Australian College of Health Service Executives Management Residency Program Position Description 2009 METROPOLITAN PLACEMENT
PART ONE 1. Management Residency Program 1.0 Background 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Entry Criteria 1.3 Selection Criteria 1.4 Experiential Learning 1.5 Academic Learning 1.6 Professional Development 1.7 Mentoring / Preceptorship 1.8 Conditions of Employment 1.9 Completion of the Program 1.10 Sources for Additional Information PART TWO 2. Career in Healthcare 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Healthcare: A System on the Move 2.3 The Healthcare Executive: A Pivotal Position PART THREE 3. Attributes of a Healthcare Executive 3.1 Applicant attributes 3.2 Developing your career 3.3 Sources for additional information on Health Industry Careers
PART ONE 1. Management Residency Program 1.0 Background The Australian College of Health Service Executives (ACHSE) has had a history of attracting graduates with vibrant and diverse backgrounds which value add to the skills base to the health services management profession. The first trainees joined the Management Training Program in 1975 and this has formed the basis of similar programs run by other State branches of the College. The Victorian Management Residency Program (MRP) commenced in 1990 and has 12 management interns in the program at any one time. 1.1 Introduction The Management Residency Program offers employment through a range of management situations within the health sector. Whilst providing an experiential learning base, it also promotes the academic specialisation necessary through enrolment of specific MBA subjects that are considered as essential pre-requisites for professionals in health administration. The program will offer the successful applicants, four placements over a two year period in a variety of organisational settings, designed to develop their personal understanding of health, as well as to facilitate study a range of postgraduate subjects. 1.2 Entry Criteria Recent graduates with degree qualifications from tertiary institutions are invited to apply, preference will be given to the following disciplines: Accounting, Business, Management, Commerce, Economics, Arts, Science and Maths. To be eligible the applicant must have completed their degree within the preceding five years, and require a commitment to pursue a career in health management. The program welcomes individuals who exhibit ability and the appropriate personal attributes, but lack relevant work experience and also to individuals who have gained a maximum five years work experience after the completion of their undergraduate qualification. The 2009 program is open to clinicians who wish to pursue academic studies in health management with a view to taking up positions in health administration in the future. 1.3 Selection Criteria Individuals with business related, Economics, Arts, Mathematics and Science undergraduate degree qualifications who have undertaken course work with particular emphasis on management, quantitative, analytical and statistical subjects. Clinicians who wish to pursue academic studies in health management with a view to pursuing a career in health administration. An in-depth understanding of the Health industry and the management skills required within the private and public sectors. Demonstrate outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to be a strong team player. Individuals who exhibit excellent writing skills as part of the application.
Individuals who exhibit high levels of motivation and enthusiasm and can be identified as a self-starter. The programs combined academic and on the job approach provides development of a broad understanding of health services and policy development in Australia. 1.4 Experiential Learning Residents will undertake a series of rotating placements throughout the two years. The desired outcome of these placements is to expose the resident to a diverse range of management situations under the supervision of experienced management administrators. The content of each placement will differ with each organisation, but defined generic learning goals will be adhered to in each position. The experiential learning process of the program is categorised under four areas. While there is no fixed sequence for the completion of each phase, all phases must be completed within duration of the 2 year program. Phase One: Department of Human Services This phase will be over 26 weeks and include exposure to the central office and/or regional office functions of the Department. Phase Two: Metropolitan Health Service This phase will be over two stages each of 26 weeks duration, each stage will be undertaken at a different location within the Melbourne Metropolitan area. Each of the metropolitan health services accommodates at least one of Melbourne s major public teaching hospitals Phase Three: Elective Phase This phase is an elective phase over 26 weeks. Options include extending an existing placement or being placed at an Extended Care Facility, Community Health Centre or in a Rural Hospital. 1.5 Academic Learning Essential pre-requisites for professionals in health administration will be provided through course work in the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services Management at La Trobe University. Residents will be required to participate in these courses and reach an acceptable level of achievement. Failure to reach the acceptable level will require the resident to withdraw from the program. There are eight (8) units to be pursued, covering the core subject areas of: Health Services Law Health Economics Accounting Epidemiological Methods Australian Health Care System Hospital Administration
