JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Position Title: Senior Nursing & Midwifery Policy Advisor
Classification Code:
Nursing and Midwifery Director (Level 5.2)
Type of Appointment:
X
Ongoing
o
Temporary
o
Other
Division:
Public Health & Clinical Coordination
Branch:
Nursing and Midwifery Office
Section:
Position Number:
H00721
Position Created:
2002
Job & Person Specification Approval
______________________________
CE or delegate
___/___/___
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 disabled employees) 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.
Job & Person Specification – Non Managerial Position
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JOB SPECIFICATION
1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to the organisation's
goals:
The Nursing and Midwifery Director (Senior Nursing & Midwifery Policy Advisor), uses their
clinical knowledge and experience to provide strategic and operational leadership and policy
advice that supports the governance and direction of nursing/midwifery services for the
South Australian nursing and midwifery professions within their span of portfolio
responsibilities and are accountable for the achievement of successful outcomes related to
their portfolio areas including the integration of strategy to operational performance.
The Policy Advisor accept accountability for the development of policies that support
governance and practice standards of nurses/midwives; the development and effectiveness
of systems to support, evaluate and consistently improve nursing/midwifery practice and
healthy work environments, and the cost effective provision of health services within their
span of appointment.
The Policy Advisor will provide high level advice to the Chief Nurse and key stakeholders on
issues related to professional and clinical practice, workforce, legislation, education and
research whilst actively participating in internal and external advisory groups/expert
panels/working groups and committees as required.
The Policy Advisor will be responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation
of delegated state-wide programs and projects for the South Australian nursing and
midwifery professions.
2.
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 Nursing and Midwifery Director (Senior Nursing & Midwifery Policy Advisor);
3.

Reports to the Chief Nurse and other works with the members of the Nursing &
Midwifery Office team.

Maintains cooperative and productive working relationships within and across the
Department of Health and Health Regions as well as with education providers,
health care organisations and other key stakeholders.
Special Conditions. (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, etc)

The appointee may be subject to a Criminal History Check prior to confirmation of
appointment.

The incumbent will uphold the values of the Department of Health as reflected in the
Strategic Plan.

The incumbent may be assigned elsewhere within the Department subject to relevant
provisions of the Public Sector Act.

