• OT3 $101,597 - $116,074 plus Super and Benefits
• Implementation of services for newly opening Western Plains Correction Centre

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

The Lara precinct comprises four correctional centres: Barwon Prison (maximum security), Marngoneet Correctional Centre (medium security), Karreenga (medium security), and the new Western Plains Correctional Centre (maximum security), which will begin receiving people in custody in July 2025. Forensicare staff a multidisciplinary team that provides outpatient secondary mental health services to each of the locations within the precinct.

About the Role:

The Senior Occupational Therapist provides specialist Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention to patients accepted to the caseload of the treating team. The position works collaboratively with patients to identify Occupational Therapy treatment priorities and provides advice and consultation to patients, the multidisciplinary team, and stakeholders (including custodial staff) on Occupational Therapy related matters. The position participates in the development of the Occupational Therapy service by contributing to the identification and completion of local quality plans and initiatives and will provide clinical placement education to student therapists and grade one therapists.

Duties:

• Assess, interpret and intervene to improve occupational performance through identifying individual needs based on functional deficits and strengths, risk assessment and through promoting occupational choices that balance work, leisure and self-care.

• Focus on the development of life roles and skills required by patients for community adaptation and integration, including skill development, self-awareness and maintenance of a responsible attitude to time use, drug use and other behaviours which may lead to re-offending.

• Understand the risks that restrictive environments can have on occupational deprivation, alienation, and subsequent impact on occupational performance.

• Take a leading role within the clinical team on occupational performance issues, functional skill development, and in promoting engagement in meaningful occupations.

• Make a strong discipline specific contribution to the clinical team’s understanding of the consumer and their situation.

About You:

• At least 5 years’ experience as an Occupational Therapist (Preferable)

• Highly developed skills in the mental health field, including knowledge and understanding of the needs of mentally ill people; understanding of same in forensic mental health highly desirable

• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport and to work collaboratively, flexibly and responsibly with consumers, their families and carers, members of the multi-disciplinary team and colleagues.

• Solid conceptual understanding of the theories of occupational performance including the Model of Human Occupation and be committed to understanding and improving consumer functioning through formal assessment and treatment using recognised Occupational Therapy models of intervention.

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).

• Knowledge and understanding of the OT Australia – Australian Association of Occupational Therapists Code of Conduct and a commitment to working in a manner consistent with the code.

• The successful candidate will be required to register their qualifications on eCredential.

To access a detailed position description, please click Senior Occupational Therapist - Grade 3.

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

*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 respons...