Southern Adelaide Health Service
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
(MANAGERIAL)
TITLE OF POSITION:
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT:
Manager, Clean Needle Program
Southern Adelaide Health Service
Classification:
Health Unit: Drug and Alcohol Services SA
ASO 5
Division: Drug Policy and Population Program
Classification Reviewed:
Department / Section: Population Programs
Position No: DAO128
Position Created:
Job and Person Specification Approval
_________________________________________
CEO or Delegate
_____/_____/_____
Date
JOB SPECIFICATION
1. PREAMBLE
The Southern Adelaide Health Service (Southern Health) was established in 2004. It brought
together Flinders Medical Centre, Noarlunga Health Services and Drug and Alcohol Services SA.
It includes Population & Primary Health Care, Southern Mental Health and Southern Child &
Adolescent Mental Health Services, and works closely with other health providers in the southern
area. Repatriation General Hospital, a public teaching hospital, formally joined Southern Health
in July 2008, further consolidating the working relationship formed over the past four years.
With an annual budget in excess of $500M, Southern Health provides care for around 330,000
people living in the southern metropolitan area of Adelaide as well as providing a number of statewide services, and services to those in the regional areas.
More than 7,000 skilled staff provide high quality patient care, education, research and health
promoting services.
DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICES SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Drug & Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) is a statewide health service forming part of
the Southern Adelaide Health Service and provides statewide services and policy advice for
tobacco, alcohol and other drug issues, including pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs. DASSA's
mission is to develop and deliver best practice in: preventing the uptake of harmful drug use;
reducing the harmful effects of licit and illicit drugs; and offering pathways out of harmful drug
use. DASSA promotes the health and safety of South Australians through coordinated,
collaborative policy initiatives, population-health programs and harm reduction strategies aimed at
the prevention of tobacco, alcohol and other drug related harm.
The organisation also provides treatment and rehabilitation for people who have complex alcohol
and other drug related problems; Services include telephone counselling, withdrawal
management, a therapeutic community, pharmacotherapies, amphetamine treatment
interventions, and statewide community-based counselling services.
DASSA also plays a key role in monitoring, research and evaluation activities and contribute to
the field of knowledge in relation to alcohol and other drug issues, providing evidence for the
development of best practice standards, and innovation in clinical treatment approaches and
primary prevention opportunities, together with workforce development strategies including
training, research and teaching, and programs.
In the interests of public safety, DASSA exercises controls over the use of drugs and poisons in
South Australia through the implementation of the Controlled Substances Act 1984, and by
providing expert and impartial advice to the Government concerning all aspects of pharmacy,
therapeutic goods, poisons, and access to and use of medicines.
DASSA provides policy and planning advice to the Department of Health and the Minister for
Health, and coordinates, supports and provides expert advice to South Australia's role in national
policy development and key multisectoral statewide policy initiatives and leadership to the South
Australian Drug Strategy.
2. SUMMARY OF THE BROAD PURPOSE OF THE POSITION and its responsibilities/duties
The position is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic
policies and programs to address harms related to injecting drug use across the State. The
position provides expert advice and promotes the harm minimisation principles and practice to a
variety of mainstream health, community and related agencies and targeted hidden population
groups.
The position is also responsible for providing information, training, consultation and support to
state, local and non-government agencies as well as providing information, expert advice and
assistance to targeted populations and the general community on drug harm reduction related
issues.
The position is responsible for pursuing and establishing partnerships within DASSA, the
community, and government and non-government agencies in achieving program outcomes. The
incumbent liaises, negotiates and develops collaborative working relationships with other Harm
Reduction staff, Senior Management, Management and other Staff within DASSA, as well as with
key external stakeholders including Commonwealth, State and Local Government, community
and private sector organisations. The incumbent is also responsible for supervising the work of
the Administrative Assistant, Clean Needle Program, ASO-3.
3. REPORTING/WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
(to whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is
responsible, and other significant connections and working relationships within the organisation)
The incumbent reports to the Manager, Population Programs.
The incumbent provides supervision to Administrative Assistant, Clean Needle Program, ASO-3.
4. SPECIAL CONDITIONS (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime, etc)
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This is a temporary position until 30th June 2012.
The position is based at DASSA Headquarters, located at 161 Greenhill Road, however, the
incumbent must be willing to work in any area of DASSA, within the metropolitan area, should
the need arise.
Some out of hours work may be required
Inter and intrastate travel may be required.
Current drivers licence and willingness to drive is desirable.
