Mental Health Team Leader

Queensland Corrective Services; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Location allowance

Relocation funding

Professional development

5 weeks annual leave

12.75% employer super

Job summary

Queensland Corrective Services is seeking Mental Health Team Leader to oversee a multidisciplinary team delivering mental health services at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, Mareeba. You will provide clinical leadership, supervision and operational management within a correctional environment, guiding complex case work and service delivery to diverse clients.

Key responsibilities include coordinating referrals, chairing meetings, leading recruitment and development, and collaborating with

Qualifications

• Registration as a psychologist, social worker or occupational therapist.
• Senior-level mental health experience, preferably in a correctional setting.
• Proven leadership and team development abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level clinical leadership and supervision within a multidisciplinary team.
• Coordinate referral pathways, crisis management and transition planning.
• Chair multidisciplinary meetings including suicide risk assessment cases.
• Collaborate with external organisations and operational teams to deliver integrated care.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, coaching and performance management.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Team supervision

Succession planning

Crisis management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Registered psychologist

Social worker registration

Occupational therapist registration

Job description

Psychologists, Social Workers and Occupational Therapists are invited to apply to lead multidisciplinary mental health services within Queensland Corrective Services (QCS).

These roles are an opportunity to shape clinical practice, guide a skilled team, and contribute to improved wellbeing and rehabilitative outcomes for people in custody.

This is 1 x permanent role; due to an increase in staffing at the centre and 1 x temporary role; 12-month fixed term contract due to leave.

These positions are based at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre in the rainforest town of Mareeba, 85 km's from Cairns. You can enjoy a relaxed tropical lifestyle in a city close to the great barrier reef, with ample outdoor recreation activities within walking distance to a rainforest track or a beach.

As a Mental Health Team Leader, you will provide clinical leadership, supervision and operational management within a multidisciplinary team delivering mental health services in a correctional environment.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Provide high‑level clinical leadership and consultation across the multidisciplinary mental health team.
• Deliver complex assessment, intervention and person‑centred care, maintaining a senior‑level caseload.
• Coordinate referral pathways, crisis management, clinical reviews and transition planning.
• Chair multidisciplinary meetings, including those overseeing suicide risk assessment and complex case management.
• Collaborate with external organisations, Centre operational teams and specialist units to support integrated service delivery.
• Identify and lead opportunities for service improvement and quality enhancement.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment activities, onboarding, coaching, addressing performance issues, monitoring fatigue and workload balance, and developing succession plans.
• Enhance team capability through training, education, policy and guideline development.
• Observe and provide feedback on clinical practice to support service integrity.
• Participate in stakeholder engagement and operational discussions relevant to mental health service delivery.

These positions are based at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre. This Centre accommodates high and low security prisoners and provides a unique opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from regional and remote areas. Clinicians at the centre conduct assessments and undertake intervention and case management activities, developing skills, knowledge and experience in applying a culturally safe lens to their practice.

Why QCS

Mental Health Services within QCS provides clinicians with the opportunity to work at the intersection of mental health, disability, rehabilitation and public safety. Team Leaders oversee complex clinical work, lead multidisciplinary capability and contribute to evidence based practice in a unique environment. The role offers professional challenge, leadership scope and the opportunity to make a measurable impact on wellbeing and rehabilitative outcomes.

You’ll Also Enjoy

• Worklife balance with hours between Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, working 72.5 hours per fortnight. Flexible working arrangements including part-time hours can be considered.
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Annual pay increases, 12.75% employer super contribution and 17.5% annual leave loading
• Location allowance
• Being encouraged and supported in ongoing professional development
• Relocation funding and support (for eligible applicants)

For more information, contact QCS Mental Health Careers team at 07 3565 7252.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you have a health condition, disability, or cultural or linguistic background that requires adjustments, please let our Talent Acquisition team know. We will support you to participate equitably throughout the recruitment process.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Occupational group

Psychology, Counselling & Social Work