Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

Relationships Australia (Qld)

Cairns Regional

On-site

AUD 87,000 - 102,000

Part time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Salary packaging options

Extra paid leave days

Annual Leave Loading

Study Leave

Generous Parental Leave

Wellbeing Support

Job summary

A leading community service organization in Cairns is seeking a passionate Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner to provide inclusive services to families. In this part-time role, you will help clients navigate separation and conflict, focusing on child-centered outcomes. The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate qualification in Social or Behavioural Sciences or Law, with strong skills in mediation and risk assessment. Join us to make a positive impact on families during challenging times while enjoying generous employee benefits.

Qualifications

FDRP accreditation (or ability to obtain).
Proven experience in family dispute resolution and mediation.
Strong knowledge of family law and mediation models.

Responsibilities

Deliver high-quality Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) services.
Conduct client intake and risk assessments.
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to duty of care.

Skills

Mediation skills

Conflict resolution

Interpersonal communication

Risk assessment

Education

Relevant undergraduate qualification in Social or Behavioural Sciences and/or Law

Tools

Microsoft Office

Client information systems

Job description

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

At Relationships Australia Queensland (RAQ), we are proud to be Queensland’s leading provider of relationship and family wellbeing services. Our purpose is to provide individuals and families with the tools and support they need to build happier, healthier lives. Through education, counselling, and community programs, we help people develop the skills and resilience to navigate life’s challenges.

Our work promotes care and safety, embracing diversity to foster strong and connected communities. We are committed to expanding our expertise and leading conversations about relationships, mental health, and social connection.

By joining Relationships Australia Queensland, you can be part of a dedicated team making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) to join our Cairns team on a part-time basis (0.9FTE). Please note this is not a virtual role, we are searching for a candidate based in Cairns and to work on-site in our Cairns venue.

As a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, you will deliver high-quality, inclusive dispute resolution services to families across Queensland. Your work will focus on supporting families who are separating, have separated, or are divorced, helping them to develop and implement child-focused parenting and/or property agreements.

You will play a pivotal role in guiding families to prioritise the best interests of children and young people, assisting them to navigate ongoing family conflict and achieve positive outcomes for all involved.

Additionally, you will:

Conduct comprehensive client intake, risk assessments, and needs evaluations to inform mediation suitability, ensuring compliance with the Family Law Act 1975 and other relevant legislation.
Deliver high-quality Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) services using a facilitative model, applying knowledge of separation issues, theoretical frameworks, and culturally appropriate practices.
Utilise various FDR delivery modes (face‑to‑face, telephone, online, shuttle, legally assisted, child‑inclusive) to best meet client needs and provide case management support.
Engage in community outreach and education, developing networks with support services and participating in group information sessions to enhance RAQ's service delivery.
Maintain strict confidentiality while adhering to duty of care obligations, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, child safety, or other risk factors.
Commit to ongoing professional development, regular supervision, and maintenance of FDR Accreditation standards, while ensuring accurate documentation and file management.

About you

You are passionate about helping families navigate challenging times with empathy, respect, and professionalism. You bring a wealth of experience in mediation and conflict resolution, empowering clients to communicate effectively and reach mutually beneficial agreements.

Your approach is client-focused and non‑judgmental, ensuring that every voice is heard and that the best interests of children are prioritised. With a strong understanding of family law and a commitment to ongoing professional development, you provide a safe and supportive environment where families can resolve disputes constructively.

Whether working with separating couples, co‑parents, or extended families, you are dedicated to fostering positive outcomes and helping clients move forward with confidence.

Additionally, you have:

Relevant undergraduate qualification in Social or Behavioural Sciences and/or Law, with FDRP accreditation (or ability to obtain)
Proven experience in risk assessment, family dispute resolution, and mediation using a facilitative FDR framework
Strong theoretical knowledge of family dispute resolution, mediation models, and relevant Family Law legislation
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse clients and engage in community activities
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Proficiency in computer applications, including client information systems and Microsoft Office suite

We Can Offer You

At RAQ, we believe in supporting our people both inside and outside the workplace. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of our team:

Work‑Life Balance - Enjoy a flexible, supportive culture that empowers you to thrive at work and at home.
Boost Your Take‑Home Pay - Access salary packaging options of up to $15,900 per year, significantly increasing your net income.
Extra Time Off - Recharge with 3 additional paid leave days over the Christmas period, on top of your standard annual leave.
Annual Leave Loading - Receive extra pay when you take annual leave - because your downtime matters.
Study Leave - Pursuing further qualifications? We offer up to 2 weeks of paid study leave each year to support your professional growth.
Generous Parental Leave - Take the time you need to focus on your family with our paid parental leave program.
Wellbeing Support - Benefit from medical insurance discounts and free access to our Employee Assistance Program through Telus Health.

The salary is being offered between $87,000.00 - $102,000.00 per annum, to be negotiated depending upon qualifications and experience, plus superannuation. Join us and experience a workplace where your wellbeing, growth, and success are our top priorities.

How to Apply

To apply, send us your resume and a brief cover letter, outlining why you’re the perfect candidate for this role.

Please note that we will be reviewing applications as they’re received, so we encourage you to submit your application now!

Applications close Sunday 4 January 2026

Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Seniority level