Forensic Clinical Specialist - Mental Health

• Full Time Fixed Term until - 28 Feb 2027 (80 hours per fortnight)
• Located in Frankston, Victoria
• Classification: Forensic Clinical Specialist - RPN Grade 5 or Allied Health Equivalent plus super
  
  
  

Bayside Health is a public health service delivering high-quality care across every stage of life for close to 1.2 million people living in metropolitan Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Koo Wee Rup, Bass Coast and Southern Gippsland.

We have more than 15 main sites, including hospitals, centres and clinics that provide comprehensive care from welcoming newborns to supporting older people and a full range of services in between.

More than 22,000 dedicated staff are focussed on providing exceptional, equitable, and locally connected care through shared expertise, compassion, and a commitment to continuous growth. Education and training are central to staff development as we encourage all employees to strive and thrive.

Bayside Health was formed following the merger of Alfred Health, Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service, Kooweerup Regional Health Service and Peninsula Health on 1 January 2026.

The Team & Role

The Forensic Clinical Specialist will build the capacity of the workforce across both clinical and Mental Health Community Support Services (MHCSS) in Peninsula Health Mental Health Services (PHMHS) catchment who work with complex clients with a comorbid mental health problem and a forensic history, and/or at risk of offending or reoffending with early intervention work paramount to the role. The Forensic Clinical Specialist for PHMHS is part of a state-wide program, coordinated by Forensicare and the position will be supported in partnership by PHMHS and Forensicare.

• Provide expert assessment and specialist advice for clients presenting with forensic mental health issues and problem behaviours
• Contribute to strategic planning and the development of models of care that will enhance PHMHS capacity to coordinate care for clients with forensic mental health issues
• Deliver consultation services to the clinical teams and the MHCSS within the catchment providing expert input to the management of clients in community settings
• Contribute to the development and facilitation of education & training for staff across PHMHS to enhance capacity to manage the clients presenting with behaviour and forensic mental health problems
• Build strong partnerships with key stakeholders across PHMHS and the criminal justice system (police, courts, prison services, Forensicare) to support the continuity of care for clients
• Lead and contribute to service development initiatives across PHMHS that enhances the effective treatment and management of clients with forensic mental health issues or clients at risk of offending
Manage and coordinate the PHMHS portfolios of SECU Liaison and the High Risk Complex Client Panel.

Please click here to see the position description.

Skills & Experience Required

• Registered Nurse, Social Worker, OT or Clinical Psychologist with relevant registration
• RPN ONLY: Post graduate qualification in Mental Health or specialist undergraduate Mental Health program
• Demonstrated management and leadership experience
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the mental health field including acute inpatient services and/or community mental health care
• Communicates well with and relates to clients from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and ability to work within a multidisciplinary framework
• Training in the provision of clinical supervision
• Thorough knowledge of the legal framework for the provision of mental health care and other relevant legislation including the Mental Health Act 2014, Serious Offenders Act 2018 and Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to Be Tried) Act 1997
• Experience working in the forensic mental health field or with forensic consumers is desirable, but not essential
• Current Victorian Driver’s License
Victorian Employee Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain

Benefits

• Step into state-of-the-art facilities
• Take advantage of low-cost onsite parking
• Boost your take-home pay with generous salary packaging & novated leasing
• Unlock exclusive discounts at top retailers and dining spots
• Stay fit with access to premium gyms via Fitness Passport
• Feel supported with our holistic Employee Assistance Program
• Grow your skills through top-tier education and training partners
Join a vibrant, collaborative team led by passionate leaders

Next Steps

For role specific information, please contact Allan Carlow via email acarlow@phcn.vic.gvo.au or Kate Woolaston via email: kwoolaston@phcn.vic.gov.au

If you experience any issues signing in or registering, please feel welcome to contact mkennedy@phcn.vic.gov.au

The role ceases advertising on 12 April 2026: Please note that applications will be considered upon receipt and that this job posting may close early if a sufficient number of applications are received, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Thank you for your interest in this role. Bayside Health (Peninsula Health Care Group) is regularly advertising positions across the health service so please take the time to review other relevant opportunities by going to https://www.peninsulahealth.org.au/careers/

Additional Information

Bayside Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We encourage applications from individuals from all cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We also provide a safe and supportive workplace for people with all abilities.

To find out more about our recruitment processes, compliance obligations and to prepare your application to join our team please visit: https://www.peninsulahealth.org.au/careers/working-preparing-employment/

• Please refer to Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement 2025 – 2028 salary circular for salary range. Sub-grading will be based on years of experience. For further information on salary range classifications and grading please refer to the following page: https://www.peninsulahealth.org.au/careers/working-with-us/salary-rates/

It is strongly recommended that individuals in this role remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Join Bayside Health and help us to deliver healthy lives for everyone, through sustainable, innovative, compassionate care.