Child and Family Practitioner - SCHADS Level 5.1

- Conduct intake assessments, complete safety plans and Risk and Needs Assessments to develop tailored therapeutic support plans
- Provide counselling and related services within a therapeutic context to children, young people and their safe parent/caregiver
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure holistic care
- Engage with families to provide guidance and resources including external referrals
- Level 5 under the SCHADS Award, plus generous benefits.
- Be part of a supportive, collaborative team that values your career development.

About DVNQ DVNQ is committed to delivering culturally appropriate, respectful, and holistic support to individuals impacted by domestic and family violence (DFV). Established in 1994, DVNQ operates in North Queensland, with a mission to eliminate DFV through advocacy, innovation, and collaboration.

Our values - Integrity, Compassion, Advocacy, Innovation, and Collaboration - are at the heart of how we work with clients, colleagues, and the community. We pride ourselves on a supportive, inclusive culture where leadership is positive and every team member contributes to our shared success.

Learn more about us at: www.DVNQ.com.au

About the Opportunity

On behalf of DVNQ, this role delivers specialist domestic and family violence counselling, support and therapeutic services in line with contemporary practice principles, standards and guidelines. Working under the guidance of the Team Leader, you will provide high-quality counselling and related supports to children, young people, and parents or caregivers impacted by all forms of domestic and family violence.

As part of the Acknowledgement and Recognition of Domestic Violence and Real Change (AARDVARC) program, you will support families through case coordination, advocacy and evidence-based counselling that promotes safety, healing, resilience and positive long-term outcomes.

Working collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies and community organisations, you will contribute to coordinated and child-centred responses that strengthen the wellbeing of children and young people affected by domestic and family violence, helping families access the support they need to recover and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide practice leadership and specialist expertise to support high-quality, trauma-informed service delivery across the AARDVARC program.
- Deliver evidence-based counselling, risk assessment, case coordination and therapeutic support to children, young people, and families impacted by domestic and family violence.
- Support safety, healing and recovery through child-centred, culturally responsive, and strengths-based practice.
- Mentor, supervise and support practitioners to build capability,



maintain practice standards and promote continuous improvement.
- Build and strengthen collaborative partnerships with community organisations, schools, services and stakeholders to improve outcomes for families.
- Lead community education, advocacy and awareness initiatives that increase understanding of domestic and family violence and its impacts on children and young people.
- Contribute to program development, quality improvement, reporting and service innovation to ensure effective and responsive service delivery.
- Champion culturally safe practice, including a strong commitment to working alongside First Nations children, families and communities.
- Maintain high standards of professional accountability, documentation, information sharing, confidentiality and legislative compliance.
- Foster a positive team culture by modelling organisational values, reflective practice, wellbeing and collaborative ways of working.

For a copy of the full position descriptions, please email [email protected] Selection Criteria To be considered, you will need to meet the following criteria:

Qualifications and Experience

- Holds a relevant degree (or has 5+ years' experience in a similar field)
- Minimum 3 years full-time equivalent professional experience in a relevant human services discipline providing counselling to adults or children

Skills and Competencies

- Advanced experience in trauma-informed counselling, advocacy and case management, ideally within domestic and family violence services.
- Strong understanding of the impacts of domestic and family violence on children and young people, including trauma, coercive control and abuse.
- Experience supporting children, young people and caregivers using evidence-based, child-centred approaches.
- Commitment to culturally safe and responsive practice, with an understanding of the impacts of intergenerational trauma for First Nations peoples.
- Ability to make sound decisions in complex situations, balancing safety, risk, best practice and positive outcomes.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with individuals experiencing distress and communicate effectively in writing.
- Experience providing supervision, mentoring or practice leadership to support the development of others.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships across services and communities.
- Commitment to continuous learning,



reflective practice and service improvement.
- Resilient, emotionally intelligent and able to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and client management systems, with strong report-writing and documentation skills.

Mandatory Requirements

- Current QLD C Class Driver’s License which must remain current during the term of employment.
- Working with Children Check (Blue Card) which must remain current during the term of employment.
- Australia: National Police Check Clearance – at organisation expense.

We are looking for someone who is compassionate, collaborative, and committed to social justice. Your communication skills will allow you to build trust with clients and partner organisations while providing essential support to those in crisis.

About the Benefits

- SCHADS Level 5.1.
- Up to $15,900 salary packaging — boost your take-home pay.
- Extra Christmas leave + 4 weeks annual leave + 17.5% loading.
- Flexible working hours – Monday to Friday with rare out-of-hours needs.
- Strong supervision culture – regular internal and external supervision.
- Employee Assistance Program, annual flu shots, and more.
- Commitment to staff wellbeing and growth — team days, training, mentoring.

At DVNQ, we are committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace where your contributions are valued and your career development is encouraged. If you share our values and have the skills necessary to bring success to the role, we invite you to apply today!

DVNQ is committed to inclusivity and advocacy, ensuring equitable access and respect for all people, regardless of cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, or disability.

How to Apply

Please apply through the link in the advertisement that will direct you to our recruitment platform. There you will be required to submit:

- Cover letter addressing each Selection Criteria
- Current resume
- Two professional referees (one must be your current or most recent line manager)
- Proof of education, qualifications, and/or experience

Applications close: Monday 28 September 2026 at 5:00pm. Please note: Applications that do not address the selection criteria or are received after the closing date will not be considered.

DVNQ acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of this country throughout Australia and their connection to land, sea, and community. We pay our respect to them, their culture and to the Elders past, present, and emerging. We particularly acknowledge Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun, Bindal, Gugu Badhun and Nywaigi people in the Townsville areas and for our Mt Isa Service location the Kalkadoon and Mitakoodi people on whose land DVNQ delivers its services.

📌 Child and Family Practitioner (Garbutt)
🏢 COCAITH
📍 Garbutt