(AS866) Very Special Kids, General Manager – Clinical Services

Very Special Kids is dedicated to supporting children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

Reporting to the CEO, you are a key member of the executive team, responsible for leading and overseeing all operational aspects of Very Special Kids’ clinical offerings.  You will strengthen service delivery by motivating the programs workforce, promoting innovation, evaluation, quality management and capacity building.

A well-qualified health professional, your exemplary background in senior management spans team development, stakeholder engagement and clinical governance.  Your values align closely with those of Very Special Kids, and you are driven by a deep desire to make a real difference.

To apply: Please view the Position Profile below and click on “Apply for Job” at the bottom of the page, attaching a tailored CV (Word version) by 5pm Monday 17 July, or call Dr Rachel Cameron on 0476 498 982, to enquire.

Position Profile
  
Very Special Kids believes that all children and young people have the right to quality of life, no matter how long or short their life may be.
  
Position Title: General Manager – Clinical Services

Location: Malvern

Department: Corporate

Reporting To: Chief Executive Officer

Main Purpose of Position: Reporting to the CEO this leadership role is a member of the executive team and responsible for leading and overseeing all operational aspects of clinical services at Very Special Kids.
A key element of the role is to drive continuous improvement and capability within the team to meet strategic objectives through with oversight of the programs workforce, strengthening delivery through evaluation, quality management and developing and promoting new initiatives.

Number of Direct Reports: 3
plus contractors/consultants as required

Decision Making Authority: As per Very Special Kids’ Delegation of Authority

Key Relationships
Internal:
CEO
Executive Management Team
Service Delivery staff
Project consultants/contractors
Fundraising, Communications & Administration staff
  
External:
Very Special Kids Families & Volunteers
Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program
Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital
Local, State and Federal Government departments
Very Special Kids Board
Service partners and networks
Other key stakeholders as required

Key Selection Criteria
Qualifications/ Education Training and Work Experience

• Minimum Tertiary qualifications in a business or health related discipline. 
• Post-graduate qualifications in Health Administration, Business or Management desired.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior management or relevant health role.
• Minimum 10 years of health experience.
• Exemplary leadership and stakeholder relationship management experience.
• Proven experience in setting strategic direction and implementing strategies to achieve objectives.
• Demonstrated experience in the creation and evaluation of new business initiatives, and superior business case writing skills

  
Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated leadership skills including clinical governance, building and leading high performing teams, change management, conflict resolution, negotiationProven expertise in leading change whilst delivering against robust quality frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to identify service gaps and opportunities, and to drive continuous improvement
• Strong communication skills with experience leading diverse work teams, engaging community partners and partnering with CEO and Board of Directors
• Expertise in the evaluation and continuous improvement of quality management systems and services.
• Project management experience and demonstrated expertise in project management methodology
• Passionate about Very Special Kids’ purpose and ability to promote and communicate the mission and values of Very Special Kids to external and internal stakeholders.

  
Personal Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, and a proven track record in engaging with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work well under pressure and be flexible
• Authentic and visible leadership style that engenders trust and motivates behaviours that will help deliver our strategic goals
• Demonstrated high levels of initiative and self-actualisation
• Strong values connection with the VSK values and genuine empathetic regard for people

  
Values
All employees are required to demonstrate the VSK Values:

• Respect – by recognising the individual, welcoming diversity and nurturing choice
• Collaboration – by building connections, strengthening relationships and partnering
• Community – by creating supportive relationships and a sense of belonging
• Compassion – by being welcoming and showing warmth, hope and empathy
• Learning – by enhancing and sharing our skills, experiences, knowledge and wisdom
• Integrity – by acting ethically, honestly, fairly and with accountability

Key Areas of Responsibility
  
Strategic and Service Planning                                      

Key Areas of Responsibility  
Develop viable and effective service plans to inform and address strategic objectives
Key Performance Indicators
Service delivery strategic and business plans identify strategies
that meet family needs and organisational priorities

Key Areas of Responsibility 
Identify opportunities for service improvement and innovation and implement strategies to achieve them
Key Performance Indicators
Services are regularly reviewed and optimised to meet changing needs.

Service improvement and capability development projects delivered in
partnership with DHHS and/or other funders.

Key Areas of Responsibility 
Maintain current knowledge of paediatric palliative care sector and policy directions
Key Performance Indicators
VSK services are informed by best practice and sector policy directions

Key Areas of Responsibility 
Support and advise the CEO on service delivery related matters
Key Performance Indicators
CEO is well informed and supported to address key service delivery issues

Key Areas of Responsibility 
Provide timely and appropriate information and reports to the VSK Board, CEO and other governance committees as required
Key Performance Indicators
The VSK Board, CEO and other governance committees receive timely and accurate information to support strategic and clinical governance decision making

Key Areas of Responsibility 
Engage with relevant external stakeholders including government departments for accreditation, reporting and project planning.
Key Performance Indicators
Relationships with key stakeholders successfully support strategic objectives of VSK
  
Service Delivery Management          

Key Areas of Responsibility    
Provide effective leadership and support the Service Delivery Managers to achieve service objectives
through ongoing professional development, regular feedback and guidance
Key Performance Indicators
Service delivery managers are well equipped and supported to achieve service objectives

Key Areas of Responsibility  
Promote a harmonious multidisciplinary working environment and ensure effective communication and collaboration across service delivery teams
Key Performance Indicators
Clinical staff respect and value one another’s roles and work together to ensure that families experience service continuity and family- centred care.

