• Part-time, Fixed-Term 12 month contract
• Senior Psychologist (P3) or appropriately experienced P2 psychologist, Court Report Service
• Community Forensic Mental Health Service (CFMHS)

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, conduct research and advance in your profession. Together, we can contribute to a more connected, compassionate mental health and criminal justice system.

Job location

Forensicare is the statutory agency responsible for the provision of adult forensic mental health services across Victoria.

The Senior Psychologist - Court Report Service - is located at the Community Forensic Mental Health Service (CFMHS) in Clifton Hill, 15 minutes from Melbourne’s city centre. CFMHS is a specialist state-wide agency that works with individuals who have a mental health illness and have offended or are at risk of offending.

About the Role

The Senior Psychologist (Court Reports Service) provides a high level of clinical psychological expertise to Forensicare regarding psychological court assessments and is responsible for completing court reports for the Magistrates, County and Supreme courts of Victoria, and for the Adult Parole Board. Provision of assessments will be delivered at various sites across the Victorian prison system (currently occurring via telehealth), and at the Community Forensic Mental Health Service in Clifton Hill (for clients on bail). In addition, the senior psychologist shares responsibility for the supervision and training of other psychologists or students within the service.

Duties

• Completes a high standard of court reports for the Magistrates, County or Supreme courts of Victoria, and to the Adult Parole Board and provides specialist psychological, psychometric and risk assessments.
• Assists in the provision of supervision and mentoring in court report writing for postgraduate psychology students and other psychology staff.
• Participates in and promotes a culture of evidence based practice.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the relevant legislation including the Mental Health Act 2014, the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997, the Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and Supervision) Act 2009, and the Sentencing Act, 1991.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the courts’ practice notes and Expert Witness Code of Conduct.
• Maintain professional and ethical standards consistent with those set out by the Psychologists’ Registration Board of Australia.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing education and professional development through accessing internal and external staff development opportunities.

What you need

• Masters or Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from an APS accredited course or equivalent, OR Doctorate degree in Forensic Psychology from an APS accredited course or equivalent.
• Registered as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Endorsement or eligibility for endorsement by AHPRA, in the areas of clinical psychology and/or forensic psychology.
• At least five years experience as a psychologist.
• Listed as an endorsed supervisor with AHPRA (or eligible for being so listed, or working towards eligibility).
• Clinical/forensic assessment/report writing experience is essential, however, this does not need to be specific to the Courts. Supervision and mentoring will be provided.

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

Successful applicants will be required to provide evidence of COVID-19 Vaccination prior to commencing work at Forensicare.

Current Forensicare employees should apply through eRecruit using an account which is linked to their Forensicare email address. Employees should contact People and Culture if they are unable to access their Forensicare eRecruit account.

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 curiosity, purpose, strong ethics, compassion and fairness; and promotes behaviours that are consistent with these values at all times. Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and offers a smoke free environment.