Job Description

Forensic Clinical Specialist Program - Program Manager

Grade: Management and Administration HS9 - $157k + super + benefits

Location: Based at Community Forensic Mental Health Service, Clifton Hill | May be required to work at other sites from time to time

FORENSICARE:

Forensicare (Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health) is Victoria’s specialist provider of forensic mental health services. We deliver recovery-focused programs that support consumers living with serious mental illness or problematic behaviours who are connected to, or at risk of contact with, the justice system, across a variety of settings including community-based services, inpatient units, and secure environments throughout Victoria.

About the role

Join Forensicare in a senior leadership role where you will influence forensic mental health practice across Victoria, build sector capability, and deliver meaningful system-wide change. As Program Manager you will:

• Build forensic mental health capability across Victoria through education, consultation, and workforce development of the Forensic Clinical Specialists
• Foster strong partnerships with mental health, health, and justice sector stakeholders.
• Lead the Forensic Clinical Specialist Program (FCSP) and influence best practice across services.
• Drive innovation, quality improvement, and measurable outcomes that enhance consumer care

About you

You are a strategic and collaborative leader with significant forensic mental health experience and a passion for achieving meaningful outcomes.

• Extensive leadership experience in forensic mental health, mental health, or a related service setting.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence across complex systems.
• Expertise in workforce development, education, and capability-building initiatives.
• Strategic thinking combined with a passion for service improvement and innovation.

What You Will Do

• Lead and oversee the delivery of a high-profile statewide program.
• Develop and implement initiatives that strengthen forensic mental health practice.
• Provide specialist advice and consultation to internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor program performance, evaluate outcomes, and drive continuous improvement.
• Champion collaboration, knowledge sharing, and best-practice approaches across Victoria.

What you will need

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or a related discipline.
• Current professional registration and/or membership with the relevant professional body.
• Significant experience in forensic mental health, mental health, or related human services settings.
• Proven leadership experience in program management, workforce development, or service improvement.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to work across complex service systems.

To view the full position description, please view here

Contact Emma Cartwright – Director, Service Innovation and Integration, Community Operations - email:Emma.Cartwright@forensicare.vic.gov.au

Please note, applications will be reviewed and accessed as received. Advertising may close earlier than indicated.

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.