WHITELION Position Description Internal Consultant Evaluation and Database Management Division: Head Office Position Status: Full Time Reports To: State Manager, Victoria Date: November 2012 Duration: Ongoing Direct Reports: Nil Other Reports: Nil About Open Family Australia & Whitelion Whitelion is a non-profit organisation that supports disadvantaged young people and helps make our community a more inclusive and safer place. Each year thousands of young people are disconnected from their families and community due to abuse, neglect, drug addiction and poverty. These young people have often had challenging life experiences with few positive role models and are caught in a cycle of discouragement. Whitelion gives them the best chance to break the cycle through positive role modelling, mentoring and employment. Organisational Goals Offer mentoring, employment and specialist support services that develop wellbeing, resilience and transferable life skills in young people Establish and maintain relationships that foster social inclusion and community reconnection for young people Support more young people by engaging all sectors of the community through investment and partnerships Be a leader in the provision of specialist youth services with evidence informed programs and practices Be sustainable and strive for continuous improvement so as to offer the best possible outcomes for the young people we work with 0
Whitelion and OFA OPEN FAMILY AUSTRALIA Open Family Australia is a community organisation that has been working with street children since 1978. We exist as an independent, not-for-profit organisation that is not formally aligned to any religious or political group. Our Belief Statement: We believe that every young person has the right to belong. We can change the lives of vulnerable young people. Open Family Australia provides outreach support and services to young people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. We work in Victoria and NSW, providing Assertive Outreach to vulnerable young people in their communities What we stand for: The Courage to Choose a Better Future Shared Values Committed: We will hang in there with young people no matter what. Real: We will be open, honest and genuine in their dealings with young people, their families, colleagues and other partners and stakeholders. Collaborative: We will work in partnership with a range of community stakeholders. Compassionate: We will work in a concerned, caring and kind way. Courageous: We will not hesitate to provide and/or advocate for the best of all possible outcomes on behalf of highly vulnerable and high risk young people. Scope of the Position The role of the Internal Consultant Evaluation and Database Management is critical in developing and maintaining the effectiveness and sustainability of Whitelion (WL) and Open Family Australia (OFA). The role will drive processes to ensure that WL / OFA consistently strive to deliver interventions that meet best practice standards, achieve maximal positive impact, and provide access to as many at risk young people as possible. This ongoing full-time position works to meet the following key objectives: 1. Evaluation Coordination: Coordinate the continued development and implementation of an evaluation framework for WL / OFA. The position ensures the quality, integrity and validity of the data, in order to confirm the program outcomes of WL / OFA. 2. Database Management: Lead the continued implementation of the organisation s national web-based data management system. Establish and implement sound processes to ensure maintenance of system use and data entry. 1
OPERATIONS Key Accountabilities Key Tasks Evaluation Coordination Coordinate the development and implementation of a structured program evaluation methodology and process. Collate and analyse evaluation data. Prepare program and organisational reports based on evaluation data. Coordinate internal knowledge management and organisational learning processes. Conduct internal staff training on evaluation processes and learnings. Represent WL / OFA in external meetings, conferences, consultations, government round-tables, and similar forums. Contribute to the identification and development of strategic goals for WL / OFA s target group of young people. Database Management Liaise effectively with the organisation s system provider for the purpose of testing and administering new database modules and elements, as well as in relation to any system issues that may arise. Leadership Utilising a flexible & versatile approach, conduct internal training for all staff nationally on database use and maintenance. Delivery of training will be customised to suit varying staff levels of IT competency. Provide timely database troubleshooting responses to staff nationally Communicate effectively with national staffing group regarding the implementation of new database functionality. Adjust and configure database modules as required to accommodate new WL/OFA programs. Further develop and enhance reporting from the system in accordance with program, evaluation and contractual requirements. Provide input on policies and procedures governing database operations and related issues. Develop, implement and maintain regular processes to manage data integrity and quality strategies. Manage error correction and ongoing maintenance of the system s administration processes. Maintain staff user records on system. Maintain collaborative, professional working relationships with managers, colleagues, employees, volunteers, partners, suppliers and other stakeholders 2
