• Fixed-Term – 0.4 EFT 14 April to 13 October 2025
• Free On-site Parking
• A culture where people care

A career in the forensic mental health sector is diverse, challenging and rewarding. A career at Forensicare will be like no other. If you’re passionate about supporting people in their mental health recovery, Forensicare is where you need to be. You will be a part of a caring and supportive team, making a real difference to people living with the dual stigma of mental illness and offending. We approach our work with curiosity and a commitment to understanding the unique needs of our consumers and carers. Working across community, hospital and prison settings, you can learn, apply your specialist skills and advance in your profession. Together, we can contribute to a more connected, compassionate mental health and criminal justice system.

Job location

Thomas Embling Hospital, located in Fairfield just 15 minutes north of the Melbourne city centre. Due to our announced expansion, we have a need for experienced like-minded professionals to join our team. Thomas Embling Hospital is a secure Mental Health, currently 134 bed, hospital providing acute care, rehabilitation, and continuing care programs. With planned expansion commencing 2024 with significant increase in access to care, we will have a dedicated Women’s service and an additional medium secure men’s facility. Now is the time to join us!

About the Role:

The role of the Lead Occupational Therapist is to provide operational support and leadership to the Occupational Therapy services across the inpatient directorate, whilst taking into account the boundaries set by the profession and the organization to achieve and maintain a high standard of client care that prioritises the needs of the individual. The position is responsible for promoting clinical efficiency and effectiveness within the Occupational Therapy team and in working alongside the Chief Occupational Therapist in overseeing the ongoing development and strategic planning of Occupational Therapy services across Forensicare.

Duties:

• Manage day to day service delivery and support of Occupational Therapists working within the inpatient directorate.

• Develop, manage and contribute to key policy and program development projects as they relate to Occupational Therapy services across Forensicare.

• Initiate and implement discipline-specific quality improvement activities and contribute to generic quality improvement activities, protocol development and achieving ethical standards within Occupational Therapy practice.

• Utilise own expertise to deliver high quality services, contribute to the development of efficient discipline systems and processes; as well as identifying opportunities to improve service outcomes.

About You:

• Extensive clinical knowledge and experience in Occupational Therapy.

• Have a conceptual understanding of the theories of occupational performance and be committed to understanding and improving patient functioning through assessment and treatment using occupational models of intervention.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, with a clear consumer focus.

• Have demonstrated skills in the mental health and/or forensic field, knowledge and understanding of the needs of mentally ill people and of the issues of care delivery in forensic mental health.

What you need:

• Approved degree in Occupational Therapy recognised for membership of Occupational Therapy Australia – Australian Association of Occupational Therapists.
• Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulations Agency (AHPRA).
• The successful candidate will be required to register their qualifications on eCredential.

*Please Note - Applications will be reviewed and interviewed as they are received.

A culture where people matter.

• Excellent supervision and investment in the skill development of all our team members.
• Well defined career pathways existing across our Directorates with multi-disciplined Teams.
• Salary Packaging Options available – Mortgage, Rent, Car, Expenses
• A leading, multi-faceted approach to safety, with unparalleled strategic, practical, individualised and team-based supports to minimise risks and fear and maximise safety and security, underpinned by our workplace health and safety strategy.
• Celebration and reward for good performance, through employee recognition.
• Access to an employee assistance program – an external, confidential, self-referral employee wellbeing program, for personal or work-related matters.
• A mental health and wellbeing program providing psychological, peer support and critical incidence response programs.

To access a detailed position description, please click LINK TO POSITION DESCRIPTION.

Or for more information on Careers at Forensicare, visit https://www.forensicare.vic.gov.au/careers

Eligibility

• Influenza and Immunisation Evidence
• This position is subject to a Police Check

Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and developing a diverse workforce which reflects the community we serve. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTQI, people with a lived experience of disability, as well as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Forensicare promotes our guiding principles of curiosity, purpose, strong ethics, compassion and fairness; and promotes behaviours that are consistent with these values at all times. Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and offers a smoke free environment.