Be part of a diverse, collaborative organisation committed to better health outcomes and community impact.
Join the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine as a Family Health Nurse in a unique part-time (0.6 FTE), 3-month fixed-term role based in Southbank.
Working with a dedicated nursing team, you will support bereaved families by explaining autopsy and medical information, gathering family health histories, identifying inherited health risks and assisting with referrals to health specialists.
This is a meaningful opportunity for an experienced AHPRA-registered nurse with strong clinical assessment, communication and empathy skills.
Flexible work options available across Monday to Friday.
Use your nursing expertise to support bereaved families and help improve health outcomes.
- Part-time (0.6 FTE), 3-month fixed-term opportunity
- Flexible work arrangement: 3 days per week or spread hours across the week, Monday to Friday
- VPS Grade 4
- Based in Southbank, Melbourne
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.
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.
Learn more about the VIFM - http://www.youtube.com/@victorianinstituteofforens7808
About the role
This is a unique opportunity to join a small, supportive and highly capable nursing team. As a Family Health Nurse, you will provide information, support and guidance to bereaved families following the identification of previously unknown inherited health conditions.
This is a varied and meaningful role with a strong focus on health, prevention and family-centred care. It requires clinical expertise, sound judgement, empathy and excellent communication skills.
In this role, you will:
- provide a family health information service to bereaved families
- interpret autopsy and related medical information for family members
- document heritable disorders for referral to a medical specialist or general practitioner
- work directly with families to gather personal and family medical histories, including relevant genetic information
- support the transition of care for families referred by a pathologist to the Family Health Service
- assist with the Reviewable Deaths investigation process, including communication with pathologists, clinical forensic medical officers, the Coroners Court and the Department of Health
- support the Family Health Team with external referrals
About you
You are an experienced registered nurse with a strong understanding of complex medical conditions and a compassionate, respectful approach to supporting bereaved families.
You will bring:
- empathy, warmth and professionalism in sensitive situations
- strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex information clearly
- resilience and sound judgement in a fast-paced environment
- a collaborative approach and willingness to seek support when needed
- a genuine commitment to improving health outcomes for families
Key Qualifications and Attributes
- Demonstrated comprehensive and systematic skill in obtaining relevant, appropriate and ac
curate data that informs differential diagnosis by pathologist and external referral pathways.
- Demonstrated knowledge of nursing sciences and health assessment with awareness of signs and symptoms of disease, and active involvement with health promotion.
- Ability to assess and analyse hereditary and non-hereditary disease risk factors.
- Ability to obtain a detailed family history and construct a pedigree.
- Effective communication strategies to inform the person receiving health information and relevant health professionals of assessment.
- AHPRA Nursing Registration (Post graduate qualifications in Genetics and critical care inclusive of cardiology preferred)
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 adjust-ments required to support you throughout our recruitment process.
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.