Court Child Expert (Social Worker/Psychologist)

Job Description

Flexible work arrangements, including opportunities for home-based and part-time work (minimum 3 days per week, 0.6 FTE). Opportunity Type Full-Time; Part-Time Opportunity Status Ongoing; Non-Ongoing Opportunity Employment Type Specified Term Opportunity Employment Type Details Specified term of 18 months (with possible extension). Court Child Expert (Social Worker/Psychologist) Jurisdiction: Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of AustraliaSection: Court Children’s ServiceClassification: Executive Level 1Job Type: Ongoing/Non-ongoing, Part-time/Full-timeLocation: TownsvilleSalary as of 14 March 2025: Total remuneration including superannuation: $133,221 – $145,210 per annum ($115,443 – $125,832 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation). What is a Court Child Expert? Court Child Experts are experienced social workers and psychologists who are passionate about the safety and wellbeing of children. They play a unique and critical role within Australia’s family law system through the provision of specialist social science expertise to assist families and the Courts in making decisions that are in children’s best interests. Why become a Court Child Expert? This is an exciting opportunity to join the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and be part of initiatives designed to ensure safe and effective outcomes for children and families. The role offers the rewarding opportunity to ensure that the needs and voices of children inform important decisions made about them. New Court Child Experts are provided with a supportive and structured induction program, ongoing professional development, access to an extensive literature library, and regular professional supervision. Other great reasons to become a Court Child Expert 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 home-based and part-time work Great working facilities, including dedicated child assessment rooms Safe and secure working environment on court premises Access to a raft of project and higher duties opportunities Opportunities to travel inter and intra-state for those interested in doing so Training by Australian and international experts Strong team cultures and regular team building activities The key duties of the position include: Court Child Experts undertake a range of activities within the provisions of the FLA including: Conducting child-centred preliminary and comprehensive family assessments, including conducting interviews and observations with children. Undertaking risk screening and risk assessment to assist the Courts in case management, safety planning, and the making of decisions that are in the best interest of children. Providing evidence to the Courts as an expert witness in the form of written reports. Assisting parties to resolve or narrow the issues in dispute including through participation in parenting dispute resolution conferences. Providing advice to parties and the Courts regarding external support services for children and families. Mandatory qualifications and experience A recognised degree in social work and eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or general registration as a psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency. Minimum five years’ relevant clinical experience working with children and families (note this relevant experience must be subsequent to the acquisition of the relevant degree qualification). A clearance for working with children as required within the relevant State/Territory scheme. Notes Eligibility: 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. 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. Applications close Sunday 16 February 2025 at 11:30 pm. Note, Court Child Expert positions are also currently being recruited for Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Newcastle and Melbourne. If you wish to apply for one of these positions, please see the separate CCE job listing for the relevant location. #J-18808-Ljbffr