PORT PIRIE REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICE COUNTRY HEALTH SA POSITION INFORMATION DOCUMENT Division: Community Health Services Career Group: Professional Officer Classification: PO 2 Position Title: Senior Speech Pathologist Position Information Document Approved by........./.../... Regional Director Community & Primary Health Care Programs L PREAMBLE: Underpinning the Department of Health Strategic Directions are the agreed values that reflect honesty, respect and integrity for every individual. These values drive how we conduct our business and how we behave. We aim to make the values live. It is important that we incorporate the values into our behaviour systems and processes. The Department has a Commitment to Workplace Values attached to Job and Person Specifications that all staff are required to uphold. (Please refer to the back of this document). Australia has one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse populations in the world. Having a diverse workforce (inclusive of bi-lingual, bi-cultural and employees who have a disability can enhance the department s ability to negotiate with, and meet the needs of, the full range of its clients and customers. Such employees also add to the diversity of the workforce, and give added opportunities to fully capitalise on difference as a valuable asset in an increasingly competitive environment EVEL CHARACTERISTICS PO 2 The position is classified at the Professional Services level 2 by virtue of the requirement to:- undertake all phases of the project and/or intervention processes as an individual in a discrete area. select and adapt methods best suited within the limitation of the scope and objectives of a project, and accept personal professional responsibility for completeness and adequacy of activities. document results and demonstrate the progressive attainment of greater knowledge and experience to achieve higher level outcomes under reducing professional direction. POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Speech Pathologist is accountable to the Director Community & Primary Health Care Programs through the Allied Health Team Leader for the effective management of human, material & financial resources to enable the provision of safe, cost-effective, equitable and relevant Speech Pathology services. The Senior Speech Pathologist will participate in organisational wide management activities and work with the Allied Health Team Leader in facilitating workforce effectiveness, resourcing the team, building and maintaining relationships, promoting and achieving quality outcomes for clients. Will deliver direct and comprehensive holistic speech pathology services to the clientele. Health Promotion is also a significant component of the position to enhance the health and wellbeing of people living within the mid north cluster. A primary health care framework will underpin the philosophy, service planning and delivery of care within Speech Pathology department. POSITION CHARACTERISTICS The Senior Speech Pathologist is based at the Port Pirie Regional Health Service and is a member of the Speech Pathology and Allied Health Services Team that provides services to the four health units encompassed by the geographical area known as the Mid North of South Australia. This includes the Port Pirie Regional Health Service, Mid North Health, Port Broughton Hospital and Southern Flinders Health. The Port Pirie Regional Health Service is the largest of these health units and provides a range of specialist inpatient, outpatient and community services. The Senior Speech Pathologist works closely with the Speech Pathologists, Allied Health Team Leader and other discipline seniors in developing and facilitating this service and is an active participant in the continuing development of Speech Pathology Services to people in the Mid North area. Speech Pathology provides a comprehensive range of services to people individuals and their families, consultative services to other agencies and educative services to consumers and carers from a primary through to a tertiary health care framework. The Service engages in short-term and long-term clinical case management, and treatment and rehabilitation of consumers all ages with communication, feeding and swallowing needs. The Senior Speech Pathologist provides direct clinical services, in individual as well as group settings, to consumers with health issues ranging from a single episode to those with complex long-term conditions (e.g. stroke, Parkinson s disease, developmental delay, autism). ACCOUNTABILITY Responsible to the Regional Director Community Health & Primary Health Care Programs through the Team Leader Allied Health for service provision. Responsible for providing clinical support and supervision of base grade Speech Pathologist. Work within a multidisciplinary team.
