The Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Worker plays a vital role in strengthening the quality and consistency of DFV service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in Cairns, Queensland. Based within the Practice and Development team at RAATSIC and reporting to the Practice and Development Manager, this position provides high-level specialist support to frontline staff, drives continuous practice improvement, and embeds trauma-informed and culturally safe approaches across DFV programs. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy and is central to building workforce capability and ensuring safe, effective outcomes for families and children.
Responsibilities:
• Lead the development, review, and implementation of DFV practice frameworks, policies, and procedures aligned with best practice and relevant legislation.
• Provide specialist practice guidance to frontline staff, embedding trauma-informed, culturally safe, and strengths-based approaches.
• Deliver targeted training, practice resources, and reflective supervision to build staff capability in DFV response.
• Provide oversight and quality assurance of DFV case management, supporting practitioners in complex and high-risk case decision-making.
• Conduct regular case file audits to monitor compliance with documentation standards and identify areas for improvement.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with government agencies, community organisations, and peak bodies to support coordinated DFV responses.
• Represent RAATSIC at interagency forums and collaborative planning processes.
• Engage meaningfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Elders to ensure practice is informed by community voice and cultural knowledge.
• Stay current with emerging research, policy reform, and sector developments in DFV, translating these into practical organisational guidance.
Qualifications:
• An undergraduate degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related social or behavioural science.
• Demonstrated experience in social services with direct experience in DFV and/or child protection.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and demonstrated experience applying this with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in practice development, training facilitation, or workforce capacity building.
• Working knowledge of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 and the Child Protection Act 1999 or demonstrated capacity to acquire this knowledge.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and a range of external stakeholders.
• Current C Class Queensland Drivers Licence and willingness to obtain a Working with Children Check (Blue Card).
• Postgraduate qualifications and/or experience working within an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community organisation are advantageous.