Occupational Violence and Aggression Specialist

Your role at St John of God Health Care

Reporting to the Group Manager, OHS & Wellness, the Occupational Violence and Aggression (OVA) Specialist plays a pivotal role in enabling the prevention and management of OVA risks across our hospitals and services in Victoria and New South Wales.

This role leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of OVA risk control strategies, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all caregivers, patients, and visitors. The Specialist will coordinate and deliver targeted OVA training programs, working collaboratively with clinical, security, and OHS stakeholders to embed best practice approaches to violence prevention and response.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a values-driven organisation committed to the wellbeing of its people and communities.

The Position

• Promote and apply professional and ethical standards of practice, including compliance with relevant health, WHS and mental health legislation.

• Review and recommend risk control strategies to reduce the risk of injuries (physical and psychological) related to OVA, in consultation with key stakeholders including OHS, clinical and security caregivers.

• Review and develop systems, policies, procedures, guidelines, systems of work and performance standards to improve OVA control effectiveness.

• Lead incident investigations and participate / support assurance activities and leadership rounding's as an OVA SME as required.

• Develop and share incident learnings and support debriefings.

• Using a risk-based approach develop and facilitate the implementation of a sustainable, evidence-based and best practice OVA training program across our Victorian and NSW hospitals and services.

• Complete training needs analysis, using a risk-based approach, for clinical and non-clinical caregivers across our Victorian and NSW hospitals and services.

• Consult with local OHS teams and local L&D teams to coordinate and develop a training schedule for Victorian and NSW hospitals and services, including facility bookings that meets the requirements of the training needs analysis.

• Deliver the OVA training program, including competency assessments, refresher training and coaching to Victorian and NSW hospitals and services.

• Monitor and evaluate the OVA training program for Victorian and NSW hospitals and services using relevant data points (e.g. training evaluations, incidents etc.) to identify and implement program improvements.

• Work collaboratively as part of a broader training team across the Group, with relevant OHS, Learning and Development, Security and clinical caregivers

You will have significant experience in implementing a risk-based approach to OVA, preferably within the healthcare industry, along with demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, managing and evaluating education and training programs. You will have high level communication and interpersonal skill, including effective conflict resolution and negotiation skill. Physical capability to undertake the manual tasks as part of the practical training compoment is essential.

To succeed you will possess Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or equivalent (or progression towards) and be proficient with Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook.  A valid driver's license and ability to travel to our regional Victoria and NSW hospitals to deliver training is essential for this role.

Above all, people will be at the core of everything you do committing to and supporting our Mission and Values.

We can offer you

• Salary $124,1965 to $137,946 per annum plus 12% Superannuation

• Permanent full-time position working 38 hours per week

• Located at St John of God Langmore Centre, Berwick  

• 40% work from home option

• Salary packaging up to $18,550 on a range of benefits such as mortgage, rent, meal entertainment, holiday accommodation or other everyday living expenses as well as options to salary package benefits above the FBT cap on items such as:

  • Novated leasing 

  • work related expenses

  • self-education and

  • additional superannuation

• Employee discount on St John of God Hospital & Medical Services and Private Health Insurance

• Employee support through our dedicated free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• A healthy work-life balance through flexible work options, additional purchased leave and well-being programs

• Access to a range of Lifestyle, Health & Wellbeing rewards and discounts

• Paid Parental Leave

For enquiries contact Frank Loss, General Manager Occupational Health & Safety on

Early applications are encouraged as shortlisting and interviews may commence immediately, apply today

Please note unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

We reserve the right to close applications prior to the specified closing date

St John of God Health Care embraces diversity and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. We are committed to providing a safe environment for all children and vulnerable people in our care and proactively take measures to protect children/vulnerable people from abuse.