Role Title: Principal Forensic Officer

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time (up to June 2027)
Position Classification: Crown Clerk grade 7/8
Remuneration: $116,981 - $129,492, plus Superannuation
Location: Mental Health Review Tribunal, 580 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours Per Week: 35 hours
Requisition ID: REQ683294
Closing Date: Monday 14 September at 11:59pm 2026

Join the Forensic team at the Mental Health Review Tribunal for an exciting opportunity!

About us

The Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) is an independent statutory body that safeguards the rights of people with mental illness and cognitive impairment through the fair and timely review of decisions about their treatment, care and detention. The Tribunal plays a critical role within the NSW mental health and forensic systems, conducting hearings and reviews under mental health legislation to ensure legislative requirements are met and individual circumstances are carefully considered.

The Forensic Unit supports the Tribunal's work with forensic and correctional patients involved in the criminal justice system. Working at the intersection of health, law and public safety, our team collaborates with courts, health services, legal representatives, government agencies and victim support services to facilitate informed decision-making and effective outcomes. We are a dedicated and highly skilled team committed to professionalism, integrity and service excellence in a complex and rewarding setting.

By joining the Forensic Unit, you will contribute to meaningful work that supports both patient wellbeing and community safety while working alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative and supportive team.

About the role

With your skills and experience, you can contribute to the millions of ways we are enhancing health and wellness while developing your career as part of the largest health organisation in Australia.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Mental Health Review Tribunal's Forensic Unit and play a key role in supporting the Tribunal to meet its statutory obligations. Working in a highly specialised environment, you will oversee the preparation and follow-up of forensic patient reviews, provide expert advice on complex forensic matters, and support sound decision-making through thorough analysis and case management.

You will work closely with Tribunal Members, government agencies, legal representatives, health professionals, and victim support services to ensure matters are managed efficiently and sensitively. This role offers the opportunity to lead a small team, contribute to service improvements,



and make a meaningful impact on outcomes for people with mental illness and cognitive impairment involved in the criminal justice system.

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding role where your expertise can directly contribute to public safety, patient wellbeing, and the effective operation of the justice and health systems, we encourage you to apply.

What you will be doing

- Lead the follow-up of Tribunal reviews and hearings involving forensic and correctional patients.

- Analyse complex information and review patient files to support informed Tribunal decision-making.

- Liaise with courts, government agencies, legal representatives, health professionals, and victim support services to coordinate hearings and statutory notifications.

- Draft Tribunal orders, reasons for decision, correspondence, and other documentation relating to forensic patients.

- Supervise and support team members while identifying opportunities to improve processes, policies, and service delivery.

About you

We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can support the work of NSW Health with:

- Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in a legal, health, justice, or related environment.

- Demonstrated knowledge of the role of the Mental Health Review Tribunal, forensic patient reviews, and relevant NSW mental health legislation.

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex information and identify issues requiring further action.

- Proven ability to manage competing priorities, work autonomously, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working collaboratively across diverse agencies and service providers.

- Experience in managing a small team

How to apply

At The Ministry of Health, we want you to make the most of the opportunities you will get to grow your skills and your career, surrounded by authentic, smart people and leaders.

Please review the role description and submit your up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1-2 pages) and complete the target questions.

Question 1

Describe a time when you were required to analyse complex or sensitive information to make a recommendation, resolve an issue, or support a decision.



What was your approach and what was the outcome?

Question 2

This role requires building effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, often in situations involving competing priorities or sensitive matters. Describe a situation where you successfully managed stakeholder expectations and achieved a positive outcome.

Use the link below to access our Capability Application tool, designed to help you excel in the recruitment process. Practice your responses with the example questions provided to effectively highlight your achievements and the strategies you used to accomplish them.

Candidates may use AI tools to support the preparation of their application. However, the information provided should be authentic, accurate and genuinely represent your skills, experience, and capabilities, as these will be assessed when determining your suitability for the role.

As an organisation we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Karen Kennedy on **************@health.nsw.gov.au

Closing Date: Monday 14 September at 11:59pm 2026

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

At the Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. For more information, please visit Diversity Inclusion Belonging

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.

To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.

Additional information

- This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.

- This is a temporary role and there may be opportunities for ongoing employment at grade 7/8

- For more information on applying visit the our career portal

- Please note that the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.

Do not miss your chance to embark on this fulfilling journey! Apply now!

Advertising closing date: Monday 14 September at 11:59pm 2026

📌 Principal Forensic Officer (Sydney)
🏢 NSW Health
📍 Sydney