• Part-time, Fixed-Term (12 months, with the possibility of an extension)
• Psychologist Grade 3
• Based at Melbourne Assessment Prison (Acute Assessment Unit), Spencer Street Melbourne
• Great salary packaging conditions and leave entitlements

Forensicare (the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health) is the leading provider of forensic mental health services across Victoria. We deliver 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.

Melbourne Assessment Prison

Forensicare provides a detailed reception mental health screening assessment for every prisoner received into custody at the Melbourne Assessment Prison (MAP) in Spencer Street West Melbourne; outpatient clinics to mentally ill prisoners within the prison; a 16 bed Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) which provides initial assessment and treatment to seriously mentally ill prisoners; an after- hours mental health crisis intervention service and consultancy and training services for prison and service staff on the treatment and management of male prisoners with mental health issues.

About the role:

The Senior Psychologist provides a high level of clinical psychological expertise to Forensicare’s Psychology Service at the MAP/AAU. As a member of the multi-disciplinary team, the Senior Psychologist provides consultation and advice on complex clinical matters; liaison and support with MAP psychologists and psychologists at Thomas Embling Hospital (TEH) concerning MAP/AAU clients; provides professional leadership within the organisation; liaises with other agencies and key stakeholders; and, contributes to special projects, committees and working parties within the organisation as required.

Duties:

• Provides specialist psychological assessments and reports where necessary.
• Provides individual and/or group interventions as appropriate.
• Contributes to patient risk management plans together with the multidisciplinary team.
• Consults and liaises with psychologists from Corrections Victoria and Forensicare concerning patients from the MAP/AAU and those being treated in outpatients.
• Provides discipline-specific contributions to clinical practice and program development.

Skills and experience:

• At least five years’ clinical experience in a mental health facility, correctional service, or a forensic mental health service.
• Listed as a registered supervisor (or eligible for being so listed) with AHPRA.
• Expertise in clinical and/or forensic mental health practice (assessment and treatment) with a forensic population.

Mandatory qualifications & registrations:

• 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.
• Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulations Agency (AHPRA)
• The successful candidate will be required to register their qualifications on eCredential
• Demonstrated ability to provide supervision and support to staff and students.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a complex organisational environment.

This position is subject to a Police Check.

Benefits:

We value our staff and provide a range of employee benefits including:

• Great salary packaging conditions & leave entitlements
• Bonus payment for relevant postgrad qualifications
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Comprehensive Health and Wellbeing Programs.

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 the following values: responsiveness, integrity, impartiality, accountability, respect and leadership; and promotes behaviours that are consistent with these values at all times. Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and offers a smoke free environment.