Become an intermediary

The Queensland Intermediary Scheme seeks qualified professionals to join the panel of approved intermediaries.

Intermediaries are based in areas that fall in the catchment of Brisbane (PDF, 94.8 KB)and Cairns (PDF, 108.5 KB) District and Supreme Courts.

Consider applying to be an intermediary if you have skills in engaging with children, people with intellectual, cognitive or physical impairment impacting communication, people with mental illness, people impacted by trauma, and people who have difficulty communicating and you are interested in improving access to justice for vulnerable witnesses

While there is no guarantee of work, you will be paid for your services (refer to the Schedule of Fees (PDF, 37.3 KB)).

Who is eligible to become an intermediary?

  • psychologists
  • speech therapists
  • social workers
  • occupational therapists

What we’re looking for

Individuals with the above qualifications and accreditations who can:

  • assess witness’ communication needs.
  • inform police and courts on the best ways to communicate with a witness during the police investigation and at the court hearing.
  • act as an independent and impartial officer of the court.
  • prepare high quality reports with recommendations based on their assessment of the witness’ communication needs.
  • demonstrate flexibility – you may be called on for urgent assessments, particularly during police investigations. Evening, weekend work and travel may be required.
  • demonstrate resilience – you will be required to act impartially in emotionally challenging cases involving child sexual offences and confronting content.

What’s in it for you?

Training and professional development

  • QIS provides free introductory training and ongoing learning and development as part of the scheme.
  • QIS provides mentoring from the QIS ‘In house’ intermediaries to support delivery of services.

Support the criminal justice system

  • Practice experience in addressing a range of communication needs and developing communication strategies for police interviewing and in court room settings.
  • Experience in needs assessment and report writing for police and courts; and
  • General exposure to the nuance and complexity of the criminal justice system.

Assist vulnerable witnesses

  • Contribute to Queensland Governments aim of making the justice system better and more accountable to victims of crime; and
  • Reduce trauma for child sexual abuse victims and who bring forward complaints; and
  • Contribute to change - Evidence from the longest running intermediary scheme in the UK indicates there has been a cultural shift in the way all stakeholders in the justice system approach and treat victims of crime who experience communication difficulties.

Payment for services

  • Get paid for your services – this is not voluntary work.
  • Intermediaries will be paid for each service (there may be several services for each engagement) according to the payment Schedule of Fees.

Flexibility

  • You can continue to undertake your primary job
  • Choose when you are available

What is the process for inclusion to the panel of intermediaries?

Suitable individuals will be invited to undertake competency-based training.  These individuals must successfully complete the training before they can be appointed to the intermediary panel.

The process from the time you apply to become an intermediary to the time you become an intermediary depends on a range of factors, but you will be kept informed of the process.

How do you apply?

You may apply at any time.  There are mandatory requirements associated to the role which are set out in the attached documentation.

If you are interested in applying, you should:

If you meet the mandatory requirements, and you agree to comply with the Scheme Rules, please complete the Application Form and submit to intermediaryscheme@justice.qld.gov.au For any enquiries contact 07 3738 7503