Director Education Research and Innovation

• New executive role leading clinical education and training across disciplines
• Drive strategic initiatives in education, research, and innovation
• Health Executive Contract appointment

A career in the forensic mental health sector is diverse, challenging and rewarding. A career at Forensicare will be like no other. If you're passionate about supporting people in their mental health recovery, Forensicare is where you need to be. You will be a part of a caring and supportive team, making a real difference to people living with the dual stigma of mental illness and offending. We approach our work with curiosity and a commitment to understanding the unique needs of our consumers and carers. Working across community, hospital and prison settings, you can learn, apply your specialist skills and advance in your profession. Together, we can contribute to a more connected, compassionate mental health and criminal justice system.

Job location

Our Corporate Office is located at Thomas Embling Hospital just 15 minutes north of the city.  Due to our announced expansion across all Directorates, we have a need for experienced like-minded professionals to join our team to support our growing services. Our Directorates includes Thomas Embling Hospital, Prison Operations and our Community Directorate with highly skilled disciplines including Nursing, Lived Experience, Occupational Therapy, Psychiatry, Psychologists and Social Work. We have an outstanding L&D and discipline Educator co-hort that continually upskill our already skilled and supportive team.

About the Role:

The Director of Education, Research and Innovation holds overarching responsibility for the coordination, development, and delivery of clinical education and training across all disciplines within Forensicare. This includes ensuring an organisation-wide approach that is grounded in best evidence, the pedagogical principles of adult learning, and competency-based development. Through strategic oversight and collaboration, the Director ensures that education initiatives build workforce capability, support evidence-informed practice, and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. 

Duties:

• Lead the development and integration of education, research and innovation initiatives across the multidisciplinary workforce

• Oversee the design and delivery of inclusive, evidence-based education programs aligned with existing and emerging workforce needs

• Strengthen research governance and ethical compliance across all research activities

• Translate research findings into clinical and operational practice to improve consumer outcomes

• Secure external research funding and manage research budgets aligned with strategic priorities

• Demonstrate strategic foresight and systems thinking to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities and contribute to whole-of-organisation decision-making

• Model inclusive, ethical and values-based leadership that fosters trust, psychological safety and a culture of accountability

About You:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in education, with a strong track record in driving research and innovation within complex health or academic environments. Proven ability to lead educational strategy, foster research-informed practice, and cultivate innovation across multidisciplinary teams

• Highly developed skills in designing, delivering and evaluating education programs using contemporary pedagogical principles and technologies

• Demonstrated experience in building academic and sector partnerships to enhance research and education outcomes

What you need:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in an Allied Health (Bachelor OT or Social Work), Psychology (Masters or Doctorate in Clinical or Doctorate Forensic Psychology) or Mental Health Nursing (Bachelor with post graduate Mental Health qualifications) disciplines

• Postgraduate qualifications in education, research or leadership highly desirable

To access a detailed position description, please click here – Position Description

Or for more information on Careers at Forensicare, visit

*Please Note - Applications will be reviewed and interviewed as they are received. Advertising may close earlier than indicated.

A culture where people matter.

• Excellent supervision and investment in the skill development of all our team members.
• Well defined career pathways existing across our Directorates with multi-disciplined Teams.
• Salary Packaging Options available – Mortgage, Rent, Car, Expenses
• A leading, multi-faceted approach to safety, with unparalleled strategic, practical, individualised and team-based supports to minimise risks and fear and maximise safety and security, underpinned by our workplace health and safety strategy.
• Celebration and reward for good performance, through employee recognition.
• Access to an employee assistance program – an external, confidential, self-referral employee wellbeing program, for personal or work-related matters.
• A mental health and wellbeing program providing psychological, peer support and critical incidence response programs.

Eligibility

• Influenza and Immunisation Evidence
• This position is subject to a Police Check

Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and developing a diverse workforce which reflects the community we serve. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTQI, people with a lived experience of disability, as well as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Forensicare promotes our guiding principles of RESPONSIVENESS, INTEGRITY, IMPARTIALITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP, HUMAN RIGHTS; and promotes behaviours that are consistent with these values at all times. Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and offers a smoke free environment.