Senior Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

Full time or part time maximum term position up to January 2028 Parental leave backfill Salary range: $104,925 - $122,409 plus superUp to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the roleThis role is for a skilled accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) to undertake family dispute resolution practitioner (FDRP) duties, with a focus on property cases, at VLA's Family Dispute Resolution Service (FDRS). This includes facilitating conferences, delivering professional education in family dispute resolution (FDR), and undertaking policy and project activities, primarily to support the delivery of the Property Program at FDRS.

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.

About YouAs Our Ideal Candidate, You Will Possess

A tertiary qualification in law.Accreditation as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.Knowledge and skills as an accredited family dispute resolution practitioner, with capacity to facilitate FDR conferences involving lawyers in property, (and some children's) matters with a sound understanding of child-focused and trauma-informed practice.Demonstrated experience managing family violence and other risks for high conflict, complex cases with a solid understanding of barriers faced by separated families from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds.Experience in facilitating mediation conferences in property cases in family law (highly desirable).Accreditation under the National Mediator Accreditation System (highly desirable).

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.

About VLAWe offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

Employee Benefits

A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangementsHybrid work from home & office model Generous leave benefits, including:Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)Paid gender affirmation leaveFive days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar yearAnnual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentivesAttractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated LeasingDiscounted annual Myki public transport passesIndividual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goalsFree annual flu vaccinationsAccess to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD officeAccess to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.
How to applyTo be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Julia Puntoriero, Managing Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner on (03) 9269 0360 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 6 September 2026.

Other relevant informationIt is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.