A minimum of 0.3 FTE will be allocated to Heath Promotion and Primary Health Care Initiatives and Programs AWARD/AGREEMENT SA Public Sector Salaried Employees Interim Award and associated Enterprise Agreements PERFORMANCE REVIEW Three months after appointment, then annually with the Team Leader. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT As per contract of employment. SPECIAL CONDITIONS This position is for a fulltime temporary contract from 1/12/09-11/02/11 Some out of hours work may be required for which time in lieu arrangements will apply. Travel to regional centres is required. A current drivers licence and willingness to drive Government vehicles is essential Attendance of mandatory training sessions as determined by the organisation. Will be required to produce a satisfactory National Police Certificate/National Police History Records Check prior to confirmation of appointment and every 3 years thereafter from date of issue ORGANISATION Supervisor Reports to: Supervisor s Position: Subject Position: Regional Director Community Health & Primary Health Care Programs Team Leader - Allied Health Senior Speech Pathologist Staff Supervised: Speech Pathologists (PO 1) x 2 Speech Pathology Assistant (OPS 2) x 1 Other Positions Reporting to the Supervisor Diabetes Educators Dieticians Occupational Therapists Podiatrists Physiotherapists Women s Health workers Allied Health Assistants Team Leader Personal Assistant
PORT PIRIE REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICE COUNTRY HEALTH SA JOB & PERSON SPECIFICATION Position Title: Senior Speech Pathologist Position No: PP0149 Division: Community Health Services Classification: PO 2 Occupant: Appointment Type: Permanent [ ] Temporary [x] Other [ ] Full Time Equivalent: 1.0 Job & Person Specification Approved by........./.../... Regional Director Community Health & Primary Health Care Programs KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1 TECHNICAL SKILLS & APPLICATION The Senior Speech Pathologist is responsible for effectively managing and monitoring the delivery of care/services by relevant staff within the speech pathology department by:- Delivery of direct speech pathology service to clients providing treatment to inpatients, outpatients and community based clients throughout the mid north cluster. Monitoring the effectiveness of service delivery and implement changes as appropriate. Coordinate service provision to ensure consistency of approach. Ensuring clients can obtain their maximum potential for functional communication by using formal and informal assessment tools and implementing and evaluating therapy programs. Ensuring that clients, who present with eating and swallowing problems can participate in successful, enjoyable and safe mealtimes, by using formal and informal assessment procedures, by implementing effective strategies and by liaising closely with medical, nursing and allied health staff. assessing, diagnosing and managing communication and swallowing disorders with a focus on early intervention and utilising primary health care principles Planning and coordinating services incorporating development and implementation of health education and promotion & early intervention programs Assessment, review and coordination of staff workloads. Providing support and education to new and less experienced staff and students caring for people within the Speech Pathology department. Demonstrating and articulating a comprehensive knowledge base of safe practice. Functioning in accordance with legislation and common law. Maintaining a physical and psychological environment, which promotes safety and security and optimal health.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (CONTINUED) Develop, implement, utilise and coordinate early intervention, prevention, education and health promotion programs aimed at empowering individuals in relation to their health status. Acting as a client advocate in order to protect client s rights and enhance the dignity and integrity of individuals and groups. Assisting, educating and supporting individuals or groups to communicate effectively and make informed decisions based on recognised needs concerning health care. Conducting speech pathology practice in a way that can be ethically justified Conducting speech pathology practice in a way that is based on evidence based practice. Ensure effective management of the department by: Monitoring budget and being involved in budgetary decisions affecting Speech Pathology Services. Ensuring adequate stocks of equipment and supplies are maintained to enable adequate service provision. Researching products and resources appropriate to client needs. Delegating portfolios to other staff. Implementation of Human Resources to enable proficient service delivery. Demonstrating an awareness of the legal/professional requirements involved in selection of staff and participates in selection of staff. Demonstrate ability to identify and report all health and safety risks, accidents, injuries, property damage and mishaps at the workplace. Liaising with CAHS management on overall planning of policies in relation to the Speech Pathology Service. Developing, implementing and reviewing an ongoing programme of Quality Improvement activities, which is consistent with the service s philosophies and objectives. Demonstrating best practice at all times by ensuring that professional skills of self and the other physiotherapists are regularly updated and research based. Encouraging staff to participate in appropriate educational activities. Coordinating regular staff performance appraisals. developing and maintaining an up to date policy and procedure manual documenting all activities of the Department. liaison with professional associations and major teaching institutions Promote Primary Health Care Principles by:- assisting in the development and implementation of health education and promotion programs. assisting in the development and implementation of early intervention programs. providing services within a Primary Health Care Framework.