Key Areas of Responsibility  
Oversee policy and system development across all service delivery areas
Key Performance Indicators
Clinical policies and systems support the delivery of safe, appropriate and high-quality care.

Key Areas of Responsibility  
Strengthen consumer and staff participation in service planning and evaluation
Key Performance Indicators
Families and staff have the opportunity to guide and direct service provision. Services are responsive to family needs.

Key Areas of Responsibility  
Ensure efficient and effective management of service delivery resources by contributing to the setting of service delivery budgets and pro-active monitoring of operating and project expenditure.
Key Performance Indicators
Services and associated projects are delivered efficiently and within budget.

Key Areas of Responsibility  
Analyse service delivery data, evaluate services and implement strategies to address identified issues and enhance service delivery 
Key Performance Indicators
Services are continuously reviewed and improved
  
Quality Management          

Key Areas of Responsibility      
Ensure family-centred services are provided in accordance with National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, with an emphasis of safety and risk management.
  
Lead the NSQHS accreditation cyclical process.
Key Performance Indicators
VSK maintains accreditation against the NSQHS Standards.

Key Areas of Responsibility    
Oversee the Quality Plan and Quality Systems framework for the organisation
Key Performance Indicators
Strategic quality plan in place and demonstrated progress mapped against improvement activities.
  
Quality systems framework reviewed and updated periodically.

Key Areas of Responsibility    
Oversee Quality KPIs and Quality audits
Key Performance Indicators
Quality KPIs fit for purpose and reported to relevant committees on quarterly basis.
  
Quality audit schedule in place and data reported to relevant committees as per audit schedule and trend data analysed and reported.
  
External Relationship Development   

Key Areas of Responsibility        
Network and develop links with other children’s hospices, hospitals and community services to facilitate and promote the work of VSK
Key Performance Indicators
VSK services are enhanced through collaboration with other relevant service providers

Key Areas of Responsibility      
Represent VSK on relevant committees and working parties
Key Performance Indicators
Participation in/contribution to relevant sectorial committees

Key Areas of Responsibility      
Manage and cultivate relationships with State and Federal Governments to develop and expand recurring revenue streams.
Key Performance Indicators
Appropriate sources of Government funding are identified for the development of new and existing initiatives

Key Areas of Responsibility      
Raise awareness and advocate for issues faced by families of children with life threatening illnesses External stakeholders and the wider community are provided with information and advice about paediatric palliative care and the challenges faced by VSK families
Key Performance Indicators
External stakeholders and the wider community are provided with information and advice about paediatric palliative care and the challenges faced by VSK families
  
Organisation-wide Functions          

Key Areas of Responsibility        
Actively contribute as a member of the Executive Team and participate in organisation wide decision
making
Key Performance Indicators
Participation in EMC enhances management decision making

Key Areas of Responsibility      
Work collaboratively with other areas of VSK and contribute to fundraising, communications and corporate activities as required
Key Performance Indicators
Business and fundraising initiatives, including the development of funding submissions, are actively supported

Key Areas of Responsibility      
Participate in VSK projects as required
Key Performance Indicators
Participation in VSK project activities enhances project outcomes.

Key Areas of Responsibility      
Lead and actively participate in organisational committees including:

• Quality Management (Chair)
• Service Delivery (Chair)
• Management Committee
• Clinical Risk and Governance
• Family Advisory Committee
• Clinical Policy Committees
• Other Committees and working groups as required

Key Performance Indicators
Leadership of, and attendance at, organisational committees supports the achievement of organisational objectives

Key Areas of Responsibility      
Ensure an effective complaints management system is in place
Key Performance Indicators
Complaints are managed and resolved appropriately, and data reported to relevant committees for governance and service improvement purposes
  
Quality, Safety, and Improvement
  
Very Special Kids employees have a responsibility and accountability to contribute to the organisation’s commitment to Quality, Safety, and Improvement by:

• Acting in accordance and complying with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures
• Identifying risks, reporting, and being actively involved in risk mitigation strategies
• Participating in and actively contributing to quality improvement programs
• Complying with the requirements of the National Safety & Quality Health Service Standards
• Complying with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards
• Complying with the principles of Patient and Family Centred Care that relate to this position
• Complying with the principles of Child Safe Standards that relate to this position

Conditions of Service
  
Hours
1.0 EFT position negotiable. Position may require some out of hours work.
Other
Current driver’s licence (if required)
Salary Package
Competitive salary, plus superannuation and salary packaging.
Tenure
Permanent position after completion of six months probationary period.
General
Employment with Very Special Kids will be subject to a satisfactory Police Check, a Working with Children Check and evidence of up-to- date COVID vaccination.