Residents who obtained a degree qualification that failed to encompass study in statistics, management theory, or organisational behaviour, maybe required to undertake additional units of study. As with the current MRP workplace agreement, 3 days study leave per subject will be offered for those subjects which have examinations. 1.6 Professional Development The management resident will be expected to participate in the ACHSE s Professional Developmental Program (breakfast seminars, evening updates and residential conferences) 1.7 Mentoring / Preceptorship A placement coordinator will provide an introduction and guidance in the early stages of the program. Periodically, meetings will be organised to discuss placements, workplace challenges and broad health related issues. During the placement, the MRP supervisor will usually take on the role of a preceptor (this role is most important). At this level they are responsible for ensuring the MRP is exposed to a number of work place experiences through project work, meeting participation, assisting and interacting with other staff in the organisation. A mentor will be assigned to each resident. The mentor will be an experienced College member who will be independent from the organisation to which the resident has been assigned. 1.8 Conditions of Employment The total package of the program is approximately $50,000 per annum. This includes university tuition and service fees, ACHSE membership and Professional Development fund. Standard working conditions apply i.e. 38 hour week, 4 weeks annual leave, 9% superannuation guarantee levy and other conditions as set out in the Health and Allied Services Public Sector Victorian Consolidated Award 1998. Annual leave is expected to be taken between Christmas Day and Australia Day, with the unused portion of annual leave to be paid out at the end of the program. 1.9 Completion of the Program To formally graduate from the Management Residency Program, residents will be required to have satisfactorily completed both the academic and experiential learning programs. Graduates will be eligible for Associate Fellow entry to the Australian College of Health Service Executives. It is anticipated that graduates of the program will be highly sought after by health agencies and that during placements you will have had the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and ability in adding value to these organisations. No guarantee of employment is made to Residents who have successfully completed their placements, but assistance will be provided to identify suitable positions within the Health sector.
1.10 Sources for Additional Information. The Australian College of Health Service Executives http://www.achse.org.au Department of Human Services. http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au La Trobe University. http://www.latrobe.edu.au Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services http://www.health.gov.au Health Services Association Australia http://www.hsansw.aust.com
PART TWO 2. Career in Healthcare 2.1 Introduction The purpose of this section is to give you a better understanding of the exciting profession of Health service management. Healthcare is one of today s most dynamic and growing industries. It is also a field that offers new opportunities and challenges for those who choose it as a career. The Australian College of Health Service Executives wants to assist you to make a positive and informed decision for a career in health. 2.2 Healthcare: A System on the Move The present healthcare system is on the move, responding to a variety of trends and shifts in the population, in government, technology and medical advances. The dilemmas of the present health care system are: Restrictions on government payments for patient care Pressures from business and government to contain financial costs A growing elderly population Better informed patients, that demand a higher level of patient care Continual advances in medical technology Pressures to emphasise prevention and wellness Para-medical professionals seeking expanded roles Increasing capital shortages for construction and renovation Increased competition For a career in the Healthcare industry one must respond to those dilemmas. For people considering entry into the profession of health services management, it is a challenging and exciting time. The Healthcare field will require uniquely gifted individuals to manage these institutions. Tomorrow s Healthcare facility may vary significantly from the hospital you know today. The hospital of tomorrow will not just provide general medical and surgical services, but a vast range of community and support services as well. Healthcare executives will need to be entrepreneurs and innovators - people who understand how to build affiliations, manage contracts, deal with professional staff and unions, and develop health-related businesses. 2.3 The Healthcare Executive: A Pivotal Position A decade ago hospitals were growing at such a dramatic rate, that most career opportunities were located in hospitals. The number of hospitals in Victoria now stands at less than 140. However this figure will continue to decline due to the changing in provision of hospital care, amalgamations, and reductions in general usage. Today more than 1500 individuals occupy senior health management positions at numerous organisational levels from CEO to supervisor of a department.
