Forensic Medical Officer

Why This Role Matters
The Forensic Medical Officer (FMO) plays a critical role at the intersection of healthcare and justice. This position directly supports victim-survivors of crime by delivering compassionate, high-quality forensic medical care while ensuring the integrity of medico-legal evidence. By contributing to accurate forensic assessments, court-ready documentation, and expert testimony, FMOs help underpin safe convictions and appropriate acquittals. This role is essential in advancing Victoria’s victim-centric forensic medicine model and strengthening public trust in the justice system.

Job Description
The Forensic Medical Officer provides clinical forensic services across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria as part of a 24/7 mobile forensic medical service. The role involves conducting forensic medical examinations for victim-survivors and alleged perpetrators, assessing police detainees for fitness for interview, collecting biological specimens, administering post-assault medical care, and preparing medico-legal documentation. The FMO collaborates with forensic physicians, nurse examiners, police, legal professionals, and support services to ensure coordinated and trauma-informed care.

Key Features of the Role:
• Fixed-term full-time or part-time opportunity
• Salary range $165,000 – $214,000 (excluding superannuation)
• Participation in 24/7 forensic medical service roster
• Travel across metropolitan and regional Victoria
• Opportunity to commence clinical forensic medicine specialist training pathway
• Work within Australia’s leading forensic medicine service
• Exposure to court proceedings and expert opinion development
• Strong multidisciplinary team support
• Victim-survivor centric service delivery model

Responsibilities
• Conduct forensic medical examinations for adult victim-survivors of sexual and physical assault
• Examine alleged perpetrators when required
• Assess police detainees for fitness for interview
• Collect biological specimens under relevant legislation including the Road Safety Act
• Provide post-assault medical care including medication administration
• Prepare medico-legal reports and contribute to expert forensic opinions
• Provide court evidence when required
• Participate in on-call and rostered shifts including overnight duties
• Work collaboratively with police, counsellors, legal professionals and healthcare teams
• Maintain compliance with clinical, ethical and legal standards

Required Qualifications
• MBBS or equivalent medical degree
• General or Specialist registration with AHPRA
• Minimum 3 years post-graduate clinical experience
• Valid Victorian Driver Licence (or ability to obtain)
• Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain)
• Satisfactory criminal history check
• Current immunisation clearance

Educational Requirements:
• Recognised medical degree (MBBS or equivalent)
• Eligibility for AHPRA registration
• Ongoing professional development commitment

Experience and Skills:
• Experience in emergency medicine, primary care or sexual health desirable
• Understanding of forensic medical and legal complexities
• Ability to prepare medico-legal documentation
• Strong analytical and clinical assessment skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care
• Capacity to work within a multidisciplinary team
• Flexibility to work across multiple locations and shifts

Age Eligibility:
No specific age requirement stated. Applicants must meet AHPRA registration and experience criteria.

Salary Insights
Salary ranges from $165,000 to $214,000 per annum (excluding superannuation). Additional benefits include specialist training pathway opportunities, multidisciplinary support, and professional development within a nationally recognised forensic institution.

Company Overview
The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) is Australia’s most comprehensive forensic medicine service, providing independent forensic medical and scientific expertise to the justice system. Based in Southbank, Melbourne, VIFM investigates deaths reported to the coroner, conducts forensic examinations, supports tissue transplantation services, and undertakes research in forensic medicine and science. The Institute is committed to victim-centric care, innovation, inclusivity, and maintaining the highest standards of medico-legal practice.

FAQs
• Is this a permanent role?
No, this is a fixed-term contract position
• Is specialist registration mandatory?
General or Specialist AHPRA registration is required
• Is shift work required?
Yes, participation in a 24/7 roster including overnight shifts
• Will travel be required?
Yes, across metropolitan and regional Victoria
• Is court attendance required?
Yes, providing expert evidence may be part of the role

Application Tips
• Clearly state AHPRA registration status and years of post-graduate experience
• Highlight experience in emergency, primary care or sexual health settings
• Demonstrate understanding of medico-legal responsibilities
• Emphasise trauma-informed and victim-centered care experience
• Showcase teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration skills
• Ensure all compliance documents (licence, immunisation, checks) are ready
• Apply early as recruitment includes comprehensive pre-employment screening