• Full time, ongoing
• Based in Fairfield - on-site parking subject to availability
• Commencing salary: $100,510 (HS5) plus super and salary packaging

Are you a motivated, self-starting legal professional interested in mental health and criminal law looking to apply your legal expertise for good?

Forensicare is seeking a Legal Counsel to join its Legal, Governance and Strategy team. Reporting to the Head of Legal, the Legal Counsel will be responsible for delivering a high standard of governance services and advice that ensures consumer leave is managed and supported in accordance with the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 (CMIA), the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 (MHA) and the Charter of Rights and Responsibilities 2006 (the Charter). The Legal Counsel will also work closely with the Inpatient Operations team in supporting the consumer leave process. In addition, the Legal Counsel will work closely with all members of the GRL team to support the delivery of legal advice, compliance management and governance support.

This is a role that will expose the successful candidate to a breadth of legal, compliance and governance issues and provide an opportunity to develop their legal expertise in a supportive team environment.

Does this sound like you?

A strong self-starter and problem solver, you will have had 1-2 years post admission experience in a respected firm or in-house setting. You are confident and personable which enables you to thrive in a team environment and successfully engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

You also have excellent communication and drafting skills, including the ability to write in a clear and engaging manner.

About Forensicare

Forensicare (the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health) is the leading provider of forensic mental health services across Victoria. Forensic mental health is a specialist area within the mental health service system. Forensicare delivers recovery-focused programs to consumers with serious mental illnesses across the Victorian justice system, mental health sector, and the community--from early intervention and prevention, to inpatient care, rehabilitation, and community transition support.

These services are delivered through three streams - inpatient services at Thomas Embling Hospital, community services through the Community Forensic Mental Health Service and prison-based services at several locations across the State. This position will be based at Thomas Embling Hospital with a requirement to work across all Forensicare sites from time to time. We also work in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology through the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science to deliver a forensic mental health research program, specialist training, and ongoing professional education.

• To access a copy of the position description, please click here - Legal Counsel

Applications will be reviewed and interviewed as they are received. The position may close earlier than indicated.

Eligibility

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

A culture where people matter.

• Excellent supervision and investment in the skill development of managers and supervisors.
• Celebration and reward for good performance, through employee recognition.
• 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.
• 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 support, peer support and critical incidence response programs, as needed.

For more information on employee benefits visit https://www.forensicare.vic.gov.au/careers/employee-benefits

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 RESPECT, INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, HUMAN RIGHTS; and promotes behaviours that are consistent with these values at all times. Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and offers a smoke free environment.