasing your take-home pay
- Daily travel allowances of approximately $130 per day (dependent on travel schedules)
- Additional education allowances for Master's and PhD qualifications
- Relocation assistance (where applicable)
- Ongoing professional development and paid study leave
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their families
- Novated leasing options
- Private health insurance discounts
- Fitness Passport membership, providing discounted access to gyms and fitness centres
- RemServ Rewards, offering cashback and discounts across major retailers, travel providers and service providers
For a confidential discussion, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@rfdsqld.com.au or call 07 3852 7553. Alternatively, you can contact Jos Middleton, Manager - Far North Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, at jmiddleton@rfdsqld.com.au.
Applications close 18th of September 2026; however, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position may be filled before the closing date.
Applicants must hold a current, unrestricted Australian driver's licence. Prior to appointment, successful candidates will be required to provide certified copies of qualifications and registrations, evidence of vaccination or immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases, and complete the RFDS credentialing process. Pre-employment medical assessments, including drug and alcohol screening, may also be required.
Please note: Non-AHPRA registered professionals will be required to obtain a Blue Card and complete a criminal history check as part of the recruitment process.
