Forensic Medical Officer

Location: Southbank, Dandenong, and Werribee with travel to sites across metropolitan Melbourne.Advancing Clinical Forensic Medicine: Join the VIFM's Vision for an Enhanced Victim-Centric ModelSeeking an exciting and impactful career change?
Join the Clinical Forensic Medicine service at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine – where medical expertise, compassion and justice intersect.Fixed Term – Full time / Part timeJoin the experts in forensic medicine at Australia's most comprehensive and renowned forensic service.Make a positive difference to victim-survivors of crime.Work in a dynamic environment.Well supported training with the potential to commence on the clinical forensic medicine specialist training pathway.Become part of a team embarking on a journey to achieve excellence in service delivery, culture, and improvement.About VIFMAs an institution focused on forensic medicine, we serve the community and the courts.
Our statutory responsibilities are to provide independent forensic medical and scientific expertise to the justice system, tissue for transplantation, and to both teach and undertake research that will benefit the community. The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) provides the justice system with the crucial evidence that underpins safe convictions and appropriate acquittals.
Our forensic pathologists and scientists investigate deaths reported to the coroner, while our clinical forensic doctors and nurses assess offenders and victim-survivors of crime.The Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria (DTBV) supports patients and their families by providing safe tissues to medical specialists and Victorian hospitals for transplantation and medical research.Our medical and scientific staff members undertake research that directly contributes to public health and safety and the just working of our legal system.
By contributing to the professional development and education of our forensic practitioners and scientists, we ensure a high standard of forensic medical services for Victoria and provide critical support for our healthcare and justice systems.Join us to lead, inspire, and shape the future of forensic medicine in a culture that values creativity, embraces new ideas, and fosters inclusivity and collaboration.VIFM's new Clinical Forensic Medicine modelThe Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) is pioneering a transformative model to enhance how victims of sexual assault receive care and support.
This innovative approach focuses on accessibility, victim-survivor centricity, and sustainability.Key Features of the New Model:Victim-Centric Care:24/7 availability of forensic medical examinations (FMEs) across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.Victims can choose the gender of their clinician to ensure comfort and respect during examinations.Rapid response times: within two hours in metropolitan Melbourne and four hours in select regional areas.Accessibility:Establishment of three Multidisciplinary Centres in Central, Eastern, and Western Melbourne, in addition to five Crisis Care Units (CCUs) collocated with hospitals.Expansion of services to Geelong, reflecting strategic growth and increased regional demand.Comprehensive coverage across Victoria, ensuring equity in service provision from urban centres to regional areas.Working with Experts:Work with a multidisciplinary team of experts led by Senior Physicians and supported by Forensic Medical Officers, rotating Registrars, and Forensic Nurse Examiners.A diverse and skilled team prepared to meet the unique needs of assault victims, including forensic examinations, Fitness for Interview assessments, and provision of Expert Opinions in court.A Real Opportunity to Make a DifferenceJoin us in this progressive shift in clinical forensic medicine.
Be part of a team that respects the dignity of victim-survivors, pushes the envelope on medical excellence, and sets a new benchmark for care and justice outcomes.
VIFM's new model promises better care, greater accessibility, and enhanced justice for victim-survivors.What we offerWorking at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) will give you rewarding experiences and the opportunity to do extraordinary work.
You will enjoy:Generous base remuneration package.A supportive and inclusive environment within diverse and dynamic teams.Career development plans and ongoing training opportunities, including the Clinical Forensic Medicine training pathway and fellowship.Health and wellness initiatives to support your psychological and physical well-being.Myki Metro and VLine passes – 40 days of free travel to staff who purchase an annual Myki pass.Novated lease options.LSL/Annual Leave/Parental Leave.You will have the opportunity to advance your career as a Clinical Forensic Medicine (CFM) specialist by pursuing the Fellowship of the Faculty of Clinical Forensic Medicine (FFCFM), administered by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).
The VIFM has a limited number of accredited training positions which are by appointment.Contact us to learn more about how you can become part of this dynamic and impactful field.Working at VIFM is more than just a job; it's personal.
We are dedicated to making a difference and believe in the strength of our diverse team and vibrant culture.
Our commitment extends to our people, patients, partnerships, and community, operating responsibly and ethically.About the RoleAre you passionate about providing high-quality medical services in a dynamic and multidisciplinary team?Join our passionate and dedicated Clinical Forensic Medicine team as a Forensic Medical Officer (FMO) at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM), you will regularly travel to various locations in metropolitan Melbourne to deliver critical forensic services to alleged victim survivors of crime and alleged perpetrators.
This role involves working closely with a team of dedicated CFM FMOs, CFM Physicians, Forensic Nurse Examiners, legal professionals, and law enforcement agencies to ensure comprehensive and compassionate care.You will be at the forefront of care and empowerment for victim-survivors of sexual and physical violence, working alongside police, counsellors, and support services.Key responsibilitiesConduct forensic medical examinations of adult victim survivors or alleged perpetrators of either physical and sexual assault.Assess police detainees on their fitness for interview.Collect biological specimens for forensic purposes, including under the Road Safety Act.Provide medical advice and post-assault care, including medication administration.Prepare and contribute to expert forensic opinions under supervision, including providing evidence in Court.Participate in a 24/7 mobile forensic medical service roster, including on-call duties.About YouYou are a compassionate and dedicated medical professional and you thrive in collaborative environments, committed to delivering justice through high-quality care.
Your empathetic approach ensures compassionate service to victim survivors of crime, while your analytical skills contribute to accurate forensic assessments.
At the VIFM, we value integrity, respect, openness, and innovation in all our services, and you embody these values both professionally and personally.Key Qualifications and AttributesMBBS or equivalentA minimum of 3 years post-graduate experience, ideally including emergency medicine, primary care, and sexual health care.Ability to provide forensic medical services with an understanding of the associated legal complexities.Understanding of the legal, medical, and social complexities of forensic medical services.Proven ability to work cooperatively in a multidisciplinary team environment.Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate complex medical concepts clearly.Commitment to professional development and ongoing learning.Role RequirementsGeneral or Specialist registration from AHPRA.Hold a valid Victorian Driver licence (or ability to obtain).Work at multiple locations.Participate in a 24/7 roster, including morning, evening, and overnight shifts.Completion of a satisfactory criminal history check.Hold a valid employee Victorian Working with Children Check card (or ability to obtain).Provide current immunisation status clearance.Access to a vehicle for the purposes of the role is desirable, but not essential.Our Recruitment ProcessThe successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include reference checks, national police checks and misconduct screening.
Dependent on the role, other checks may include VicRoads checks, driver's license checks, medical checks, Working with Children Checks, and Declaration of Private Interests (for executive and responsible officer roles).If you feel comfortable, please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or require an alternative format to any of the application material upon application, so we can make any adjustments required to support you throughout our recruitment process.Applications will be assessed as received.
Expressions of interest close on Sunday, 10 November 2024