Employment Type - Permanent Full Time
Hours per fortnight - 80
Job Category - Other Professionals - Drug and Alcohol
Req Id
* Build your career with Victoria's largest regional health service
* Join a supportive, high-performing team making a real community impact
* Based in Geelong, supporting statewide forensic mental health practice
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Forensic Clinical Specialist to join our Statewide Forensic Clinical Specialist (FCS) Program within Mental Health, Drugs & Alcohol Services (MHDAS).
This senior clinical role is designed to strengthen forensic mental health capability across our service. The position provides expert advice, consultation and education to clinicians working with consumers who present with co-occurring mental health needs, offending histories and high-risk behaviours.
The role works across community and inpatient settings to enhance structured risk assessment and management practices, improve clinical governance, and strengthen coordinated pathways between mental health and justice services. You will play a key leadership role in supporting safe transitions of care, particularly during discharge, transfer and release planning.
Working in partnership with agencies including police, Courts, Corrections, prisons and Forensicare, this position influences practice at both an individual case and systems level. It offers the opportunity to shape contemporary forensic mental health practice within a large and complex public health service.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide expert forensic consultation and leadership in structured risk assessment, management planning and complex case review.
* Strengthen workforce capability through education, supervision and professional development in forensic mental health practice.
* Improve coordination and transfer of care pathways between mental health and justice services for high-risk consumers.
* Lead and contribute to service development, governance and quality improvement initiatives supporting enhanced forensic outcomes.
What We Are Looking For:
* Significant clinical experience in forensic mental health assessment and risk management within complex service environments.
* Demonstrated expertise in structured professional judgement tools (e.g. HCR-20, START, LS/CMI, PCL-R, Static-99 or equivalent).
* Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and experience supporting consumers subject to forensic or court-related orders.
* Proven ability to influence, consult and build collaborative partnerships across multidisciplinary and cross-sector services.
Position Description
Please note Barwon Health will only contact you via our official email and never use unconventional means, such as text messaging or other services.
Barwon Health staff benefits
* Excellent working conditions and a strong sense of job satisfaction
* A vibrant staff wellbeing program and access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
* Extensive professional development opportunities
* Attractive salary packaging benefits
o Living expenses capped at $9,010
o Meals and entertainment capped at $2,650
For more information about working at Barwon Health, please click Here
Diversity and Inclusion
Barwon Health is an inclusive and welcoming employer, committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We value and celebrate people of all genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, faiths, abilities, family structures, and identities, and encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community.
Child Safety
We are strongly committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Click here for further information on the Victorian Government's Child Safe Standards: About Child Safe Standards | Victorian Government )
Additional information
If you need adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at
All appointments are subject to:
* Satisfactory Police Record Check
* Immunisation Status Clearance
* Working with Children Check (if applicable)
To apply, you will need a resume and a tailored cover letter outlining your skills, experience, and suitability for the position in line with the requirements of the position description. Please note: We do not accept resumes via email.
Contact person: Lily Rodriguez | Statewide Programs Manager | MHDAS
Email:
Application closing date: Friday 27, February 2026
Internal applicants:
If you are currently employed at Barwon Health, please ensure you sign in via the Employee Login on the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page through the intranet before applying.
Shortlisting may commence prior to the closing date - early applications are encouraged.