DESIRABLE ESSENTIAL PRACTICE CONDUCT, ETHICS & COMPLIANCE Ensures compliance and promotion of all workplace health and safety policies and procedures to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of all employees and visitors. Promotes a culture of best practice governance and compliance among colleagues and direct reports. Demonstrates and drives safe behaviours through clear direction; setting and enforcing standards; and delivering a consistent message Implement and follow safe systems of work and ensure team members do the same. Promote care for the safety and health of self and team members. Conducts practice with the highest legal, moral and ethical standards. Key Selection Criteria Relevant tertiary qualification and / or demonstrated relevant employment experience. Demonstrated experience in program evaluation, including program logic, preferably in the human services field, and ability to assist and resource WL / OFA staff to plan and undertake program self-evaluation. Respect for standard operating procedures, particularly individual privacy relating to evaluation activity. Ability to think strategically about the support needs required for our young people, in order to influence stakeholders in the development of new policy initiatives. Ability to follow processes with a high level of attention to detail. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and manage relationships at all levels of business. Well-developed computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as an understanding and experience in the use of databases and client case management systems. Well-developed written skills with the ability to document professional practice such as program models, evaluations and database processes. Adaptable, receptive to new ideas and perspectives, and is able to respond and adjust easily to changing work demands and circumstances. Excellent organisational and time management skills Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively and actively engage with the national team. Ability to demonstrate commitment to and understanding of WL / OFA values Willingness to undertake a criminal record check and Working with Children Check Demonstrated experience in project management Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE40110) or equivalent is an advantage Hold a current drivers licence and prepared to drive 3
WORKS WITH OTHERS PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS Key Capabilities INSIGHT & GROWTH RESILIENCE ENERGY & DRIVE INFLUENCE DEVELOPS OTHERS INSPIRES OTHERS TEAMWORK PLANNING & ORGANISING Possesses a strong desire to learn about and experience new things Seeks feedback and responds appropriately Understands the impact of own emotions and behaviours Is openly optimistic of success Copes with change, ambiguity & complexity effectively Perseveres when faced with resistance or setbacks Bounces back from difficult situations Takes initiative to do things that make a difference Identifies actions for success Works hard to meet and exceed accountabilities Seeks the contribution of others Makes others feel valued when they express differing viewpoints Remains open to a range of options and ideas Builds on others ideas before introducing new ideas Brings conflict into the open and deals with it effectively Works with others to reach consensus Supports team decisions Views mistakes as opportunities to learn Provides timely and factual feedback Coaches others for their development Encourages personal and professional development Creates clarity on long term direction and goals Is reliable, consistent and fulfils commitments Maintains confidentiality Admits mistakes and takes responsibility for their outcome Sets high goals and standards Works collaboratively Seeks to understand perspectives, needs and feelings of others Is tactful and diplomatic in dealings with people Communicates openly, honestly and with positive intent Shares information Plans and organises work efficiently and effectively Creates clear & simple plans to deliver strategy Simplifies existing processes Manages risk associated with decisions Monitors progress and adapts to changes as necessary 4
CREATES BUSINESS IMPACT DELIVERS RESULTS STAKEHOLDER FOCUS ORGANISATION AGILITY CREATIVE & STRATEGIC THINKING BUSINESS ACUMEN LEADING CHANGE IMPACTING THE COMMUNITY Completes work in a timely and efficient manner Takes pride in work Acts decisively Encourages others to be accountable Gives people the necessary support and room to achieve Manages performance effectively Celebrates achievement Responds to stakeholders needs and expectations Understands our stakeholders, markets and operations Follows through on commitments made to stakeholders Creating clarity out of internal dynamics, ambiguity, complexity and change to achieve outcomes Uses a range of tools to find practical solutions to problems Identifies opportunities to grow or improve the business Analyses data to influence outcomes Capitalises on social trends Uses technology to impact the business Drives performance to achieve financial outcomes Creates energy and momentum for change Supports others through the impact of change Seeks opportunities to enrich the community Encourages others to identify and act on enriching the community Overall Rating for Capability Terms & Conditions This is an ongoing full-time (1.0 EFT) position Some evening and weekend work may be required Salary - from $56,000 per annum plus an employer superannuation contribution of 9% Salary packaging is available A probationary period of three (3) months will apply All employees are responsible for obtaining a Working with Children Check and maintaining its validity Open Family Australia and Whitelion Inc are equal opportunity employers 5