Jurisdiction: Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia

Section: Court Children’s Service

Classification: Australian Public Service Level 6 (APS 6)

Salary: Total package: $109,125 to $122,220 p.a., including 15.4% superannuation 

(Base salary of $94,563 to $105,910 p.a., plus 15.4% superannuation) 

Job Type: Ongoing/Non-ongoing, Part-time/Full-time 

Locations: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Dandenong, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Newcastle, Parramatta, Sydney, Townsville

What is a Triage Counsellor?

Triage Counsellors are qualified social science professionals, who have clinical experience working with children and families, including in child protection, family support, family and domestic violence.

Triage Counsellors assist parties in family law matters by conducting confidential risk assessment to assist in identification of appropriate support services, safety planning and case management. This help is targeted towards families who are at high risk as a result of family violence, mental health, drug and alcohol misuse, and child abuse and neglect.

Triage Counsellors have a statutory appointment to the role of ‘family counsellor’ (Section 281(1) of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021), to provide family counselling as defined under Section 10 of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (FLA).

Why become a Triage Counsellor?

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) and be part of a number of world leading initiatives designed to ensure safe and effective outcomes for children and families. 

The role of Triage Counsellor offers the rewarding opportunity to be part of Lighthouse, which is an innovative approach taken by the FCFCOA to screen for risk, with a primary focus on improving outcomes for families. 

New Triage Counsellors are provided with a supportive and structured induction program. All Triage Counsellors are provided with ongoing professional development, access to an extensive literature library and regular professional supervision.

What does a Triage Counsellor do?

Triage Counsellors undertake a range of activities within the provisions of the FLA including:

• Reviewing responses to the Court’s Risk Screening Tool (Family DOORS Triage).
• Conducting reviews of filed material to further inform risk screening and risk assessment.
• Conducting video interviews with identified parties, in order to further formulate risk assessment and analysis, including identifying protective and supportive factors.
• Co-designing and developing safety and well-being plans with individuals, and where appropriate and necessary, undertaking direct referrals to identified agencies and services.

Other great reasons to become a Triage Counsellor

In addition to rewarding work and competitive remuneration, the Triage Counsellor position offers the following benefits:

• A 15.4% employer superannuation contribution rate
• Salary packaging options
• Paid leave days between Christmas and New year, and three days after new year, in addition to the standard annual leave entitlement (4wks for full time).
• Up to eighteen weeks of paid parental leave
• Access to Cultural and First Nations ceremonial and NAIDOC leave
• Access to study leave and other study assistance
• Flexible work arrangements, including opportunities for hybrid office/ home-based and part-time work
• Great working facilities
• Safe and secure working environment on court premises
• Access to a raft of project and higher duties opportunities
• Training by Australian and international experts
• Strong team cultures and regular team building activities 

Mandatory qualifications and experience

• A recognised degree in a relevant social science area (e.g. social work, psychology, counselling, human services)
• A minimum three (3) years relevant clinical experience working with children and families, such as in child protection, family support, family and domestic violence
• A clearance for working with children as required within the relevant State/Territory scheme

Eligibility

Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following:

1. Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship.
2. Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check, and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment.
3. Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

Interested candidates who have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency are welcome to apply but note that they cannot be engaged until their redundancy benefit period has expired.

Diversity and Inclusion

Federal Court Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability. First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families.

Federal Court Australia will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role.

RecruitAbility

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply

As part of your application, you will be required to submit a written response to the selection criteria listed in the position description (maximum word limit 1500). Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application). Please see below for reference.

Key skills and knowledge (selection criteria)

1. A broad knowledge of child development and the impact of separation, family violence, and high conflict on children and families.
2. Comprehensive understanding of the features and dynamics of family violence, and knowledge of the associated service system.
3. Experience in conducting trauma informed and culturally sensitive risk assessment, with a focus on child abuse and neglect, family violence, substance misuse, and mental health.
4. High-level communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in managing complex, challenging and sensitive information and maintaining high quality case records.
5. Willingness and capacity to reflect on one’s own clinical practice and to constructively participate in performance feedback, professional supervision and professional development activities.
6. Ability to work effectively as part of a professional team within a legal system, including with Court staff, the legal profession and the community services sector.

Contact Officer

For more information, confidential enquiries can be made by emailing [email protected]. 

Want to learn more?

For more information, including the position description, contact information and instructions on how to apply please see the position’s listing on the agency’s website at https://fcajobs.nga.net.au/?jati=509863EF-03F3-9E98-1A2A-E3DA65E77904. 

Applications Close 18 June 2025