Career paths for graduates in the past have been a straightforward vertical progression through an organisation. Nowadays these career paths are less clearly defined. Graduates will spend several years in a variety of management and staff positions before progressing to senior management. Often graduates will move laterally - across the organisation from position to position. Even though requirements for the very senior positions in hospitals and other institutions will be demanding, there will be great opportunities for graduates to succeed. If you do choose a career in Healthcare management, you might find your first position in areas such as: Finance Information systems Support services Ambulatory services Planning Marketing & public affairs Patient care services Materials management Risk management Nursing administration Human resources Many of these opportunities may not exist in the traditional hospital environment. However, a career in health may also be found in a: Consulting firm Healthcare association Hospice Long term care facility Mental health institution or agency Public health department Health insurance company All areas will carry exciting career opportunities for bright, enthusiastic and motivated graduates. Each will have the chance to create a significant contribution to the healthcare field and to the overall health of the Australian community.
PART THREE 3. Attributes of a Healthcare Executive 3.1 Applicant Attributes Employers search for certain attributes in their junior level managers. The criteria for measuring those attributes are as follows: Academic Training Do you hold a degree from an accredited graduate program in health administration? Have you completed another degree that qualifies you? Do you demonstrate a commitment to professional development and continuing education? Previous Work Experience Have you already held a position within a health related organisation? Do you have other business experience? Did your graduate university program provide you valuable work experience? Specific Skills, Interests and Areas of Expertise Do you hold the specific academic or work experience required of the position? Do you have the commitment for additional learning in these areas? Professional attitude and Appearance Do you conduct yourself in a professional manner? Do you communicate confidence, maturity and authority? Communication Skills Can you present your ideas in language that is clear, direct, concrete and specific? Can you show evidence of the strong written and communication skills needed to develop reports and proposals? Dependability, Judgement, Character Do you obtain the maturity necessary to make decisions and take responsibility for them? Are you honest and ethical in nature in the manner you conduct business? Are you willing to form a commitment to the organisation? General Management Skills Can you work well with others - superiors, sub-ordinates and peers? Are you an individual that can motivate, delegate, evaluate, train, co-ordinate and lead?
3.2 Developing your Career The following are some general guidelines in becoming an astute, focussed and successful manager within the Healthcare sector. Investigate available educational programs - both graduate and undergraduate - before you make a commitment of time and money Develop strong quantitative skills - Healthcare executives will have to understand finance, information systems and computers Develop your interpersonal skills - your success as a Healthcare executive will depend on your ability to interact cohesively with diverse groups of professionals. Learn how to motivate, negotiate and manage Stay briefed on Healthcare trends - Be aware of shifting opportunities. Stay current and up to-date Read about healthcare - You can find interesting articles in local newspapers, national magazines, Healthcare magazines, and reports, proposals, recommendations and analytical papers published by various organisations in the Healthcare sector Be patient and flexible and identify your career goals Rely on the expertise of Healthcare institutions 3.3 Sources for additional information on Health Industry Careers Australian Health and Hospitals Association GPO Box 578 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Phone: 02 6162 0780 http://www.aushealthcare.com.au Email: admin@aushealthcare.com.au Australian Council of Healthcare Standards 5 Macarthur Street ULTIMO NSW 2007 Australia Phone: 02 9281 9955 email: achs@achs.org.au Secretariat of Health Administration Programs in Education (SHAPE) http://www.shape.org.au Department of Human Services 555 Collins Street MELBOURNE VIC 3000 Phone: 03 9096 0000 Hospital & Health Networks (USA) http://www.hhnmag.com American College of Healthcare Executives www.ache.org
Applications: Applications should demonstrate the applicant s experience and interests in a career in health service management and should be forwarded to: Mr David Webb State Manager ACHSE (Victorian Branch) Management Residency Program email: achsevic@achsevic.org.au PO Box 328 BOX HILL VIC 3128