Mental Health Clinician

Victorian Fixated Threat Assessment Centre - Mental Health Clinician
Grade: RPN4
Location: Based at Victoria Police Command Complex, Spencer St, Melbourne.
(May be required to work at other sites from time to time)
Full-time secondment from 19th October to 30th April 2027
$124,914 - $134,523 + Super + Benefits
VICTORIAN FIXATED THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTRE (VFTAC)
The Victorian Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (VFTAC) is a state-wide service jointly staffed by a team of senior forensic mental health clinicians, and senior police officers. VFTAC deals specifically with fixated individuals and grievance fuelled lone actors who pose threats, many of whom have a major mental illness or current mental health needs. The primary purpose of the service is to assess individuals of concern using combined intelligence holdings, and develop management plans which may involve engaging or re-engaging the individual with mental health services. Through intervention with identified risk factors including treatment of mental illness, potential risks towards the community are reduced. A Memorandum of Understanding between Forensicare and Victoria Police facilitates appropriate exchange of information. The VFTAC model is proactive, preventative, and targeted towards early intervention.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Senior Clinician, Victorian Fixated Threat Assessment Centre is responsible for delivering specialist mental health services that in collaboration with Victoria Police seek to improve client and community outcomes in relation to fixated and grievance fuelled individuals who pose threats.
KEY RESPONSBILITIES
• Collect mental health information on cases referred from established databases and other available sources, and exchange relevant information with VFTAC police according to information management procedures.
• In conjunction with VFTAC police undertake structured risk assessments using standardised tools, and for cases displaying elevated concern collaboratively develop with police further assessment and intervention plans.
• Undertake telephone and direct mental health assessments as required for the purposes of determining risk issues and appropriate interventions to assist those with major mental health needs.
• Following assessment, and where indicated, formulate with police intervention and mental health linkage strategies.
• Enter initial and updated case information into the Victorian public mental health database, as well as other data systems as required, and assist in managing case and service activity data.
• In conjunction with other VFTAC staff, ensure all open cases are followed up including those in hospital or incarcerated, with case information fed back to other VFTAC team members, and used in refining and updating risk and intervention decisions.
• Liaise daily with the Operations Manager and Consultant Psychiatrist in relation to new cases and progress and issues arising in relation to existing open cases.
• Present cases at the weekly VFTAC case review meeting attended by all mental health and police service staff.
• Provide support to VFTAC operations in relation to major events, which may involve weekend and out of hours work.
• Deliver training including for mental health services, police and referrers.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
• Demonstrated commitment to mental health consumer recovery.
• Psychiatric Nurses, possession of a relevant tertiary qualification and registration with AHPRA or membership of the AASW.
• Australian Citizen.
• At least five years of experience in providing clinical services in forensic mental health.
• 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.
• Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation, the mental health system, and the criminal justice
system.
To view the full position description, please view here
Please note, applications will be reviewed and accessed as received. Advertising may close earlier than indicated.
For more information, please contact Vicki Pino via vicki.pino@forensicare.vic.gov.au
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 backgrounds. Forensicare promotes our guiding principles of RESPONSIVENESS, INTEGRITY, IMPARTIALITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP, HUMAN RIGHTS; and promotes behaviours that are consistent with these values at all times. Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and offers a smoke free environment.