The role

The position of Judicial Services Team Leader requires a self-starter who thinks both strategically to solve problems facing the courts as well as seeks ongoing performance improvement. The responsibilities of the position include:

• leading and supporting teams of associates, deputy associates and/or legal associates to ensure high quality support to the judicial officers of the courts and high-quality client services to clients, legal practitioners, registrars and court child experts,
• coordinating courts’ operations including scheduling of events and providing reports on case management indicators
• providing statistical reports to case management and court services management teams in relation to trends and issues associated with local judicial service provision
• managing change in a challenging and fastmoving environment
• developing and maintaining positive, productive and collaborative relationships with the judiciary, the legal profession and community groups, and
• ensuring the policies and standards of the courts are promoted and maintained.

Job description

Position Overview

Reporting to the Director or Manager Court Services, the Judicial Services Team Leader has responsibility for delivery of high-quality case management, court room and chambers support to the judicial officers of the courts and client services to clients, legal practitioners, registrars and family consultants. Judicial services include:

• providing the initial point of contact for judicial officers of the courts with respect to chambers arrangements
• working with the Local Case Management Judge in relation to case management administration,
• working with Corporate Services to manage the recruitment, training and development of judges associates and support staff
• working in partnership with other Judicial Services Team Leaders nationally,
• maintaining key relationships with internal stakeholders, including the registry team, and providing support to local CTS management as required.
• being a member of a project and/or case management committees from time to time,
• assisting with events and in-court support requirements.

Eligibility requirements

Selection Criteria 

1. Demonstrated staff management, change management, leadership and development experience (preferably in a legal, courts or public service environment) and the ability to promote a team environment.
2. Relationship management capacity, including an ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels, including judicial officers, as well as strong interpersonal skills, including a proven ability to manage stressful and/or conflict situations in a professional manner, on a continual basis.
3. Demonstrated sound organisational and problem-solving skills including initiative, the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure.
4. Analytical and report writing skills with the ability to provide strategic advice on trends and policy to management.
5. Understanding of the public service operating environment including the requirement for legislative compliance, probity and accountability.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal.

As part of your application, you will be required to submit a written response to the selection criteria listed in the position description (maximum word limit 1500). Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application.

If you have any technical issues with applying, please email [email protected] 

About the agency

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (FCFCOA Act), which came into effect on 1 September 2021, merged the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia into a unified court system known as the FCFCOA. The FCFCOA (Division 1) is a superior court that handles the most complex family law cases and serves as the appellate court for family law matters. It operates nationwide, except in Western Australia. The FCFCOA (Division 2), a federal court, shares jurisdiction over family law and child support with Division 1, but also handles general federal law matters, such as administrative law, bankruptcy, intellectual property, and migration law. The Federal Court of Australia entity engages employees under the Public Service Act 1999 to support the Federal Court, the FCFCOA (Divisions 1 and 2), and the National Native Title Tribunal. Established by the 2016 Courts Administration Legislation Amendment Act, each court retains its own identity and judicial independence. FCFCOA employees are covered by the Federal Court Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027.

Notes

Eligibility

Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following: 

1. Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship.
2. Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment.
3. Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

Interested candidates who have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency are welcome to apply but note that they cannot be engaged until their redundancy benefit period has expired.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability, First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families.  

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role. 

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment

Candidates may use AI tools to assist with their participation in this recruitment process unless otherwise advised. Where AI tools are used, candidates are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted is transparent, accurate, and genuinely reflects their own skills, capabilities, and experience.

For more information, see: Principles for candidate use of AI in Recruitment