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (CONTINUED) 2 TEAMWORK & COMMUNICATION Contribute to the effective and appropriate communication between the Speech Pathology Department and the staff of PPRHS through: demonstrating the ability to work positively within a team to achieve team goals. assisting the Team Leader in the identification of Goals. work positively and harmoniously with other team members to achieve service delivery excellence. ability to contribute to various committees as required on a divisional and organisational basis. participation and assistance in the orientation of new staff as this relates to the Speech Pathology Department. participation in the development of policies and procedures that reflect the philosophy of the health service. contribute to the education of Health Care orientated students by acting as a resource, demonstrating, teaching and promoting the role of a health professional and a multidisciplinary approach. Delivery of culturally sensitive services Comply with the Department of Health Code of Conduct 3 DOCUMENTATION & ADMINISTRATION ensure that all documentation is accurate and completed in a professional and timely manner must have an understanding of written & spoken English. demonstrate ability to identify & report all health & safety risks, accidents, injuries, property damage and mishaps at the workplace. developing departmental policies and providing ongoing review and updating as required. assisting in monitoring the allocated budget and appropriate records and files. planning and developing services including the preparation of reports and submissions for funding. Develop proposals as required in conjunction with the Team Leader to further develop the Speech Pathology Service. completing statistical data as required by the organisation and ensuring the team provides appropriate statistical data as required. ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity principles are used to guide Speech Pathology services. 4 CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT Ensure the highest quality most appropriate services are provided to the Community by: commitment to development of and participation in quality improvement programs and other health service activities to meet Service / Accreditation Standards. reviewing community needs and implementing appropriate service changes to meet these needs wherever possible. encouraging staff to participate in appropriate educational endeavours. developing and coordinating regular staff performance reviews in partnership with the team leader and establishing professional development plans. coordinating the updating and development of resource material provided to clients.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (CONTINUED) development of and participation in occupational health safety & welfare activities to ensure a safe work environment for community, consumers, staff and visitors. ensure all hazardous work areas and / or practices are identified and reported and acted upon. actively participate in the rehabilitation of injured workers developing, implementing and reviewing an ongoing program of Quality Improvement Activities to ensure the quality and appropriateness of service delivery 5 PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Participate in ongoing personal & professional development through: participating in appropriate professional development activities and utilising knowledge and skills gained. promote professional development of speech pathologists by providing access to literature, workshops, conferences and supporting any research projects. Ensure information and literature is disseminated and reviewed. attendance at staff meetings and in-service programs. demonstrating the ability to work without supervision & to adopt a flexible approach to work routines. maintaining knowledge and skills relevant to the position through participation in and contribution to the facility staff development program. This includes attending mandatory training (i.e. orientation to the organisation; OHS&W; basic life support; and fire training). developing positive communication networks with supervisory staff identifying personal knowledge gaps with supervisor and work towards meeting these needs acquisition of knowledge and competencies through education, training and staff development 6 CUSTOMER SERVICE Act in a professional manner at all times when dealing with internal & external clients and agencies by: positively promoting colleagues and the organisation both internally and externally being prompt and providing courteous service to clients, families, carers and colleagues in a timely and efficient manner. maintaining & ensuring client confidentiality at all times through computer and file access, whilst respecting the clients values & wishes. coordinating the updating and development of resource material provided to clients. consulting with the community and involving consumers in planning and development of services and evaluating outcomes of programs. be aware of and respecting the need of colleagues being responsive to telephone inquiries which includes the identification of self and facility / department. services to be sensitive to the cultural background of the consumer. Acting as a client advocate in order to protect the rights and enhance the dignity and integrity of individuals and groups. Participate in community initiatives