Jurisdiction: Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

Section: Court Children’s Service

Classification: Executive Level 1

Job Type: Ongoing, Non-ongoing, Full-time/Part-time

Location: Canberra, ACT

Total remuneration including superannuation: $140,505 – $153,150 per annum ($121,755 – $132,713 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation)

Make a Meaningful Difference in the Lives of Children – Become a Court Child Expert

Are you a dedicated social worker or psychologist with a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children? Do you want your work to directly influence decisions that shape the future of children and families? If so, this is your opportunity to join a nationally respected team making a real impact.

What is a Court Child Expert?

Court Child Experts are experienced professionals who play a vital role in Australia’s Federal family law system. Appointed under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), Court Child Experts provide critical social science expertise to assist families and the Courts in making decisions that are in the best interests of children.

This is more than just a job – it’s a career with purpose.

Why Join Us?

As a Court Child Expert, you’ll be at the forefront of family law innovation, working on world-leading initiatives to ensure safe and effective outcomes for families in crisis.

• Be the voice for children in complex family matters
• Influence real-life decisions that shape a child’s future
• Be part of a collaborative, national team of experts
• Receive extensive professional support and development

From the moment you start, you’ll be supported with a structured induction program, ongoing supervision, and access to national and international training.

What Will You Do?

As a Court Child Expert, your day-to-day work includes:

• Conducting family assessments, including interviews and observations with children
• Providing expert evidence to the Court via written reports
• Facilitating dispute resolution conferences to help families reach agreements

Mandatory qualifications and experience

• A recognised degree in social work and eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or general registration as a psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency
• Minimum five years’ relevant clinical experience including in conducting assessments with children and families (note this experience must be subsequent to the acquisition of the relevant degree qualification)
• A clearance for working with children as required within the relevant State/Territory scheme

Join a Team That Puts Children First

This is your chance to be part of a court-based team where your professional skills will help shape safer, more stable futures for Australian children.

Make a real difference. Apply to become a Court Child Expert today by clicking to "Apply" button.

Contact Officer

Please email [email protected] if you would like further information about the Court Child Expert position.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal.

As part of your application, you will be required to submit a written response to the selection criteria listed in the position description (maximum word limit 1500). Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application.

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

Eligibility

Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following:

1. Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship.
2. Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment.
3. 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 but note that they cannot be engaged until their redundancy benefit period has expired.

Diversity and Inclusion

Federal Court Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability.

First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families.

Federal Court Australia will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role.

RecruitAbility

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Application Close: Monday 15 June 2026 at 11:30 pm (AEST)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.