Deliver responsive, flexible, and effective family dispute resolution services to regional South Australian communities.

The Role

The Regional Family Dispute Resolution (RFDR) Service provides parents, children and significant others engaged in separation with an alternative way to resolve parenting and property matters, underpinned by a child-focused approach. Family dispute resolution is a voluntary process managed by an accredited practitioner who guides discussions while remaining neutral and impartial, enabling parties to reach their own agreements.

Based in Mount Gambier, this role involves travel across the outreach region to deliver services.

This is a fixed term opportunity until 30 June 2027 (a subsequent fixed-term period may be offered subject to funding).

Key responsibilities

• Work closely with the Manager to support positive and timely service outcomes.
• Conduct intake and assess suitability for mediation, including screening for family and domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, mental health concerns and each party’s capacity to participate.
• Provide appropriate information and referrals.
• Liaise with the Manager regarding compliance with existing court orders, particularly Family Court and intervention orders.
• Conduct joint and shuttle mediations for parenting and property matters.
• Apply current legislation relating to parenting plans and the processes required for property mediation.
• Document parenting and property agreements reached in mediation.
• Deliver child-focused groups for clients participating in family dispute resolution services.
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings as required.

Centacare is designated by the Attorney-General’s Department to provide family dispute resolution services. Practitioners must maintain the confidentiality and admissibility protections that apply under the Family Law Act 1975, including section 10C(1)(b).

See attached position description for full details. 

What you need to bring

Essential:

• At least 1 year of experience working as a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
• Be registered as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner with the Attorney-General’s Department, or be eligible for registration by having completed the Vocational Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution or an equivalent qualification
• Degree in Law, Psychology, Counselling or Social Work
• Thorough knowledge of the Family Law Act and other relevant legislation
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and time management skills
• Efficiency in computer use including MS Office Suite
• Valid Department of Human Services (DHS) Working with Children Check
• Ability to do some work outside of standard hours when required     

Desirable:

• Experience using the Penelope electronic client management system
• Membership of a relevant professional association, such as LEADR or NMAS
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• Qualified Child Consultant 

What's in it for you

• SCHCADS Award 2010 Level 5 $53.43 per hour, plus superannuation
• Generous salary packaging arrangements to help increase your take-home pay
• Meal and entertainment card option available
• Experienced and supportive leadership
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 6 weeks parental leave for primary carer and 2 weeks for secondary carer
• Health insurance discounts with Bupa

Who we are

Each year, we support more than 20,000 people through community services in metropolitan and regional South Australia, operating within a strong ethical framework. We are client focused and provide support regardless of race, economic circumstance, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious belief or ethnic background.

Centacare is a Child Safe, Quality Accredited Organisation and is a registered NDIS provider. We value the uniqueness of individuals, we consult, collaborate and operate with integrity and professionalism. Centacare is committed to cultivating a harmonious workplace free from harassment and discrimination. Equal opportunity principles align with our mission, vision and values. We believe that treating our workers fairly has a positive impact on our clients and maintains our reputation as a great place to work.

To learn more about us, explore our Who we are page and our organisational video.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter (as one document) outlining how you meet the requirements of this role as outlined in the position description. To access the position description or submit your application click on the 'Apply Now' button.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity please contact Andy Wong, Manager, on 0437 326 598.

We encourage applicants to apply promptly as applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the job posting may close without notice.

Applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

With respect, no agencies please.