• Based in Spencer Street, Melbourne CBD
• Multi-disciplinary role – P4/RPN5/SW4 or OT4
• 1 x Full time, Fixed Term role August 2025 to June 2026 (10 months)

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 Victorian Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (VFTAC) has been established as part of the Victorian Government's commitment to deliver on public safety and security and deals specifically with fixated individuals and grievance fuelled lone actors, many of whom have a major mental illness or current mental health needs.

The Forensic Mental Health Program Manager for VFTAC is employed by Forensicare, the statutory agency responsible for the provision of adult forensic mental health services across Victoria. This

role is office based and VFTAC staff work on site with police, at the Victoria Police Centre, Spencer St, Docklands.

About the Role:

The Forensic Mental Health Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing the operational delivery of forensic mental health services at VFTAC, delivered by specialised and skilled multi-disciplinary clinical staff.

Duties

• Develop and maintain policies, procedures and guidelines for the forensic mental health component of VFTAC.
• Provide high-level advice to referrers, including public office holders, mental health and policing agencies.
• Management of key stakeholder relationships including with the Department of Health and the Specialist Service Enhancement Teams that provide intervention and support to VFTAC consumers.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of training including for mental health services, police and other referrers.
• Ensure accurate and regular reporting of key performance indicators.

About You:

• An Australian Citizen
• At least ten years of experience in providing clinical services in forensic mental health.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a multi-disciplinary team and manage a complex program effectively and efficiently
• Experience in and understanding of best practice methods in the specific field of threat assessment, with the ability to independently deliver associated clinical and risk-oriented services and supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with law enforcement and mental health agencies on complex or sensitive cases.
• Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation, the mental health system, and the criminal justice system.
• Expertise in clinical/forensic program development and evaluation.
• Proven administrative, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience conducting empirical research and engaging in other scholarly work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to liaise and communicate effectively with stakeholders including with a range of external bodies, agencies and government authorities.
• Ability to design, plan and deliver training and education with an awareness of service and organisational needs.

Qualifications

This is a multidisciplined role and open to Psychologists, Registered Mental Health Nurses, Occupational Therapists and Social Workers. To be eligible you will require the following qualifications:

• Psychologists, registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and possessing a Masters or Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from an APS accredited course or equivalent OR a Doctorate degree in Forensic Psychology from an APS accredited course or equivalent.
• For Social Workers, Occupations Therapists relevant tertiary qualification and registration with AHPRA or membership eligibility to the AASW.
• Psychiatric Nurses, possession of a relevant tertiary qualification including a minimum of Post Graduate Diploma Mental Health Nursing and registration with AHPRA.

For a copy of the detailed position description please click - CFMHS - VFTAC Operations Manager.pdf

* 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