May be required to assist or be re-located to other areas within DASSA, should the need
arise.
May be required to undertake a health assessment prior to commencement.
Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Offender History Check.
5. STATEMENT OF KEY OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES
(group in to major areas
of responsibility / activity and list in descending order of importance).
5.1
Ensure effective management of the Clean Needle Program is maintained by:
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Establishing and maintaining the Clean Needle Program within community based services.
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Establishing data base collection systems, monitoring trends and undertaking research and
evaluation in order to enhance management practices.
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Developing and providing recommendations for development and improvement of standards
and networks.
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Ensuring ongoing contribution and improvements in the development of policy.
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Monitoring practices and procedures to ensure the program supports and is compliant with
State and Federal Government policies.
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Undertaking delegated responsibility for the management and preparation of budget
estimates associated with community initiatives, authorisation of expenditure and the monitor
of cash flow.
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Providing general direction on the activities of the Administrative Assistant, Clean Needle
Program.
5.2
Ensure the effective, efficient and coordinated planning and delivery of strategies to
reduce drug related harm in the community by:
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Utilising a structured project management approach to project activities.
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Planning and prioritising project activities, setting and meeting project timelines and ensuring
project deliverables are provided within both agreed timelines and budget.
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Incorporating best practise guidelines, performance indicators and monitoring and reporting
compliance.
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Liaising and collaborating with a range of health and related agencies, including primary
health care services, professional bodies and practitioners, government and non-government
agencies to promote harm reduction and the implementation of harm reduction programs.
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Negotiating with key government and non-government agencies, community groups and the
private sector to enter into partnerships to promote harm reduction.
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5.3
Monitoring local needs, issues and trends and undertake planning to ensure a comprehensive
and coordinated approach is taken to address the needs of the community through the
development of harm reduction strategies to meet these needs.
Ensure expert advice and consultancy is provided to DASSA, State and Local
Government agencies, community organisations, private sector organisations and the
community on drug harm reduction strategies by:
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Liaising and providing expert advice on behalf of DASSA to Senior Managers and Managers
of State and Local Government organisations, community and private sector organisations.
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Providing expert advice and consultancy to Senior Managers and Managers of State and
Local Government organisations, community and private sector organisations on how to
develop and implement appropriate harm reduction strategies.
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Participating in the development of drug harm reduction policy.
5.4
Enhance the harm reduction knowledge of professionals, peers, students and
community services workers by:
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Contributing to the development and delivery of specialised harm reduction training for
selected professionals, primary health care workers, tertiary training institutions, professional
organisations, and peer education networks, by utilising specialist knowledge and a range of
strategies in conducting sessions.
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Providing information, education and training to existing and new Clean Needle Program site
workers so as to expand their skills base in engaging with injecting drug users around harm
reduction.
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Providing information, education and training to State and Local Government organisations,
community and private sector organisations as required
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Providing information, education and training to existing and new Clean Needle Program site
workers so as to expand their skills base in engaging with injecting drug users around harm
reduction.
5.5
Identify, develop and facilitate, on a state-wide basis, opportunities to extend and
expand Harm Reduction Programs, including the Clean Needle Program, into other
government and community based organisations by liaising, networking and
consulting with senior representatives of other Government, community and private
sector agencies.
5.6
Ensure that appropriate monitoring and evaluation of the harm reduction strategies
and projects is undertaken by utilising advice and expertise from Commonwealth and
State experts, and management and clinical, research and other staff within DASSA.
5.7
Contribute to and comply with DASSA policy, directives and guidelines through:
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Assisting in policy development by drafting or providing expert advice on draft guidelines and
procedures.
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Participating in quality assurance programs.
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Ensuring familiarity with and acting in accordance with DASSA and community services
policies, procedures and guidelines.
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Utilising research data on current best practice in intervention, treatment, community
development, prevention and health promotion and incorporating findings into daily practice.
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Contributing to / participating in DASSA approved research / evaluation projects.
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Providing assistance with other projects or programs aimed at attaining DASSA corporate
goals and objectives.
5.8
Contribute to the promotion and implementation of General Public Sector Management
aims, personnel management standards, employee conduct standards, the Equal
Employment Opportunities, Occupational Health and Safety and Welfare Acts, by
adhering to the provision of relevant legislative requirements and Southern Adelaide
Health Service and DASSA policies and procedures eg OH&S, Quality etc.
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Adherence to your role (s) and responsibilities in accordance to Southern Adelaide Health
Service and DASSA, Policies and Procedures.
