Advancing Clinical Forensic Medicine: Join the VIFM's Vision for an Enhanced Victim-Centric Model

Seeking 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 time

Salary $165k - $214k (excluding Super)

• Join 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 VIFM

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) provides world-leading independent forensic medical and scientific expertise to the justice system, tissue for transplantation, and conducts teaching and research in forensic medicine and science.

We provide the justice system with the crucial evidence that underpins safe convictions and appropriate acquittals. Our doctors and scientists investigate deaths reported to the coroner, examine alleged offenders and medically assess and support victims of crime.

The Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria supports patients and their families by providing safe tissues to medical specialists and Victorian hospitals for transplantation and medical research, benefitting many patients every year.

Our medical and scientific staff members undertake research that benefits public health and safety, and the functioning of our legal system.

The Institute is based in Southbank in Melbourne's CBD, just a short 10-minute walk from Flinders Street railway station. We offer fulfilling careers and have a diverse range of roles – including forensic pathology, clinical forensic medicine, forensic scientists, nursing, medico-legal case work, technicians, and corporate support services.

VIFM's Clinical Forensic Medicine model

The 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.

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 Difference

Join 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.

About the Role

Are 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.

• Conduct 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 You

You 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 Attributes

• MBBS or equivalent
• A 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 Requirements

• General 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.

What we offer

Working at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) will give you rewarding experiences and the opportunity to do extraordinary work.

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 and community, operating responsibly and ethically.

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.

Our Recruitment Process

The 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, drivers 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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.