Counsellor - Domestic and Family Violence

Cooktown District Community Centre – Cooktown QLD

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 professional 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

solid 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 skilled supervision, reflective practice and peer support

Build your skills and experience through varied DFV practice and collaborative work

Flexible 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.

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