* Join a Purpose-Driven Team Supporting Women's Safety and Justice
* Competitive salary of $100,000 - $105,500 (dependent on experience) + benefits including 12.75% superannuation and the ability to salary sacrifice
Our Story:
North Queensland Women's Legal Service is a community-based legal service run by women for women. Since 1996, we have worked to promote women's access to justice, influence systemic change, and support women's safety and wellbeing through integrated legal and non-legal support.
Our Team is growing to meet increased demand from women across North Queensland - particularly in rural and remote communities. We are seeking committed professionals who want their work to be purpose-driven, trauma-informed, and grounded in feminist values.
How You'll Make a Difference:
Client Advocate
As a Client Advocate, you will work alongside lawyers and other professionals to provide critical non-legal support to women navigating trauma, the legal system, and life transitions. You will play a key role in ensuring women feel safe, heard, and empowered throughout their journey with NQWLS.
The role is based in Cairns, with regular travel to regional and remote outreach locations. Overnight travel will be required.
Key responsibilities include:
* Delivering trauma-informed, client-centred psychosocial support to women affected by DFV
* Conducting comprehensive risk assessments and developing evidence-based safety plans aligned with best practice frameworks
* Providing holistic case management, including culturally safe, client-led referrals that promote safety, autonomy, and connection to services
* Offering in-person advocacy and emotional support during court proceedings, legal appointments, and outreach clinics
* Supporting community legal education initiatives to enhance awareness and access to justice, particularly in under-served rural and remote areas
* Contributing to continuity of care by helping clients remain connected, supported, and safe across their legal journey
What You'll Bring to the Team:
We are seeking a trauma-informed, reflective practitioner with:
* A strong alignment with feminist principles and client-centred, trauma-informed service delivery
* Demonstrated experience supporting women impacted by DFV, homelessness, or complex social disadvantage
* The ability to apply a multimodal, intersectional approach to assessment, care planning, and advocacy
* Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport, maintain professional boundaries, and respond with calm and compassion
* Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with experience in documentation, interagency collaboration, and advocacy
* A collaborative approach to working in multidisciplinary teams, with the capacity to work autonomously with cultural humility and professional integrity
* A commitment to reflective practice, professional development, and the co-creation of a learning-oriented team environment
Essential Criteria:
* A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Social Sciences or a related human services discipline
(Applicants with significant relevant experience and complementary training are encouraged to apply or contact us to discuss their suitability)
* A current Queensland C Class Driver's Licence
* Willingness to undergo pre-employment screening, including a criminal history check
Highly Regarded:
* Experience in a community legal centre, DFV service, or allied community-based setting
* Advanced capability in trauma-informed case management, including safety planning and interagency coordination
* Experience supporting clients with housing insecurity, financial hardship, or other systems-based disadvantage
* Lived experience and/or cultural capability in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, LGBTQIA+ people, or culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women
Why Work With Us?
You'll join a values-aligned, mission-driven organisation making a real impact in the lives of women. In return, we offer:
* A competitive salary of $100,000 – $104,500 p.a. + superannuation (SCHADS Award Level 5)
* 17.5% annual leave loading
* Salary packaging up to $15,000 to boost your take-home pay
* Funded access to external clinical supervision
* Access to a fleet vehicle for work-related travel, including outreach
* Three additional paid leave days during the Christmas/New Year closure
* Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
* A supportive, inclusive, and reflective team culture, committed to staff wellbeing and collaborative practice
* Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Ready to Apply?
If you're a trauma-informed practitioner passionate about social justice, women's safety, and feminist advocacy—we want to hear from you.
For a detailed position description please email
Click Apply Now to submit your application.
North Queensland Women's Legal Service is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from CALD backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ women, and women with disability.