Tenants Queensland is Hiring: QSTARS Advice Worker, Cairns
Tenants Queensland is seeking a part-time QSTARS Advice Worker to join its Northern Queensland team in Cairns, supporting renters to understand their rights, access information and work through tenancy challenges.
This is more than an advice role. It is an opportunity to stand alongside people at times when housing stress, tenancy disputes, uncertainty or vulnerability may be affecting their lives. For many renters, the right advice at the right time can make a significant difference.
Tenants Queensland has been advocating for renters across Queensland for more than 30 years. The organisation represents the interests of people who rent their home, including people living in marginal tenures such as caravan parks and rooming accommodation. Through QSTARS, the Queensland Statewide Tenant Advice and Referral Service, Tenants Queensland provides specialist tenancy advice, information, referral and support to residential renters.
The Cairns-based role is part-time, 22 hours per week, and contracted until January 2027. The position sits within the Northern Queensland QSTARS team and will work closely with senior advice workers, regional service coordinators, legal officers and other service delivery staff.
In this role, the successful applicant will help renters understand Queensland tenancy law, communicate with real estate agents and lessors, complete tenancy forms and paperwork, access dispute resolution pathways and navigate QCAT processes where needed. The role also involves intake, advice, case work, referrals and advocacy for renters who may be experiencing disadvantage, crisis or housing stress.
This position would suit someone who is compassionate, organised, resilient and committed to social justice. Strong communication skills are essential, as the role requires the ability to explain complex tenancy information clearly and respectfully. The successful applicant will also need to work sensitively with people from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, including people who may be distressed or facing significant pressure.
Tenants Queensland is looking for someone who can work independently and as part of a team, maintain accurate records, use online client information systems and contribute to high-quality service delivery. An understanding of Queensland residential tenancy laws and housing issues is important, although applicants who can rapidly acquire this knowledge are also encouraged to apply.
Qualifications in social work, law, community services or a similar field are highly desirable, along with previous experience in the community services sector.
Indigenous Job Match endorsement
Indigenous Job Match is proud to promote this role in partnership with Tenants Queensland.
Housing is deeply connected to safety, wellbeing, family, culture and community. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, having access to trusted, respectful and culturally aware tenancy support can be life-changing. Roles like this help ensure renters are not left to navigate complex systems alone.
We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers who are passionate about advocacy, justice, housing rights and supporting community to consider this opportunity. Your lived experience, cultural knowledge and ability to build trust with community are valuable strengths.
This is a role where your work can make a genuine difference.
Applications close 5pm, Tuesday 19 May 2026.
To apply, send your CV and covering letter addressing the Core Capabilities in the Position Description to recruitment@tenantsqld.org.au.
For an informal discussion, contact Alby Bunting, Regional Services Coordinator, on 07 4249 3356 or email recruitment@tenantsqld.org.au with “Advice Worker-Cairns” in the subject line.
