• Leading family, relationship and counselling organisation
• Permanent part time positions available
• Geelong Location
• Competitive salary and access to salary packaging

About us 

Relationship Matters, is a dynamic, values based not-for-profit organisation specialising in relationship, family and individual counselling, mediation and education. For over 77 years we have been committed to making a difference to our clients no matter which sector of our Community they come from. We continue to provide high quality relationship counselling, dispute resolution and relationship education services. Relationship Matters also provide Employee Assistance Programs, training and workplace consulting.

About the role

We currently have an opportunity for a dynamic Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner to join our team. The purpose of this role is to expand our mediation services to the meet the growing needs of clients for this service, as well working across a variety of dispute resolution modalities. We provide a flexible and responsive service to our clients, including online and telephone options to meet their needs.

Responsibilities will include:

• Provide family dispute resolution for separating couples to assist them in resolving issues relating to parenting arrangements and property and financial matters.  
• Undertake comprehensive intake and assessments and make decisions regarding suitability for provision of family dispute resolution, taking into account specialised needs such as family violence, mental health issues and addictions. 
• Identify problem-solving options and strategies and provide assistance in clarifying clients’ problems and disputes. 
• Assist parents negotiate sustainable and workable Parenting Plans, which reflect the best interest of the children. 
• Support clients reach property and financial agreements, by provision of information, assisting them to develop options, negotiate and write up agreements.   
• Work with child consultants for provision of Child Inclusive Mediation. 
• Work collaboratively with legal practitioners to provide best outcomes for clients, including provision of Legally Assisted Family Dispute Resolution. 
• Provide information, support and referral to match presenting needs to services such as counselling, relationship learning programs, legal support services and other services. 
• Maintain client records and collect data as required to comply with service standards and program accountability. 
• Provide services either face-to-face, via telephone or via a variety on online formats, including Zoom and FamilyProperty. 
• Participate in telephone duty system as required. 
• Deliver group education programs and provide community consultation/education activities where required. 
• Develop and facilitate workshops, seminars and information sessions, if required, and contribute as a team member to these activities 
• Assist in the supervision of students on placement when required.  
• Actively participate in supporting the strategic directions of the team. 
• Provide dispute resolution services for other matters, including parent adolescent work, elder and other family mediation, workplace mediation, restorative practice or other matters as required. 

About you 

As our ideal candidate, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in law or social sciences and Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution or equivalent  
• Accreditation as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and registered with the Federal Attorney-General’s Department  
• NMAS/AMDRAS accreditation highly desirable.  
• An understanding of power differentials, patterns of communication, violence issues, parenting, and child development in the context of family dynamic. 
• Demonstrated high level of skills in screening and assessment of family violence.  
• The ability to exercise judgement and initiative where appropriate, set priorities and monitor workflows.  
• Demonstrated ability to work with families with a range of complex needs including mental health and drug and alcohol issues or from CALD and indigenous backgrounds.  
• Experience resolving property and financial matters (a working knowledge of the Family Property program is desirable) 
• An understanding and working knowledge of the Family Law Act 1975 and other relevant legislation. 
• High-level interpersonal and communication skills that enable you to engage effectively with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders, ensuring clear and empathetic interactions. 
• Registration with, or eligibility for membership of, an appropriate professional body.  
• Proficiency in use of a range of technology platforms to ensure the smooth delivery of online services. 

Don't meet every requirement? At Relationship Matters, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.

To apply  

Relationship Matters is an inclusive and child safe organisation and we encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTIQ+) people.

Application details and a position description including key selection criteria are available from www.relationshipmatters.com.au/employment.

Applications can be submitted by clicking ‘Apply Now’.

For enquiries regarding this position, please contact Tanya De Mel, Program Manager Family and Relationship Services 0481 787 406.