Forensic Caseworker

Victoria Police
Forensic Services Department
Vehicle Examination Unit
1x ongoing FO-3 Forensic Caseworker position available

**About the role**:
The Victoria Police Forensic Services Department is an accredited laboratory that provides a professional forensic service to Victoria Police, persons involved with the administration of justice, and the public.

**The Vehicle Examination Unit (VEU) primary function is to**:

- Establish the identification of stolen and re-birth vehicles through various techniques including the examination and restoration of altered and obliterated vehicle identifiers.

In addition to the Units primary function, the following services may also include but are not limited to:

- Examination of scene debris for vehicle related parts (e.g. lenses, components etc.) to assist in determining make/model or type of vehicle involved.
- Removing vehicle trims and components to aid in vehicle searches for items of interest including drugs, weapons and cash.
- Provide expertise relating to the mechanical operation of a vehicle or vehicle system.
- Provide vehicle related advice during execution of warrants.
- Provide expertise on vehicle locks for forced or bypassed entry.

**As the successful applicant, some of your duties will include**:

- Conduct casework in relation to vehicle examination.
- Prepare expert reports for the courts, police investigators and other stakeholders.
- Present expert evidence in Courts of Law.
- Attend scenes to provide expertise and/or conduct in-field vehicle examinations as required.
- Provide technical advice regarding standard procedures to less experience members and assist in relevant internal and external training activities including the presentation of lectures/demonstrations/tours.
- Assist with the management and coordination of activities within the Vehicle Examination Unit including vetting, prioritisation of casework, monitoring quality practices and casework acceptance criteria.
- Identify opportunities for method improvements and contribute to the maintenance of related documents.
- Participate in and report on quality assurance, proficiency testing, crime scene and testimony monitoring where relevant.
- Provide specialist forensic advice to relevant personnel and organisations in relation to vehicle related evidence.
- Assist in relevant research and development projects.
- Use various IT based systems (ie Microsoft products, LIMS, LEAP, NVOI etc) during casework examinations.

Skills & Experience

**As the successful applicant, you will have**:

- Proven ability to conduct vehicle examinations and other related forensic casework where little or no supervisory advice is available.
- Well developed verbal and written communication skills with the ability to impart specialist expert knowledge and advice to all customers, including in a Court Context.
- Proven commitment to quality in casework and/or research or the ability to provide it.
- Ability to conduct scene examinations where little or no supervisory advice is available.
- Demonstrated Conceptual, analytical and problem solving skills.
- An understanding of the customer service requirements of the position and a demonstrated record of strong commitment and achievement in meeting customer needs.
- A proven record of ethical behaviour and a demonstrated commitment to the Victoria Police Code of Ethics and Conduct and the Organisational Values.

**Requirements and relevant information**:

- A mechanics or panel beaters qualifications is highly desirable.
- Position is located at 31 Forensic drive Macleod, Victoria
- The incumbent may be required to work outside the ordinary hours (e.g. shift work/overtime/on-call) and attend crime scenes
- The incumbent must possess a Victorian Drivers Licence and the ability to obtain a Victoria Police Approved Drivers Authority.
- A security clearance must be obtained which will include fingerprinting
- Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.

How to apply
- Resume,

**About Us**:
Victoria Police has a dedicated workforce of more than 22,000 employees consisting of police, protective services officers, police custody officers, and public service staff. Each employee plays a vital role in providing the 24/7, 365 days a year emergency response and public safety capability the organisation delivers to its community. As a Victoria Police employee, you have a dedication and commitment to community safety.