About forensic disability services work
Forensic Disability Services supports people with cognitive disability and who are involved in the criminal justice system. We work with people who need access to specialist forensic support and treatment, or require additional supports so they can benefit from mainstream forensic services.
People with a cognitive disability are more likely to experience disadvantages, challenges and vulnerabilities. This can lead to their repeated contact with the criminal justice system. Forensic Disability Services assist these individuals.
Forensic Disability Services provides an alternative pathway for people which allows them to receive specialist forensic disability support and potentially divert them from further involvement with the criminal justice system.
Every member of our team plays an important role across our services. This allows us to best support people who need our services throughout their entire interaction with the criminal justice system and in the community.
We also work closely with the National Disability Insurance Agency, so people with disability and their families receive the supports they are entitled to.
Working with Forensic Disability Services means:
- a choice of full-time, part-time and casual positions, all with a competitive salary
- training is provided throughout employment to help you continue to grow in your role and expand your career pathway
- significant opportunities for career progression into management, case work or clinical roles
- employee wellbeing and support programs available to all employees.
Who we’re looking for
If you’re searching for a career that allows you to change people's lives for the better, there are job opportunities for you.
We're looking for employees who are:
- committed to delivering high quality outcomes for clients
- passionate about making a difference
- well organised and good communicators
- honest and have integrity.
Working with Forensic Disability Services can give you a sense of purpose. You can help make a real impact by supporting people with disability and keeping the community safe.
Apply now
If you're looking for a change, are interested in a role that is never the same on any given day and provides challenges and opportunities for training and growth, apply now via the Careers in the Victorian government public sector website.
About our services and the roles on offer
Find out more about the wide range of roles and career opportunities available across Forensic Disability Services.
There's a role for you
The following videos offer more information on the roles available, with insights from employees within the different program areas.
Forensic Disability State-wide Access Service
Forensic Disability State-wide Access Service (FDSAS) operates as a triage and intake entry point for referrals into our forensic disability treatment and supports. The service assesses clients for eligibility for services and provides initial advice on forensic disability supports, including through a disability prison services coordinator who assists staff within prison in identifying options for supports for people with a cognitive disability.
Roles available include:
- Advanced Practitioner
- Senior Practitioner
- Disability Prison Services Coordinator
- Psychologist
- Management roles.
About the Forensic Disability Services video
In this video, the Director Forensic Disability Services describes the role of forensic disability services in supporting clients as well as common reasons for clients offending. The staff describe the key skills needed for people working in this field and mention some of the challenges of working with people with a disability who have offended. They also refer to the diverse background of people who work in the service, and the qualities that help them in the role and in understanding how to best assist clients.
Forensic Residential Services
Forensic Residential Services (FRS) is a network of secure and non-secure state-wide houses and units that provide accommodation for a person with forensic disability treatment and support needs, who will also benefit living in a supported environment. These services integrate supports for daily living skills building and positive behaviour provided through a multidisciplinary team. These services aim to provide a therapeutic environment, to support the achievement of beneficial treatment outcomes and goals.
Roles available include:
- Disability Support Worker
- Advanced Disability Support Worker
- Unit Manager
- After Hours Coordinator
- Liaison Officer
- Management roles.
About the Forensic Residential Services video
In this video, Forensic Residential Services staff describe the type of work they do in the service, as well as how they were able to find work in the department with their qualifications and experience. They mention the challenges they face and how they address those challenges through upskilling and training opportunities. They also refer to the flexibility in the workplace, which allows them to balance their work and personal lives. Staff reflect on how the skills they have developed also benefit them outside of the job and say that their work makes them feel they have the opportunity to make a difference.
Disability Justice Coordination
This service assesses and coordinates forensic disability supports for a person based on their needs, risks and goals and advocates for any other supports they require through other universal service systems. Disability justice coordinators support the forensic disability client to understand the court process, conditions of bail, parole and/or their order and coordinates access to interventions to reduce their risk of reoffending and any behaviours of concern that contribute to that risk, improve their quality of life and support community safety.
Roles available include:
- Disability Justice Coordinator
- Senior Disability Justice Coordinator
- Team Leader
- Liaison Officer
- Management roles
About the Disability Justice Coordination video
In this video, disability justice coordination staff describe their role, as well as the opportunities the role can provide to allow them to grow and move within the service. They describe the opportunities they’ve been given to continue to learn through the job, including further education through university that was funded by the department. They also describe the skills that are needed to best support clients.
Forensic Disability Clinical Service
This service provides offence-related and offence-specific assessment and treatment programs which are targeted to people with cognitive disability. The programs aim to address criminogenic behaviour – which is both challenging and rewarding, as well as other behaviour of concern related to disability, to reduce risk of offending. This service also provides behaviour support planning and consultancy to other services and providers about the person’s forensic disability treatment and support needs.
Roles available include:
- Psycho-educational trainer
- Clinician
- Practice Leader
- Management roles.
About the Forensic Disability Clinical Services video
In this video, forensic disability clinical services staff describe what their role involves, and the team that they work with. One staff member details how they were able to find employment in the department, and the opportunities they’ve had that allowed them to develop and progress in the role. They further describe how their team works together in order to best assist clients, making their work rewarding and allowing them to make a difference in the community.
Questions and answers
Common questions and answers about working in the Forensic Disability Services environment.
We want to attract the best of the best to work with us, and our salaries reflect this. We also offer a multitude of government employee benefits.
Find more information about employee benefits.
The department offers a host of roles that are available to graduates, people transferring from the private sector, individuals who are only just starting their career, and people who are looking for a career change.
We look for the best quality candidates at all levels, and our career structures ensure that you have the best chance possible to develop and grow within your role.
We offer unique roles that are suited to a range of abilities, whether you prefer team or independent-based work, working in an office or directly with clients, there is a position suitable for everybody.
Find more information about the diverse roles we offer.
To ensure our workforce is as strong as it can be, we commit to providing training and developmental opportunities to help you upskill in your role and progress in your talents. These opportunities can include further study and educational qualifications, conferences and seminars, and programs to further grow your knowledge.
We understand that your life can't revolve around your work and that a proper work-life balance is essential. We offer various supports to assist staff in achieving that balance, such as part-time roles, and home-based work. These arrangements are subject to your managers approval.
Our employees’ mental and physical wellbeing is highly important to us. Our Employee Wellbeing and Support Program provides services and resources to help you manage your wellbeing.
Our confidential and professional services can assist you with your relationships and family, work-life balance, emotional wellbeing, career stress, physical health, addictions, legal or financial concerns, and more.
More information
Find out more about the benefits of working within the public sector on the Victorian Government website.
Explore how a fulfilling role in Forensic Disability Services in the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing can work for you: