Forensic Clinical Specialist
- Location: Sunshine Hospital
- Employment Type: Fixed Term, Full-Time (6 months), 40 hours per week, from April 2026 to October 2026.
- Salary: Grade 4 Allied Health/Grade 5 RPN + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
About the Role:
The Western Health Mental Health and Wellbeing Services are situated in a growth corridor where continuous development, service expansion and innovative new programs are on the rise. The Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing spans across multiple Western Health sites including Sunshine, Footscray, Melton and Sunbury with growth expected throughout the full scope of Western Health’s reach.
Our recovery-oriented approach to care is provided by a multidisciplinary workforce comprising skilled clinicians, consumers and carers. These services include hospital based, community and specialist mental health and wellbeing services for adults, older adults, children and adolescents who are experiencing, or are at risk of developing a serious mental illness.
The Forensic Clinical Specialist role builds the specialist capability of the clinical adult mental health workforce to assess, treat and support people with severe mental illness who are high-risk, violent or aggressive and have a forensic/criminal history, as part of core 'business-as-usual’ service provision.
The position holds a key role in inter-service liaison between Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, court corrections, prison and Forensicare services.
The position supports the maintenance and continued development of optimal clinical pathways and enhanced relationships between services, including the provision of advice in relation to referral and assessment pathways, effective treatment, compliance with legislation and risk management.
We expect all our team members to lead with kindness, role modelling open communication and a desire to support and enhance clinical care across the division.
About You:
- Extensive experience working in public mental health settings.
- Advanced risk and mental state assessment and report writing skills.
- Experience working in forensic services or with people who have a complex mental illness and psychosocial needs.
- Highly developed communication skills – both with peers and stakeholder services.
- Highly developed organisational skills with an ability to manage your own time prioritising tasks and meeting all role responsibilities.
About Western Health
Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person-centred care across every life stage.
We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include oncology, renal, mental health, women’s health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology.
We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia’s most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges.
Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women’s prison located in Ravenhall.
Why join us?
Compensation and benefits
- Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards.
- Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements.
- Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey.
Learning and development opportunities
- Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalised learning pathways.
- Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education.
- Mentorship and career support.
Community impact and inclusion
- Make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives through compassionate care.
- Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion.
- Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research.
Organisational culture and environment
- Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment.
- Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.
Ready to make an impact?
Simply click on the “apply” button and follow the prompts.
If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.
Closing date: 11:59pm on 18 February 2026.
Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Lindsay Vernon via Lindsay.Vernon@wh.org.au.
Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.
All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).
Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.