Student placements

Grow your career, not just your qualification.

As a student at Forensicare you will gain unique insights from some of the most diverse and complex clinical environments. You will be supported by our expert team, so that you can feel confident that your theoretical knowledge is complemented by the hands-on experience needed to thrive in your career in forensic mental health. You will also bring your own insights to our work and we will listen to your ideas and work with you to develop our work and your career.

Nursing student placements

A placement at Forensicare will not only advance your understanding of the forensic mental health nursing specialism, but also give you a range of skills to complement a broader nursing career that you may not learn elsewhere. You must apply through your university.

Occupational therapy student placements

Forensicare offers clinical placements at Thomas Embling Hospital and various prison services across metro Melbourne to Occupational Therapy students in the final year of their degree. Speak with your university placement coordinator to register your interest.

Psychology student placements

This program is for postgraduate psychology students completing either a Masters in clinical psychology, or a Doctorate in clinical and/or forensic psychology. Placements are based across all three of our directorates and include all clinical supervision necessary to meet the placement requirements. Interested students must apply through their university.

Social work student placements

A placement at Forensicare will increase your understanding of both forensic and mental health social work and practice in a statutory setting. We offer placement opportunities at our secure hospital, prisons, or community services and for students enrolled in an AASW-accredited undergraduate or postgraduate qualifying social work degree at an Australian university. You must apply through your university.

Lived Experience student placements

Students studying to work a Lived Experience role e.g. Peer work, can complete the required placement hours with the Lived Experience Team. Applications must come through your university.

“I loved my placement! It was inspiring and validating to see how my supervisor was so respected by Correctional Victoria staff and the people she worked with. I loved that every day was so different and no matter what plan you had for the start of the day, you quickly learnt to adapt this based on the setting… My supervisor has inspired me to become a mental health occupational therapist!” Beth

Aboriginal Mental Health trainee program

The Aboriginal Mental Health Traineeship Program enables Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders living in Victoria to be paid while they study and train for a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) degree at Charles Sturt University.

The three-year program pays trainees to work under supervision in Victorian health services while completing their degree full-time.

About the program

• Duration: 3 years
• Workplace training with clinical placements across various service streams at Forensicare
• Internal Clinical supervision
• External Cultural mentorship
• Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) degree through Charles Sturt University, fully funded and supported by Forensicare
• Distance education for study, designed to fit within your work schedule
• Opportunity to become a fully qualified Mental Health Clinician upon program completion

What You’ll Do:

• Engage in work and clinical placement rotations that align with course content and your personal learning goals
• Receive on-the-job training and support from experienced mental health professionals
• Gain hands-on experience across different service areas within Forensicare’s multidisciplinary mental health teams
• Contribute to the mental health and wellbeing of individuals in forensic settings

Eligibility:

• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background
• Commitment to a 3-year traineeship program
• Desire to build a career in mental health and work with diverse communities

Why Choose This Traineeship?

• Be part of a supportive team focused on both professional and personal development
• A blend of work and study that allows you to earn while you learn
• Gain experience in a range of clinical settings
• Internal Clinical supervision
• External Cultural mentorship
• Receive full funding for your degree
• On successful completion, become a qualified Mental Health Clinician and join a dynamic mental health team

For more information

Go to our careers page for more information about traineeship opportunities.