and health promotion activities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (CONTINUED) OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SAFETY & WELFARE RESPONSIBILITIES All staff are expected to ensure they comply with Country Health SA Management Standard 2 Responsibilities. Country Health SA (CHSA) has a responsibility to maintain a duty of care under both the Occupational Health Safety and Welfare (OHS&W) Act 1986 and the Rehabilitation and Workers Compensation Act 1986, towards all persons in the workplace, including patients, visitors, volunteers, sub contractors, labour hire staff and CHSA employees Employees and Volunteers are accountable to ensure: They comply with any written policy, Management Standard, procedure and/ore reasonable instruction pertaining to OHS&W and Injury Management (IM) They demonstrate appropriate behaviour to protect their own health and safety at work and that of others, including patients, visitors, volunteers, sub contractors, labour hire staff and fellow employees or volunteers They attend and participate in mandatory training and relevant training that is provided. Whilst volunteers are encouraged to attend training, the need to attend specific training should be determined in consultation with the individual to ensure a suitable compromise is achieved that meets the needs of the individual and the organisation Active participation in OHS&W and IM initiatives and consultative processes Any incidents and hazards are immediately reported to ensure risks to themselves or other persons can be minimised or eliminated They do not attend work under the influence of alcohol or a drug and in such a state that compromises personal safety and the safety of others Personal protective equipment and other equipment or aids provided by the organisation, are correctly used and maintained, and that any malfunctions or faults are reported 2. Executive Directors Executive Directors are accountable to the Chief Executive Officer for the management and implementation of OHS&W Systems within their Division. In particular, they must provide resources and support workgroup senior managers to achieve a safe and healthy work environment, comply with legislation, manage specific Business Unit risks and allocate OHS&W responsibilities to all employees when implementing the OHS&W System. In addition some Executive Directors are responsible for the management of Corporate Policies with OHS&W implications. 3. Managers/Supervisors/ Team Leaders Managers/Supervisors/Team Leaders are accountable to their Executive Directors for the management of OHS&W within their Departments/ Workgroups by: Taking an active role in decision making for OHS&W in their departments/ Workgroups. Ensuring that OHS&W planning is an integral part of planning. Allocating adequate resources for the implementation of relevant OHS&W Policy.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (CONTINUED) Ensuring, where necessary that relevant OHS&W procedures and/or instructions are created and implemented. Ensuring that appropriate consultation and communication regarding OHS&W issues takes place within the Workgroup. and Ensuring that all employees receive relevant OHS&W training. 4. Line Managers Any person with a supervisory role below the Manager/Team Leader/Supervisor is responsible for protecting the health, safety and welfare of employees in their work area. They are also responsible for the protection of members of the public, contractors, volunteers and other employees who may be affected by their operations. In particular this group is responsible for: Taking action on OHS&W issues raised by employees. The resolution of OHS&W related disputes using agreed consultative mechanisms. Understanding the hazards and risks in their area. Ensuring accidents and incidents are reported and investigated. Ensuring employees follow safe work instructions. Ensuring workplace inspections occur and that problems identified are acted upon. Ensuring employees and contract staff are inducted and informed about OHS&W issues, policies, procedures and instructions relevant to their work area. Recognising employees who contribute to improved OHS&W performance. Working with and supporting H&S Representatives. Supporting injured or ill workers and participating in rehabilitation programs. Consulting with employees on any changes to the workplace, plant or equipment or the introduction of new substances, systems of work or new procedures that may affect their workgroup. Line Managers must take an active part in Workgroup OHS&W Committees or Management Support Groups as required and are accountable to the Senior Manager.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (CONTINUED) Contribute to the understanding and application of Country Health SA policies and procedures including: supporting values that respect historical and contemporary Aboriginal cultures so that Aboriginal people are recognised as having a special connection with the State; ensuring the needs of all cultures are met through the provision of appropriate services; ensuring the compliance of the cluster areas with relevant law and South Australian Government, DH and CHSA policies; contributing to counter disaster planning and preparedness as required; assisting with and supporting any internal or external audit processes; and ensuring the promotion and implementation of the General Public Sector Managements Aims, Personnel Management Standards and employee conduct standards in particular Equal Opportunity and Occupational Health Safety and Welfare by adhering to the provisions of relevant legislative requirements, and demonstrating a commitment to the Premier s Safety Commitment. Acknowledged by Occupant:... Date:.../.../...
