• Full-time Ongoing opportunity
• Extensive investment in facilities and people supporting our significant service expansion
• On-site Parking (subject to availability)
  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 Mental Health Officer will provide support to a combined inpatient facility comprising an Acute and Continuing Care Program, provide support to patients within the framework of the multi-disciplinary team to enhance the quality of the therapeutic program.

Duties:

Under the supervision of the Unit Occupational Therapist

• In consultation with the multi-disciplinary team independently plan, implement and evaluate group sessions and other activities that address social, recreational, and activities of daily living both within the hospital and the community.

Under the supervision of the Unit Social Worker

• Undertakes welfare tasks focussed on patient’s basic needs including assisting the patient with clothing, banking, and liaising with Centrelink.

• Assists patients/Unit with practical support activities where required (eg. shopping).

General direct care duties

• Follows a therapeutic program with individual patients under the supervision of the relevant unit social worker/occupational therapist.

• Participates in assessment and implementation of a management plan for individual patients under the supervision of the social worker/occupational therapist on each unit.

• Assists patients in accessing and engaging in campus programs such as music, TAFE or YMCA.

About You:

• Full or partial completion of a qualification in a relevant field (e.g. Certificate or Diploma in disability support, mental health support, allied health assistant, welfare, or similar) OR willingness to work towards such a qualification via professional development and formal courses while in the position.

• To understand the AHA role and ability to work within this role in the multi-disciplinary framework.

• To have a knowledge and understanding of the needs of mentally ill patients and an awareness of the issues of provision of care in a forensic environment

• An ability to establish positive working relationships with patients through establishing rapport

To access a detailed position description, please click Mental Health Officer - Grade 2.

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. Advertising may close earlier than indicated.

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.

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 b...