[Hiring] Indigenous Family Liaison Officer @Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

Role Description

Indigenous Family Liaison Officers provide culturally informed in-Court support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who are involved in family law proceedings or accessing Court services. The role supports Judges and Registrars who preside over Specialist Indigenous Lists and hear a high proportion of matters involving Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander litigants.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting litigants:
  • Explaining Court processes, requirements, and the importance of attending and participating in Court events to litigants.
  • Attending Court hearings and explaining Court processes and requirements to litigants.
  • Assisting litigants with the filing of Court documents.
  • Supporting participation in Court Children’s Service events and dispute resolution events.
  • Engaging with the Court to provide contextual information about practical or cultural obligations affecting a litigant’s ability to participate.
  • Connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander litigants to legal and other community-based services.
  • Engaging with key internal stakeholders, including Committees and Working Groups.
• Engagement and collaboration:
  • Engaging with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and support organisations to raise awareness of the Courts’ role in family law matters.
  • Building and maintaining strong working relationships with Judges, Registrars, registry staff, and support services.
  • Liaising with Independent Children’s Lawyers (where appointed).
  • Contributing towards cultural awareness and capability across the Courts under the guidance of senior staff.

Qualifications

• The ability to explain Court processes and services in a clear, culturally appropriate way to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders communities.
• An understanding of the family law system or the capacity to quickly develop this knowledge.
• Experience supporting vulnerable individuals, including children and families in complex circumstances.
• An understanding of the impartiality of the Courts and the ability to provide appropriate support within that framework.
• Proven ability to work effectively and autonomously, with guidance from senior staff when required.
• Demonstrated resilience and the ability to manage competing priorities while working effectively in a complex and busy court environment.
• Court experience is desirable but not essential.

Requirements

• Certain positions may require travel to local communities or circuit locations.
• Preference for positions operating locally in the registry and region they support, though some roles may operate remotely.
• Access to an appropriate home-based workspace may be required for remote roles.

Selection Criteria

• An understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Court-user users, particularly in the context of family conflict and family law proceedings.
• The ability to work in a culturally appropriate, respectful, and effective manner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and internal stakeholders.
• The capacity to learn about Court processes and effectively communicate this information to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
• Experience with, and strong links to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations.
• The ability to identify and recommend improvements to policies or procedures to enhance access to justice.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills and a willingness to participate in ongoing learning and professional development.
• An understanding of language and cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, including the appropriate use of interpreter services.
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal. To be considered, you will need to upload a concise expression of interest (2 page maximum) detailing how your experience and skills relate to the position description and selection criteria and attach a current resume.

If you have any issues with applying, please email [email protected] .

Eligibility

• Employment is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999.
• Australian citizenship is required.
• Successful applicants must satisfy a Police Records Check and may also be required to complete security clearances.
• Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.
• Interested candidates who have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency are welcome to apply.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from various backgrounds.

Reasonable adjustments will be provided for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment

Candidates may use AI tools to assist with their participation in this recruitment process unless otherwise advised. Candidates are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted is transparent, accurate, and genuinely reflects their own skills, capabilities, and experience.