Specialised Family Violence Counsellor – Family and Relationship Counselling (FARS) Program
Status: Full-time contract until 31/01/2027
The Family and Relationship Services (FARS) Program is funded by the Australian Governments Department of Social Services, with the expectation that CatholicCare Tasmania will also apply a fee-for-service policy to clients, in accordance with DSS Guidelines. CatholicCare Tasmania, as a Child Inclusive Agency, is committed to working in the best interests of children and young people.
The program aims to assist all families, couples, individuals and children, with priority given to those most disadvantaged or at risk. The program provides counselling, group work, mediation/support for separated families, specialised family violence interventions, family law counselling, and family relationship skills and education programs.
Summary of Role:
The Specialised Family Violence Counsellor delivers trauma-informed, safety-focused counselling within the FARS program to adults, young people and children impacted by family and domestic violence. The role includes comprehensive risk assessment, safety planning and therapeutic intervention, with the safety and wellbeing of children and victim-survivors central to all practice.
You will support individuals who have experienced family violence and, where appropriate, work with those who use or have used violence to promote behaviour change and accountability. The role includes family violence risk assessment and safety planning, with the safety and wellbeing of children and affected clients central to all practice. Using evidence-informed approaches, you will respond to trauma and coercive control, assist clients navigating separation where violence is present, and contribute to coordinated service responses.
In addition to specialist family violence work, you may provide short- to medium-term counselling across the lifespan to clients presenting with relationship difficulties, separation, parenting challenges and mild to moderate mental health concerns. This may include individual, couple and family counselling, parenting education, work with children and young people, and short-term counselling support for EAP clients.
All work is undertaken within child-inclusive frameworks and in accordance with legislative, organisational and funding requirements.
About You
- Commitment to the vision, mission and values of CatholicCare Tasmania as informed by the Archbishop’s Charter; and a broad understanding of the operation of the Catholic Church in Tasmania.
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or a related discipline, with eligibility for membership of a relevant professional body (desirable).
- Demonstrated specialist knowledge of family and domestic violence, including risk assessment, safety planning, coercive control and behaviour change practice, with a minimum of three years’ clinical experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of counselling theory and practice, including trauma-informed approaches, developmental theory, and family violence frameworks, with a strong understanding of issues affecting children, young people and families, including the intersections of family violence, mental health, substance use, and socio-economic disadvantage.
- Demonstrated experience and training in relationship and family counselling, which may include working with children individually.
- Demonstrated experience in developing, facilitating and evaluating group work programs.
- Demonstrated high-level verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, work independently, and contribute collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team. Strong organisational skills and resourcefulness are essential.
What We Offer:
- Salary packaging benefits to increase your take-home pay
- Up to four bonus leave days per year
- Be part of an organisation committed to compassion, service, and community well-being
- Discounted Health Insurance options
- Opportunities for professional development
- Supportive, values-driven work environment
Apply Now
If this sounds like your kind of role and you believe you meet the above criteria, then we would love to hear from you!
To receive a copy of the Position Description, for a confidential conversation, or for more information regarding the role please contact: Sylvia on 0428 141 804 or email sylvia.reddington@aohtas.org.au
To apply please submit your resume and responses to the selection criteria detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the Key Accountabilities within the Position Description. A separate cover letter is not required.
Applications close: 9am Monday 23rd February 2026
CatholicCare Tasmania is committed to safeguarding the interests of children and young people. We are committed to protecting children and young people from harm and require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.
CatholicCare Tasmania is an equal employment opportunity employer and promotes and supports a family friendly workplace. The successful applicant must be eligible to work in Australia and will need to evidence their registration to Work with Vulnerable People and Police Check as part of the recruitment process.
