Mental Health Registered Nurse

Are you a committed Mental Health Registered Nurse looking to make a meaningful impact in a unique primary healthcare setting?
We’re seeking a Casual Mental Health Registered Nurse to join our multidisciplinary team at Cairns Health Centre, delivering high-quality, person-centred mental health care to Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. Enjoy predictable weekday hours (0730–1600), supportive colleagues, and an environment that values empathy, collaboration, and clinical excellence.

What’s on offer
• Work-life balance – no nights, weekends, or public holidays
• Safe, respectful environment – motivated patient cohort focused on wellbeing
• Collaborative team – feel supported within a multidisciplinary environment
• Quality care – deliver meaningful mental health support without billings
• Civilian role – contribute to the mission without wearing the uniform
• Wellbeing support – access to mental health resources and lifestyle discounts

About the Cairns Health Centre
Cairns Health Centre is located at HMAS Cairns, on the northern shore of Trinity Inlet and close to the CBD of Cairns.  Members mainly conduct border controls and responsibility extending from Rockhampton to Thursday Island, providing maintenance, logistic and administrative support for Cairns fleet-based units.  The base is home to approximately 1000 Navy and civilian personnel providing primary medical, underwater medicine, dental, nursing, and mental health services. The standard operating hours of the centre are generally 0700-1630 Monday – Thursday depending on role requirements, and a half day (5.5 hours) Friday.

What you’ll do
• Conduct mental health intake and risk assessments
• Support case formulation and evidence-based treatment planning
• Contribute to care coordination for Defence members
• Assist with group psychoeducation and ongoing mental health programs
• Provide compassionate, person-centred mental health nursing care

What you bring
• Unrestricted AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse
• Credentialing with ACMHN or Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing (or recognised international equivalent)
• Minimum two years’ post-graduate mental health experience, including comprehensive assessments and delivery of ‘Focussed Psychological Strategies’
• Current CPR certification (HLTAID009)
• Recent CPD, including at least 10 hours in mental health
• Familiarity with state/territory policies, national standards, and the ADF Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (preferred)
• Impeccable integrity, empathy, and commitment to ethical, patient-centred care

Who we are
Serco supports more than 12,000 professionals across Asia Pacific, delivering essential public services across defence, health, justice, and more.
In partnership with Bupa, we deliver high-quality on-base healthcare to Australian Defence Force personnel across 45+ locations.

Our values — Trust, Care, Innovation, and Pride — guide everything we do. We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQI+ individuals, veterans, and people with disability. Employee Networks are available to support belonging, inclusion, and connection.

Apply now
If you're ready to make a positive impact, click Apply Now to submit your application.
Please ensure your resume includes employment dates, hours worked, and contract types.
For a confidential discussion, contact Sarah at sarah.bonzer@serco-ap.com.