Description:
Make a difference where it matters most! We're looking for an experienced Critical Care Registered Nurse to join our supportive, close-knit Coronial Admissions & Enquiries team where you can use your skills to make a real impact.
About Us:
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. The VIFM provides 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 Coronial Admissions & Enquiries Office (CAE) operates out of the VIFM and is responsible for coordinating the initial stages of a coronial medicolegal death investigation. The CAE is staffed by Medical Liaison Nurses and Medicolegal Officers.
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 forensic pathologists, physicians, and scientists, we ensure a high standard of forensic medical services for Victoria and provide critical support for our healthcare and justice systems.
Join our team at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, where you can truly be yourself as part of a trusted and innovative leader in global forensic medicine and science.
About the Role:
Are you an experienced critical care registered nurse looking for a challenging and rewarding role? This is a unique opportunity within the Coronial Admissions & Enquiries Office to apply your high-level clinical knowledge in a fast-paced, phone-based environment, where no two shifts are the same. You will handle complex medical inquiries related to a person's death, engage in critical thinking, provide expert guidance and advice, liaise with family members, and provide assistance to coroners and forensic pathologists – all while being part of a close-knit, supportive, and highly skilled team.
This role operates 24/7 and you will be rostered for three shifts per week, with flexibility around shift preferences. It is a demanding but fascinating position where continuous learning is encouraged, and clinical relevance is paramount. You will be working on-site, in Southbank, surrounded by experienced colleagues and approachable leaders who provide supervision and mentorship.
If you thrive in high-pressure environments, possess exceptional communication skills, and are passionate about delivering expert advice with warmth, empathy, compassion, and professionalism, we want to hear from you!
Education and training are provided as part of our comprehensive onboarding process to prepare you for the unique and rewarding work that we do in the CAE.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide expert clinical guidance over the phone to manage complex medical enquiries to ascertain if a person's death is reportable to the coroner.
- Apply critical care nursing expertise to assess the elements of a person's death, provide recommendations to various stakeholders, and escalate as needed.
- Commence the investigation of a reportable death to the coroner.
- Liaise with families, mostly over the phone but also in person, whilst a deceased person is in the care of the coroner.
- Work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment where phone communication is constant.
- Utilise active listening and strong emotional intelligence to provide empathetic and accurate responses to families.
- Collaborate with a collegiate team, contributing to a culture of support, respect, and shared learning.
- Maintain attention to detail, ensuring thorough, accountable, and clinically sound decision-making and documentation.
- Understand and work within own scope of practice, knowing when to seek clarification and escalate concerns.
- Engage in continuous professional development, embracing feedback and refining clinical knowledge and abilities.
- Utilise IT systems efficiently to document, upload, and retrieve information and reports accurately.
About You:
You arean experienced critical care registered nurse who thrives in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment. You have a thorough understanding of complex medical conditions across the lifespan and their treatments, interventions, and procedures, and you're confident in your ability to apply that knowledge to a situation where a patient has died to ascertain if the death is reportable to the coroner.
You are a critical thinker and reflective practitioner who remains calm under pressure, communicates clearly, and listens actively. You understand the power of warmth and empathy and bring those qualities into every interaction.
You enjoy being part of a high-functioning, supportive team and you value collaboration and humility, possessing the ability to ask for assistance when needed. You embrace the challenge of working in an evolving environment where you're always learning and refining your skills.
Key Qualifications and Attributes:
- Current registration with AHPRA as a registered nurse.
- Recent extensive experience in critical care nursing (ICU and/or Emergency Department).
- A postgraduate qualification in critical care nursing is highly desirable
- Comprehensive medical knowledge with the ability to think critically and efficiently problem-solve.
- Excellent verbal communication with active listening skills.
- Strong IT proficiency and ability to navigate clinical systems effectively.
- High level of emotional intelligence.
- Demonstrated ability to stay within own scope of practice and seek guidance when needed.
- Strong attention to detail and accountability in clinical decision-making.
This is more than just a job – it's an opportunity to be part of a high-performing team where your expertise is valued, and your professional growth is supported.
What we Offer:
Working at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) will give you rewarding experiences and the opportunity to do extraordinary work. You will enjoy:
- An employee assistance program (EAP)
- Peer support programs
- WHEREFIT memberships
- Annual influenza vaccination program
- 12% discount on health insurance through HCF
- Gender Affirmation Leave
- Rehabilitation Program Leave
- Cultural and Ceremonial Leave
- Study Leave
- Social Club Membership
- Flexible Work
- Reproductive Health and Wellbeing Leave
- Myki and V/Line Commuter Club
- Novated Leasing
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, customers, 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:
Applying for a job starts with an online application form, from there you may be invited to complete an online assessment followed by a virtual or in person interview. The last step is undergoing pre-employment checks, which includes a criminal history check and a medical assessment including fitness to work and drug & alcohol screening.
How to Apply:
Please submit a statement addressing the key selection criteria as outlined in the position description, along with your cover letter and resume.
Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
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.
FOR INTERNAL VPS EMPLOYEES:
- For this particular vacancy, priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform.
- For all VPS employees, due to the new Jobs Skills Exchange (JSE) policy, please apply through the JSE to be eligible to be considered for this position in the first round.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:
The Department of Justice and Community Safety 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.