Position description Reference number Position name Status Team Location Classification level Salary level HQCC09/11 Principal Quality Officer Permanent full-time Quality Services, Quality Improvement Level 17, 53 Albert Street BRISBANE CITY AO7 89945 96439pa Closing date 28 March 2011 Contact Susan Litherland (recruitment@hqcc.qld.gov.au) Telephone 3120 5999 About our organisation The Health Quality and Complaints Commission (HQCC) is an independent statutory body dedicated to improving the safety and quality of healthcare in Queensland. We regulate health services under the Health Quality and Complaints Commission Act 2006. To prevent patient harm and improve healthcare quality, we: manage healthcare complaints investigate serious and systemic issues and recommend quality improvement monitor, review and report on healthcare quality identify healthcare risks and recommend action share information about healthcare safety and quality promote healthcare rights. For more information about who we are and what we do, visit www.hqcc.qld.gov.au Purpose of role To assist the Manager, Quality Improvement, to deliver the Commission s healthcare quality monitoring and improvement, research and development functions. To contribute to the development and implementation of the Commissions quality monitoring and improvement framework within a responsive regulation approach. To lead, plan and undertake various quality monitoring and improvement, research and development projects and initiatives consistent with the Commissions legislative powers and functions, operational and strategic objectives. To work in collaboration with other areas of the Commission and to liaise with external bodies as required to progress the Commissions safety and quality agenda.
Staffing and budget responsibilities The position reports to Manager, Quality Improvement The position is responsible for; AO6 Senior Quality Officer and/or project staff as directed The position is responsible for Financial and personnel accountabilities which are defined in the appropriate HQCC Delegations Manual. Key accountabilities Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the Commissions legislative powers and functions, operational and strategic objectives and responsive regulation approach. Assume a lead role within a multi-disciplinary team, managing and mentoring other quality officers and to ensure the effective achievement of the Commissions operational and strategic objectives and responsive regulation approach. Lead and manage various healthcare quality monitoring and improvement, research and development projects and initiatives using recognised project management methodologies. Manage and undertake high level research, including the analysis of data and other information to identify healthcare risks and opportunities for healthcare quality improvement, and to develop high level advice and recommendations for action to improve the safety and quality of health care. Prepare a range of high level, complex written materials, including policies, submissions, briefs, reports, papers. Develop and disseminate a range of resources, relating to the safety and quality of healthcare, suitable for healthcare providers, health users, clinicians and managers. Organise and help deliver workshops and other information sharing activities on behalf of the Commission to assist public and private health care facilities in dealing affectively with quality and safety issues. Build and sustain positive and productive relationships with key external stakeholders from across the health sector and from the university/research arena (including other Commissions, accreditation organisations, professional bodies, insurers, funding and licensing bodies, universities, other research bodies and technical experts) to promote the role of the Commission and progress the Commissions safety and quality agenda. Contribute to the effective operation and governance of the HQCC through participation in various organisational project/research committees and contributing to the development of organisational strategies, policies and work practices as required. Maintain detailed knowledge of contemporary practice and emerging trends in monitoring and improving the safety and quality of healthcare to ensure the responsiveness of the quality monitoring and improvement, research and development function. Establish a good working knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of other team members in other areas of the Commission and work collaboratively with these areas to assist the Commission to identify and respond to emerging safety and quality issues and drive improvements in the safety and quality of healthcare. Demonstrate the HQCCs values of Respect, Integrity, Independence, Learning and Responsiveness and provide outstanding client service to internal and external clients. Comply with and utilise procedures, policies, regulations and standards which impact upon the position, including contemporary human resource management requirements and practices, such as workplace health and safety, equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination policies. Adhere to the Commission's recordkeeping legislatory and administrative requirements of the Public Records Act 2002 and Information Standard 40: Recordkeeping. Work in accordance with:
the HQCC Code of Conduct workplace health and safety legislations HQCC confidentiality policies all other policies, directives and legislation which impact on the position. Participate in the performance management system. Other duties as directed Qualifications/professional registration/other requirements Nil Key skill requirements/competencies Shapes strategic thinking Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the principles of total quality management and continuous quality improvement, and a demonstrated understanding of mechanisms to monitor and drive improvements in healthcare quality and safety, including an understanding of responsive regulation. Achieves results Training and demonstrated competency in health, behavioural or social science research methods, with the ability to critically evaluate and analyse complex data sets and/or information and develop appropriate solutions. Cultivates productive working relationships Demonstrated management and leadership skills, and demonstrated ability to maintain effective working relationships with senior managers and internal and external stakeholders. Exemplifies personal drive and integrity Demonstrated strong project management, organisation and planning skills with the ability to multi-task and negotiate effectively, and to meet the needs of all stakeholders efficiently and effectively. Communicates with influence Demonstrated high level interpersonal skills, including negotiation and consultation, and high level written communication skills, including demonstrated competence in the preparation of substantial reports, briefings and submissions. How to apply Please provide the following information for the panel to assess your suitability:
A cover letter (maximum two pages) with short responses on how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to achieve the key accountabilities and meet the key skill requirements listed above. Your current CV or resume, including referees. Referees should have a thorough knowledge of your work performance and conduct, and it is preferable to include your current/immediate past supervisor. Referees will only be contacted with your consent. Application form (only required if not applying online). Further information Applicants must demonstrate how their qualifications and/or experience meet each assessment criterion. This position description does not necessarily detail the full range of duties required of the position. The Commission encourages applicants to propose job sharing arrangements with appropriately qualified candidates and is willing to consider proposals for flexible work arrangements. HQCC is an equal opportunity employer. It is an expectation that staff work in accordance with the HQCC Code of Conduct 2007, Workplace Health and Safety legislation, and all other policies, directives and legislation which impact on their position. All HQCC employees must comply with the confidentiality policies and any other directions given relating to information security. HQCC recognises that flexible working arrangements may provide considerable benefits to work units and staff and encourages managers and staff to consider mutually beneficial strategies which allow staff to better balance work and non-work life. HQCC acknowledges and supports the principles of continuous quality improvement and encourages all staff to participate in quality improvement activities. Smoking is prohibited within Queensland Government buildings (including corridors, passageways, walkways, balconies and offices) and motor vehicles. Applications will remain current for a period of 12 months. Success applicants may be required to travel interstate and intrastate in the provision of services to the community. All new permanent employees to HQCC will be required to undertake a period of probation upon commencement of duty. This period will be 6 months in length with a possible 3 month extension if performance objectives are not met. Probation does not apply to casual or temporary engagements, transfer at level or appointment on promotion. This position may be subject to pre-employment history checks including a working with children suitability check (Blue Card), criminal history, identity or previous discipline history checks for the preferred applicant. Criminal History checks may be conducted for preferred applicants who are not existing permanent employees of HQCC who are recommended for permanent appointment or temporary appointment expected to continue for longer than three months. Disclosure of Previous Employment as a Lobbyist
Applicants will be required to give a statement of their employment as a lobbyist within one (1) month of taking up the appointment. Details are available at http://www.psc.qld.gov.au/library/document/policy/lobbyist-disclosure-policy.pdf