Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $81,496 - $90,227
Grade: VPS 3
Occupation: Community services
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/1957552026
About Us
We provide the justice system with quality driven, independent forensic medical and scientific services, delivering crucial evidence that underpins safe convictions and appropriate acquittals. Our doctors, scientists and nurses investigate deaths reported to the coroner, examine alleged offenders, and medically assess and support victims of crime. They are supported by the essential work of our technical specialists and corporate staff who enable these services to operate effectively.
VIFM is based in Southbank in Melbourne's CBD, just a short ten-minute walk from Flinders Street railway station. We offer fulfilling careers across a diverse range of roles, including forensic pathology, clinical forensic medicine, forensic science, nursing, technician work, medico legal casework, and corporate support services.
About the Role
The Medico-Legal Officer is a unique opportunity to contribute to Victoria's coronial and forensic death investigation process while supporting families during some of their most difficult moments.
Based within VIFM's 24-hour Coronial Admissions and Enquiries (CAE) team, you will work alongside coroners, forensic pathologists, police, medical practitioners and specialist forensic teams to coordinate the early stages of coronial investigations.
Your role will involve receiving reports of death, gathering important medical and legal information, coordinating forensic examinations, responding to enquiries from doctors and police, and providing sensitive and compassionate support to bereaved families.
Working as part of a highly collaborative multidisciplinary team, you will help ensure coronial investigations are coordinated accurately, respectfully and efficiently.
This position operates within a 24-hour service and involves shift work across a seven-day roster.
• Receive and coordinate reports of death, admissions and releases.
• Support coroners and pathologists throughout the initial stages of investigations.
• Coordinate forensic medical examinations and relevant investigative information.
• Provide advice and information to doctors and police regarding reportable deaths.
• Support bereaved families with clear, respectful and compassionate communication.
• Collaborate with forensic, clinical and administrative professionals across VIFM.
About You
You are a resilient and self-aware professional who communicates with confidence, responds constructively to feedback and remains composed in challenging situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence handling sensitive medical and personal information.
• Strong organisational and records management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and meet critical deadlines.
• High levels of digital literacy, including experience using databases, electronic records and transcription systems.
• The ability to remain calm, professional and adaptable under pressure in complex and sensitive situations.
• A collaborative and service-focused approach, with the ability to build strong relationships and effectively support coroners, pathologists and key stakeholders.
Key Qualifications and Attributes
• Resilience and confidence when providing honest advice and responding to challenge.
• Strong self-awareness and openness to feedback and continuous development.
• A collaborative approach, building supportive relationships across teams.
• Purpose and outcomes focus, understa
nding how your work contributes to the broader community.
• A strong commitment to inclusion, respect and creating a culturally safe and welcoming workplace.
• Experience in medical or health administration, ideally within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Willingness and ability to work a 24/7 rotating roster, including 8–10 hour shifts.
• Capacity to work safely in an environment involving graphic and sensitive information, manual handling, prolonged standing and potential biological or chemical hazards.
• Commitment to following all required PPE, health and safety protocols.
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
• Annual influenza vaccination program
• Discount on health insurance through HCF
• Social Club Membership
• Flexible Work
• Myki and V/Line Commuter Club
• Novated Leasing
How to apply
Click the” Apply” button to submit your application. Applications close on 29 November at 11:59 PM.
Applicants Should Submit:
• Resume and Cover letter; addressing your experience, the key selection criteria, motivations, and suitability to the role.
• Applicants must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid visa or work permit that allows them to undertake the position.
• 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.
Applications must be submitted through the online portal. We're unable to accept applications by email or other methods.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply.
For any enquiries or adjustment relating to this role, please reach out to Isha Shah- Talent Management Advisor via email- [email protected]
Pre-employment checks and employment conditions
At VIFM, We value and celebrate the diversity of our employees, including their age, gender, culture, religion, sexual orientation, abilities and life experiences. We recognise that diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen our work and contribute to the wellbeing of all. Our aim is to provide a safe and inclusive workplace that reflects the community we serve, where everyone is supported to bring their whole selves to work.)
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, driver's license checks, Working with Children Checks, and Declaration of Private Interests.