PORT PIRIE REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICE COUNTRY HEALTH SA PERSON SPECIFICATIONS ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION An appropriate degree in Speech Pathology or other appropriate qualification giving eligibility for membership of Speech Pathology Australia. EXPERIENCE Relevant clinical experience and/or experience at a senior level. Wide clinical experience to enable a complete general Speech Pathology service be offered to the mid north community demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, facilitating and evaluating health education and promotion programs using a Primary Health Care framework. Experience working in a multidisciplinary team in a health service environment. KNOWLEDGE Clinical knowledge of a variety of disabilities and assessment and treatment techniques. Understanding of Equal Employment Opportunity and Occupational Health Safety & Welfare principles. Knowledge of primary health care principles. Knowledge of quality improvement principles and measures. PERSONAL ABILITIES/SKILLS High level of oral and written communication skills including experience using personal computers, particularly MS office software Effective interpersonal communication skills - ability to liaise with management, staff and clients. Demonstrates initiative and an ability to problem solve. Demonstrates high level of organisational and decision making abilities, including time management and priority setting. Well developed personal, organisational and management skills. Ability to provide advice, supervision and leadership to a staff/team
PORT PIRIE REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICE COUNTRY HEALTH SA PERSON SPECIFICATIONS HIGHLY DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS EXPERIENCE Experience in student supervision. Experience in administration of a Speech Pathology service. KNOWLEDGE Knowledge of health organisations and resources in South Australia. Knowledge regarding research and evaluation methods PERSONAL ABILITIES/SKILLS Able to work in a predominantly industrial and rural area with its attendant issues. Willingness to evaluate and adapt Speech Pathology services within the context of a multidisciplinary provision of Community Health Services. Project Management skills Innovation and drive to develop Speech Pathology services and community health services in general EDUCATIONAL/VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Post graduate or further training in Speech Pathology or related areas. Reviewed October 2002 For Review October 2003 Reviewed October 2004 For Review October 2005 Reviewed August 2009 For Review August 2010
COMMITMENT TO WORKPLACE VALUES The Department of Health values have an influence on the people we employ Every organisation has values that govern the way people are treated and the way decisions are made. The Department s Strategic Plan identifies the values that guide our behaviours. These behaviours apply to all employees and govern the way people in the organisation are treated, the way decisions are made and how we provide our services. These values are used in day to day communication and interaction between all employees and are linked to the whole of government Code of Conduct, Performance Development, Job and Person Specifications and Department of Health Employment Conditions. Department of Health Organisational Values are: Honesty We show honesty by speaking truthfully, within the boundaries of confidentiality. This is shown in our dealings within the Department and with our consumers and partners by: saying what we mean and meaning what we say, keeping our promises, telling the truth tactfully, providing honest feedback and answers and admitting to mistakes. Respect We show respect by speaking and acting with courtesy. We treat others with dignity and use culturally appropriate ways of communicating. This is shown in our dealings within the Department and with our consumers and partners by: treating everyone fairly, communicating so people can understand, listening to others, and seeking and providing feedback. Integrity We show integrity by honouring our values and the rules of our department, government and nation. This is shown in our dealings within the department and with our consumers and partners by: doing the right thing, abiding by the values, standing up for what we believe in, and taking responsibility for our mistakes. I have the ability and commitment to behave consistently with the stated values of the Department of Health. / / Signature Date Please complete and return attached to your application to the nominated person The right people with the right skills in the right place at the right time