Counsellor – Domestic and Family Violence

Make a meaningful difference through specialist DFV work across Cooktown and surrounding communities. Join a supportive, community-led team in a varied role where you can build your experience and contribute to safer futures for women, children and families.

About Us

Cooktown District Community Centre (CDCC) is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation supporting communities across Cooktown, Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal and Laura.

We deliver a diverse range of programs including Domestic and Family Violence (DFV), Parenting and Family Support, Youth Engagement, Emergency Relief and community wellbeing initiatives.

CDCC is a friendly, supportive and down-to-earth workplace. We value respect, cultural safety, local knowledge, professional practice and strong community relationships. We are committed to supporting our people to grow in their practice while doing work that creates meaningful change.

About the Role

We are seeking a Counsellor – Domestic and Family Violence to join our team, working across Cooktown and surrounding communities with outreach to Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal and Laura.

This is a diverse and meaningful role providing counselling, case management and practical support to people impacted by domestic and family violence, primarily women and children experiencing or affected by DFV.

Our practice is grounded in an understanding of gender-based violence, coercive control, power and systemic inequality. Work is guided by Queensland's Domestic and Family Violence Practice Principles and relevant legislation, alongside trauma-informed, culturally safe and person-centred approaches.

Victim-survivor safety, reducing harm and supporting perpetrator accountability are central to the role.

You will work across early intervention, ongoing support and more complex situations, including:

- counselling and case management
- risk assessment and safety planning
- advocacy, information, referral and practical support
- liaison with police, courts and other services
- group work, community education and engagement




- collaborative work with local services and community partners.

While some situations require an immediate response to increased risk, much of the role focuses on building safety, strengthening protective factors and supporting longer-term wellbeing and change. It is varied and rewarding work where you can see the impact of strong practice, relationships and coordinated support on individuals, families and the wider community.

Key Responsibilities

You will

- provide counselling, case management and practical support to people impacted by DFV
- undertake risk assessment, safety planning and appropriate responses to changing or increased risk
- provide advocacy, information and referral
- work within a practice framework that prioritises victim-survivor safety, reducing harm and perpetrator accountability
- apply relevant DFV legislation, practice principles and organisational frameworks
- contribute to group work, community education and prevention activities
- develop strong working relationships with local services and stakeholders
- maintain accurate client records and meet reporting requirements
- contribute to a collaborative, reflective and supportive team environment.

About You We are looking for someone who brings sound skilled judgement, compassion and a genuine commitment to improving responses to domestic and family violence.

You will ideally have

- experience in counselling, case management, advocacy, DFV or a related human services field
- a strong understanding of domestic and family violence, including coercive control, power dynamics and gender-based violence
- skills in trauma-informed practice, risk assessment and safety planning




- strong communication and relationship-building skills
- the ability to maintain clear professional boundaries
- the ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team
- sound judgement and the ability to remain calm and grounded in complex situations
- honesty, openness, initiative and integrity.

Relevant tertiary qualifications in social work, psychology, counselling, community services or a related field are highly regarded. We also welcome applicants with strong relevant experience who are committed to ongoing learning and developing their practice. Local knowledge and lived or professional experience that strengthens your ability to understand and work respectfully with community will also be valued.

Highly Desirable

- experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities
- experience working in regional, remote or cross-cultural settings

- knowledge of the justice system and court processes
- experience delivering DFV group work, prevention or community education.

Why Join CDCC?

- Join a welcoming, experienced and supportive team

- Work in a diverse role where no two days are quite the same
- Contribute to work that supports safety, equity and longer-term change for individuals, families and communities
- Access professional supervision, reflective practice and peer support

- Build your skills and experience through varied DFV practice and cooperative work
- Versatile and family-friendly workplace
- Salary packaging of up to $15,900 per year
- SCHADS Award Level 4–5, depending on qualifications and experience.

At CDCC, we want our practitioners to be supported to do this work well, strengthen their practice and sustain themselves in work that can be both challenging and deeply rewarding.

How to Apply

Please submit

- your resume
- a short cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role.

For a confidential discussion, please call (07) 4082 1400 4082 1400).

📌 Counsellor - Domestic and Family Violence (Cooktown)
🏢 Cooktown District Community Centre
📍 Cooktown