• Multiple casual positions available
• Extensive investment in facilities and people supporting our significant service expansion
• 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:

Multiple casual positions available working with the Clinical Support Team. The Clinical Support Team at Thomas Embling Hospital is designed to reduce the impact and frequency of Occupational Violence and Aggression (OVA) by providing early intervention, de-escalation and supporting staff in managing consumers with complex challenging behaviors. The team will also be available to provide broader therapeutic support to consumers while not responding to incidents under the guidance of the treating team. The Clinical Support Team staff are required to work collaboratively with consumers and unit staff in providing a safe environment in managing aggression demonstrated by partnerships and negotiation in decision making. The Clinical Support Team role is a mobile support team that will be allocated to units within T.E.H as required.

The provision of defusing, de-escalation and least restrictive techniques will remain at the forefront of patient engagement. The presence of this team is designed to give assurance to staff and patients that where those measures are unsuccessful, a safe, swift, and effective control maybe applied to violent and aggressive events.

Duties:

• Work under the supervision of the RPN3 in the prevention, early intervention and management of occupational violence aggression within the service

• Respond to critical incidences within T.E.H and support seclusion reviews

• Assist staff, visitors, consumers who may be confronted by a hostile or aggressive situation under the direction of the RPN3

• Apply approved physical interventions only under the supervision of the RPN3

• Contribute to relational security, risk assessments, and management planning by identifying and reporting issues to RPN3

• Assist with daily unit activities/therapeutic programs with consumers under guidance of clinical staff

• Maintain a safe physical environment, participate in security checks and other delegated activities

• Complete daily environmental checks of the unit and document

• Carry out regular checks/testing of unit duress alarms systems, two way radios and other security maintenance devices

About You:

• Certificate III in Security Operations; or Certificate III in Correctional Practice

• Demonstrated physical and mental capability and capacity to manage and prevent occupational violence and aggression by passing a selection clinic including an annual competency based assessment in de-escalation and physical restraint techniques

• Demonstrated commitment to mental health consumer recovery

• Demonstrated understanding or experience in building positive relationships with consumers

• Demonstrated understanding of mental health issues and ability to work within both an acute and rehabilitation mental health setting

• Commitment to interact with consumers and facilitate unit therapeutic programs and activities.

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.

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