Acknowledged by Occupant:______________________________ Date:_____/_____/_____
PERSON SPECIFICATION
1.
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (those characteristics considered absolutely necessary)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
The successful applicant must have demonstrated and proven ability to:
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Develop written correspondence including reports.
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Initiate, plan and manage complex projects.
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Think creatively, identify and apply alternative solutions to problems, independently and ingroups.
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Analytical ability, ability to conceptualise and to devise innovative, practical solutions to
complex issues.
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Plan, influence and implement change.
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Communicate, consult and negotiate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals
from a diverse range of backgrounds.
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Resolve conflict, solve problems and conduct difficult negotiations.
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Manage staff.
Experience
The successful applicant must have demonstrated to a high level, proven experience and successful
performance in the following areas:
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Health industry and in particular direct involvement with the development and implementation
of early intervention programs.
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Planning, coordinating and managing projects, consultancies and programs.
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Negotiating and liaising with a variety of people, including senior and professional staff,
community organisations and members of the community.
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Managing a budget and/or program management.
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Work with limited supervision, to plan and organise workload, determine priorities and
produce work within tight deadlines.
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Development and implementation of policy.
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Statistical data analysis and computer application of records and data bases.
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Personnel and other resource management.
Knowledge
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A knowledge of the drug treatment philosophies and networks together with current strategies
for harm reduction programs amongst injecting drug users.
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A sound knowledge of computerised data collection systems.
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Knowledge of research and evaluation techniques.
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A sound knowledge of project management.
2. DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (to distinguish between applicants who meet all essential requirements)
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
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Ability to work effectively in a highly controversial area.
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Demonstrated initiative and innovation in undertaking and evaluating projects.
Experience
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Experience in drug harm reduction including prevention and management of blood borne
diseases in injecting drug users.
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Working with injecting drug users.
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Previous experience in providing direction and training of staff.
Knowledge
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Awareness of the aims and objectives of the Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia.
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Working knowledge of public health principles or alcohol and other drug work.
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Occupational Health and Safety practices and procedures.
Educational/Vocational Qualifications (considered useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position)
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An appropriate tertiary qualification in a related field.
Other details
INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for considering applying for a position with the Southern Adelaide Health Service
(Southern Health). Recruitment and Selection processes at Southern Health reflect best practice and
a commitment to a selection based on merit. This means treating all applications in a fair and
equitable manner that aims to choose the best person for the position.
The following information is provided to assist you when applying for a position with Southern Health.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST IMPRESSION
A well presented, easy to read application will allow the panel to assess the information they need
from your application. To give yourself the best opportunity to reach interview, the application should
clearly and concisely demonstrate to the selection panel that you are suitably equipped to perform
the role, and that you possess all of the stated minimum essential skills, abilities, knowledge,
experience and educational qualifications (where required).
We suggest the following format:
 A covering letter of up to 2 pages introducing yourself to the selection panel and describing your skills,
abilities, knowledge, qualifications and experience in relation to the position. The covering letter should
clearly state the job vacancy number, position title, your name and your contact details;
 Curriculum vitae that includes your personal details, relevant employment history, education, training
courses, qualifications and professional memberships. Your CV should also include your nominated
referees, their position and their contact details.
THE JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Selection for interview will be based on an assessment of your application against the requirements
of the position as outlined in the Job Specification, and against the criterion detailed in the
accompanying Person Specification. It is recommended that you carefully read the Job and Person
Specification to understand what the position entails before proceeding to apply for the position, and
ensure that your written application reflects your suitability for the position.
Note for Nursing/Midwifery applicants: Applicants applying for positions at the Clinical Nurse (level 2)
classification are required to demonstrate by way of example/evidence that each of the criteria contained in the
statement of key outcomes and activities of the Job Specification are met in their application.
Please ensure that your written application includes sufficient information for the panel to make an
informed determination.
REFEREES
It is recommended that you advise your referees of the position you are applying for as the panel
may seek their opinion of your capability to perform the requirements of the position. At least one
referee should be your immediate supervisor/manager in your current position, able to provide
current feedback about you to the selection panel.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT DECLARATION (PED)
Please ensure that you complete and submit this from with your application.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
It is generally preferable that applications are not bound or in folders, and that the requested number
of applications be provided when posting. Please ensure that applications are addressed as
indicated in the job advertisement, and that you allow sufficient time for your application to reach us
by the closing date/time specified. Late applications may not be considered.
We take this opportunity to wish you success with your application!