Please note the Job Description Form (JDF) has been updated. Applications will need to reference the updated JDF. Also, an additional appointment is now available.
Do you want to be a part of a team that promotes and improves the health of its people and community?
We are currently seeking highly skilled and passionate Clinical Nurse Specialists to fill two fixed term full time vacancies with the Child and Adolescent Forensic Service (CAFS).
The first vacancy is a 12-month fixed term opportunity while the substantive occupant is on a period of Parental Leave, with the possibility of extension(s).
The second vacancy is a 12-month fixed term opportunity with the possibility of extension(s) and/or permanency.
What is our Clinical Nurse Specialist role?
The CAFS CNS is a key member of the clinical team, responsible for specialist forensic risk assessment, consultation and liaison, treatment and case management of CAFS consumers and providing guidance and education to partner agencies around management of children and adolescents with forensic mental health needs. You will contribute to triaging of CAFS consumers, conducting duty as well as being a key member of the multidisciplinary team - providing a senior nursing perspective to multidisciplinary clinical decision making and to your caseload. You will bring advanced skills and experience in working with young people with significant risk with mental health and complex needs, with excellent interpersonal skills and experience in interagency working.
CAFS is a newly established statewide specialist community mental health service, aimed at 10–18- year-olds with serious mental health difficulties, who are in contact with the justice system or at risk of serious offending. The CAFS role is to reduce risk and improve outcomes for young people in consultation with other agencies and service providers. The CAFS clinical services are delivered in partnership with a non-government organisation, currently Yirra Dandjoo, provided by Centrecare and Waalitj Foundation, who offer psychosocial and cultural support.
CAFS is part of the State Forensic Mental Health Service (SFMHS) which provides mental health services for individuals with mental illness associated with high-risk behaviours and who are typically involved in the criminal justice system. Our multidisciplinary services are delivered across a variety of settings including inpatient beds, the community, prisons, detention, and courts, in partnership with The Department of Justice, Department of Attorney General and other health providers. CAFS forms part of the SFMHS Child and Adolescent stream which also includes the Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Service within Youth Detention and the Links Children's Court program.
It's an exciting time of expansion within SFMHS with substantial State Government investment in forensic mental health services. Funding of over $185 million has been committed for new adult and child and adolescent forensic mental health units, with further announcements expected. Additional services are also being implemented in relation to the Criminal Law Mental Impairment (CLMI) reform with growth occurring across all service streams. This is a chance to join an expanding specialty team that is passionate, innovative, and committed to clinical excellence - while also fostering a positive, collegial work culture.
You will be a driven and innovative individual whose actions, interactions and partnerships achieve high quality patient care. While your qualifications and experience tell us part of your story, your values and attitude speak louder still. At NMHS, we aim to ensure our behaviours reflect our core values: Care, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork, and Integrity. During the selection process you will be assessed on your ability to fulfil the responsibilities of this position while upholding our values. For more information on working in Western Australia and within the State Forensic Mental Health Service within NMHS, you can visit these websites:
North Metropolitan Health Service - Seeking experienced forensic mental health professionals needed in Western Australia
North Metropolitan Health Service - State Forensics Mental Health Services
What We Offer
NMHS supports flexible working practices and consideration will be given to flexible work options, where operationally appropriate. In addition to the great salary, our employees enjoy an amazing range of benefits (North Metropolitan Health Service - Pay and Benefits) including:
Generous salary packaging to increase take-home pay.
Professional and career development opportunities.
Diverse and inclusive culture.
Want to know more about this role?
We encourage you to contact Kym Gibson, CAFS Team Leader, on to discuss how this role aligns with your personal and career interests.
Area profile
NMHS contains Western Australia's largest Mental Health Service caring for youths, adults, and older adults. Services are delivered through inpatient units, community mental health clinics and day therapy and outreach programs to a catchment area of almost 1 million people. State-wide and Tertiary Mental Health Services include research, forensics, neurosciences, art therapy, eating disorders and other specialised services.
We think you'll like it here
Our employees like working here, and we think you will too. Watch this video to find out what they have to say.
Ready to join our team?
Applicants are required to apply online at so allow enough time to complete the online application process and attach your documentation. If you experience difficulties, please contact Employee Services on for immediate assistance during business hours.
The Job Description Form (JDF) is attached for reference. Your application should include:
A statement addressing essential selection criteria 2-7 (as outlined in the JDF), including examples that demonstrate your knowledge, experience, and skills.
A detailed Resume or Curriculum Vitae, which sets out your qualifications, capabilities, and experience relevant to this position.
References - the names and contact details of two (2) referees. It is preferable for one of your referees to have been a recent supervisor.
Applicants must ensure their nominated referees are available to provide references when requested, as failure to do so may result in them being deemed unsuitable.
Eligibility to Apply: Australian citizenship or permanent residency is an essential requirement for applicants to be considered for permanent positions in the public sector. To be eligible for a fixed term appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period of the contract.
WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake a criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. As well as undertaking a criminal record screening and integrity checking, you may also be required to undertake a working with children check (if required for the role) and a pre-employment health assessment. We may ask referees to comment on your integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour. Please note that adverse information does not necessarily disqualify an applicant but will be considered as part of the appointment process.
Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, it may also be used to fill other "similar" vacancies throughout the health service. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised vacancy, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from when the authorised delegate endorses the recruitment decision.
North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) fosters an environment of equity and inclusion and strives to ensure everyone experiences a sense of belonging. We celebrate the rich diversity of our community and are committed to recruiting a team that is reflective of those we care for. We encourage anyone who aligns with our values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation and Care to apply for this role.
NMHS is committed to growing the Aboriginal workforce as a part of our Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Strategy. As a measure to achieve equality, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies to this position.
This vacancy is subject to a Western Australian Working With Children (WWC) Check. For further information please refer to the WWC website at:
NMHS upholds the social model of disability. We welcome applicants who have disability and endeavour to support reasonable workplace adjustments and flexibility. If you have any access needs or require adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the NMHS Talent Attraction Group (TAG) at email
Lodgement is system generated. Any submissions after or on, 4:00pm on the closing date will not be accepted.
We look forward to receiving your application.
This document can be made available in alternative formats on request.
North Metropolitan Health Service 2025