Agency Overview
The Federal Court of Australia entity is the administrative organisation that engages employees under the Public Service Act 1999 to work in support of one or more of the following Courts or Tribunal:
- Federal Court of Australia
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- National Native Title Tribunal
The Courts Administration Legislation Amendment Act 2016 established the Federal Court entity however, each court continues to maintain its distinct statutory identity, with separate functions and judicial independence.
Employees are covered by the Federal Court of Australia Enterprise Agreement 2018–2021.
About the Courts
This role sits within the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA). On 1 September 2021, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (FCFCOA Act) merged the administrative structure of the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia into the FCFCOA. The FCFCOA comprises Division 1 (which is a continuation of the Family Court) and Division 2 (which is a continuation of the Federal Circuit Court). This structural reform is designed to create a framework in the FCFCOA to ensure that families have their matters dealt with as safely, quickly, efficiently and cost effectively as possible. With a focus on innovation and fair and efficient processes that centre on risk, responsiveness and resolution, the FCFCOA (Division 1 and Division 2) are providing the opportunity for Australian families to resolve their disputes faster through simplified procedures. Triage Counsellors work seamlessly across the FCFCOA (Divisions 1 and 2).
Court Children’s Service Overview
The position of a Triage Counsellor sits within the Court Children’s Service (CCS). The role of CCS is to provide social science expertise to assist parents, registrars and judges to make decisions that are in the best interests of the children.
CCS operates under a comprehensive clinical governance framework. All work conducted by CCS is underpinned by the following principles:
- Being child-centred
- Prioritising safety
- Striving for best practice
- Operating respectfully
- Valuing diversity
- Acting with professionalism and integrity
About this Recruitment
This recruitment is an exciting opportunity to be involved in, and impact on, continuing important family law court reforms that will lead to significant benefits for litigants through improved safety outcomes and reductions in delays. The Lighthouse program is an innovative approach taken by the Court to screen for risk, with a primary focus on improving outcomes for families involved in the family law system.
The Courts are seeking highly capable candidates who are enthusiastic and motivated to assist in achieving the Courts’ objectives and perform the key functions of a Triage Counsellor. The Triage Counsellor position sits within Court Children’s Services, and is part of a national team delivering triage services across all locations. Triage Counsellors will work closely with Court Child Experts, Judicial Registrars, judicial support and court support staff.
Position Overview and Duties of Triage Counsellors
Triage Counsellors will undertake an important range of duties to assess risk and provide vulnerable parties with access to support services. The Triage Counsellor duties include:
- 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 telephone 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
- Maintaining high quality and comprehensive clinical case records
- Providing information to Judicial Registrars and other court staff with respect to appropriate court case management pathways and options
- Participating in professional supervision and professional development activities
- Performing administrative and related duties
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
Desirable Experience
- Conducting risk screening and risk assessment, particularly in relation to child protection and domestic and family violence
- Experience in telephone service delivery
Selection Criteria
- A broad knowledge of child development and the impact of separation, family violence, and high conflict on children and families
- Comprehensive understanding of the features and dynamics of family violence, and knowledge of the associated service system
- 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
- High-level communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in managing complex, challenging and sensitive information and maintaining high quality case records
- Willingness and capacity to reflect on one’s own clinical practice and to constructively participate in performance feedback, professional supervision and professional development activities
- 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].
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal. If you have any issues with applying please email P&[email protected].
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.