Domestic & Family Violence Specialist - Persons Using Violence (PUV)

About Us

At Relationships Australia Queensland (RAQ), we are proud to be Queensland's leading provider of relationship and family wellbeing services. Our purpose is to provide individuals and families with the tools and support they need to build happier, healthier lives. Through education, counselling, and community programs, we help people develop the skills and resilience to navigate life's challenges.

Our Cairns team is leading the pilot program for Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Co-Response in partnership with the Queensland Police Service (QPS). This new model brings together Relationships Australia Queensland (RAQ) and QPS to jointly respond to DFV incidents, ensuring immediate support for victim-survivors while enhancing perpetrator accountability. As part of this groundbreaking initiative, DFV specialists will collaborate with police during call-outs, providing trauma-informed care, safety planning, and evidence-gathering to improve outcomes for those affected by DFV.

About the Role

Are you ready to be at the forefront of an innovative approach to combating domestic and family violence? We're seeking a dynamic and resilient individual to join our groundbreaking pilot program in Cairns, where you'll work side-by-side with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to make a real difference in people's lives.

In this critical role, you'll have the opportunity to identify, assess, and develop comprehensive case support. Your expertise will be instrumental in providing a holistic response to support safety and create positive change in our community. You'll work collaboratively with a dedicated team to ensure that clients receive the support they need to break the cycle of violence and build safer, healthier relationships.

Additionally, the Person Using Violence (PUV) Practitioner will:

• Participate in a mobilised response with QPS to DFV incidents in the community and follow-up with a non-mobilised post crisis intervention response.
• Incorporate an understanding of the issues related to DFV and other forms of gender-based violence
• Provide crisis interventions to support the immediate needs of the person using violence including undertaking risk assessments and risk management, with the focus on the needs and safety of the victim-survivor and children
• Conduct DFV assessments to identify the victim-survivor, user of violence, and person(s) most in need of protection.
• Deliver trauma informed counselling and case management support to meet ongoing needs of the person using violence including a warm referral to perpetrator intervention programs (if appropriate)
• Participate in local Community Coordinated Response networks involving the Queensland Police Service, local magistrates, and non-government organisations.
• Provide advice and assistance to QPS to enable them to exercise the discretion to charge the person using violence with a criminal offence or issue a Police Protection Notice.
• Engage in collaborative debriefing and reflective practice with QPS to continually improve DFV incident responses.

At RAQ, we strive to reduce social injustice, towards greater community access and inclusion for everyone. We understand that to truly meet diverse needs, we must model diversity, inclusion, and healthy relationships at every level of our organisation. We strongly encourage First Nations peoples to apply.

About You

We're looking for a passionate and driven individual who is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by domestic and family violence. You're eager to challenge existing norms and contribute to developing new strategies that address the complexities of DFV. You are open to ongoing professional development and participation in reflective practice.

Additionally, you have:

• Ability to work on a rotating shift roster with on-call, regular weekends and evenings required to meet operational requirements of the role (penalty rates apply).
• Qualified in a Human Services related field and/or relevant DFV experience.
• Relevant experience in the human services area (e.g. Psychology, Mediation, Counselling, Social work).
• Experience providing advocacy, information, referral and/or counselling to those affected by DFV
• Sound knowledge of the DFV service response system and services, especially in the context of the catchment area
• Understanding of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act (2012), Child Protection Act 1999, and other relevant legislation
• Demonstrated understanding of the similarities and differences in DFV risk assessment and management when working with victim-survivors and users of violence

We Can Offer You

Work-Life Balance - Enjoy a flexible, supportive culture that empowers you to thrive at work and at home.

Boost Your Take-Home Pay - Access salary packaging options of up to $15,900 per year, significantly increasing your net income.

Extra Time Off - Recharge with 3 additional paid leave days over the Christmas period, on top of your standard annual leave.

Annual Leave Loading - Receive extra pay when you take annual leave-because your downtime matters.

Study Leave - Pursuing further qualifications? We offer up to 2 weeks of paid study leave each year to support your professional growth.

Generous Parental Leave - Take the time you need to focus on your family with our paid parental leave program.

Wellbeing Support - Benefit from medical insurance discounts and free access to our Employee Assistance Program through Telus Health.

The salary is being offered between $99,000.00 to $104,000.00 per annum, to be negotiated depending upon qualifications and experience, plus superannuation.

Join us and experience a workplace where your wellbeing, growth, and success are our top priorities.

How to Apply

To apply, send us your resume and a brief cover letter, outlining why you're the ideal person for this role

Applications can be submitted by clicking the Apply Now.

Applications close Sunday 5 October 2025