Triage Counsellor (social worker/psychologist/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 assessments to assist in the 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).

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.

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

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 (4 weeks 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
• 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

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

• Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship.
• 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.
• Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

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.

Candidates may use AI tools to assist with their participation in this recruitment process unless otherwise advised. Where AI tools are used, candidates are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted is transparent, accurate, and genuinely reflects their own skills, capabilities, and experience.

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.

Applications close: Sunday 30 August 2026 at 11:30 pm (AEST). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.