Jurisdiction: Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Section: Court Children's Service Classification: Australian Public Service Level 6 (APS 6) Job Type: Ongoing / Non-ongoing, Part-time/Full-time Locations: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Parramatta and Sydney Salary as of 12 March 2026: Total remuneration including superannuation: $115,093 - $128,902 per annum ($99,734- $111,701 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation) 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. 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 The key duties of the position include 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
