Court Child Expert (Social Worker/Psychologist)
Jurisdiction: Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia
Section: Court Children's Service
Classification: Executive Level 1
Job Type: Ongoing/Non-ongoing, Part-time/Full-time
Location: Townsville
Salary 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.
The Court Child Expert plays 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.
Court Child Experts have a statutory appointment to the role of 'family consultant', as it is defined in Section 11 Family Law Act 1+75 (Cth) ( FLA ), and an authorisation to deliver services as a 'family counsellor' as defined in Section 10 FLA .
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 a number of world leading initiatives designed to ensure safe and effective outcomes for children and families.
The role of Court Child Expert 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. All Court Child Experts are provided with ongoing professional development, access to an extensive literature library and regular professional supervision.
Other great reasons to become a Court Child Expert
In addition to rewarding work and competitive remuneration, the Court Child Expert 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 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