The incumbent may be required to enter into an annual performance agreement for the
achievement of (specific or service or program) outcomes.
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4.
Statement of Key Outcomes and Activities
(group into major areas of responsibility/activity and list
in descending order of importance - continue on next page)
The Nursing and Midwifery Director (Senior Nursing & Midwifery Policy Advisor);
4.1 Contributes to the development and implementation of relevant Department of
Health and Government policies to address professional nursing and midwifery
matters and improve patient/client health outcomes by:
 Initiating and/or overseeing innovations, systemic change processes, and coordination of responses to nursing/midwifery practice and health service needs within
span of control
 Integrating contemporary information and research evidence with personal
knowledge and experience to support executive level decision making;
 Implementing the corporate administrative and risk management frameworks within
frame of responsibility;
 Providing strategic leadership for innovation, change processes, and coordinated
responses to emerging service and workforce needs within span of control;
 Coordinating, and managing portfolio projects/programs of significant scope and
complexity.
 Leading /and or participating in planning development, implementation and
management of complex projects
 Utilising a project management framework including evaluation and risk mitigation.
 Influencing health services and stakeholders on management of contemporary
nursing and midwifery issues related to specific portfolio areas.
 Identifying opportunities for progressing new initiatives and approaches.
 Liaising with other Divisions and relevant stakeholders to maximise efficiency and
effectiveness in implementing key policy and service directions.
4.2
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Ensures the efficient and effective management of the States’ nursing and
midwifery professions by;
Contributing to the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic
directions, policies, goals and objectives for the Nursing and Midwifery Office and
Strategic Plans which support professional practice.
Undertaking financial budgeting and management within a culture of due diligence;
Developing and guiding the use of information systems to inform decision making,
and manage practice;
Leading, coaching, coordinating and supporting members of the Nursing and
Midwifery Office team and any direct reports;
Leading the establishment of healthy working environments, respectful relationships
and learning cultures within portfolio responsibilities;
Identifying the need for, leading the implementation of, and evaluating changes in
organisational processes and practices in response to emerging service and
workforce needs.
Directly undertaking, supporting and promoting research to improve nursing and
midwifery outcomes through collaboration across multiple agencies and professional
bodies and groups.
Reviewing national and international practice relevant to portfolio project/program
areas.
Facilitating the sharing of evidence based innovations in clinical, operational and
organisational practices across nursing and midwifery units and portfolio areas of
responsibility.
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
Developing and customising key performance indicators and/or outcomes
measurements relevant to portfolio project/program including the collection, analysis,
benchmarking and reporting on findings.
4.3
Contributes to the achievement of professional expertise through the
maintenance of ongoing personal professional development/continuing
education:
 Holding a contemporary professional practice portfolio containing professional
development evidence commensurate with the level of autonomy, authority and
influence expected of the role.
4.4
In addition the Nursing or Midwifery Director Service Division and/or Functional
Service may be required to;
 Undertake the work of a portfolio beyond the usual range for the setting, within the
corporate administrative framework and delegations of responsibility if required.
 Providing a support/advisor role to other project staff and acting as a consultant to
the state or national health system in area of expertise as required
4.5
Contribute to the achievement of improved safety and quality of health services
by:
Promoting a culture of safety and quality and customer focus to ensure appropriate
participation and engagement in decision making processes.
Collaborating with the nursing and midwifery profession to integrate corporate and
local services to achieve continuity of patient/clients services;
Providing timely and appropriate advice (written or verbal) to support the
requirements for briefings and responses for Government the Offices of the
Ministers and the Chief Executive as required.
Representing the Nursing and Midwifery Office on state and departmental
committees and working parties as required.
Contribute to the well-being of people in South Australia through participation in
Counter Disaster activities including attendance, as required, at training programs
and exercises to develop the necessary skills required to participate in responses in
the event of a disaster and/or major incident.
Contribute to the promotion and implementation of the Public Sector Act principles
and practices and employee conduct standards, in particular Equal Opportunity and
Occupational Health Safety and Welfare by adhering to the provisions of relevant
legislative requirements.
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Approved by Line Manager:
_________________________
___/___/___
Acknowledged by Occupant:
_________________________
___/___/___
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (Those characteristics considered absolutely
necessary)
PLEASE NOTE:
It is recommended that a Maximum of 15 criteria only (in total) be included in this section
(ie the number of Essential and Desirable criteria combined should not exceed 15).
Educational/Vocational Qualifications (include only those listed in Commissioner’s Standard 2,
Attachment C as an essential qualification for the specified classification group)
1. Registered as a General Nurse and/or Midwife by the Nursing and Midwifery Board
of South Australia and who holds, a current practicing certificate
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills: (related to the job description and expressed in a way which
allows objective assessment):
2. Effective leadership skills including highly developed skills in communication,
problem solving, conflict resolution and negotiation including the ability to work with a
broad range of stakeholders.
3. Demonstrated flexibility, innovation and creativity including analysing and
conceptualising problems, formulating and executing appropriate solutions and
negotiating successful outcomes in an innovative and resourceful manner
4. An ability to work with a high level of autonomy, perform effectively under pressure
and prioritise workloads.
Experience
5. Registered Nurse/Midwife with at least 3 years post registration experience or
currently holds a classification greater than level 2 or above.
6. Demonstrated ability to manage and lead complex projects/programs including
contract management.
7. Highly developed report writing and oral presentation skills and proficient use of a
wide range of software products including web based software.
8. Experience as a leader or manager in the health care industry.
9. Experience in leading services or organisations through times of extensive change
10. Experience in the provision of advice and consultancy services relevant to nursing
and midwifery.
11. Ability to contribute to the achievement of best practice by facilitating the
development and application of relevant research findings.
Knowledge
12. Knowledge of contemporary issues and emerging directions within nursing/midwifery
professions and health industry in South Australia, nationally and internationally.
13. Knowledge and an understanding of the requirements of the Nurses Act 1999,
professional Standards particularly the Australian Nursing Council (ANMC) National
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Competencies for the Registered and Enrolled Nurse, Nurses and Midwives’ (SA
Public Sector) Enterprise Agreement and the Nurses’ Award.
14. Comprehensive understanding of the relevant Legislation, Standards, Guidelines and
Codes of Practice\Ethics as it relates to nurses and midwives and their practice
settings.
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential
requirements)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications ((include only those listed in Commissioner’s
Standard 2, Attachment C, as an essential qualification for the specified classification
group)
15. Postgraduate studies in nursing/midwifery clinical practice, project management,
health services management, health administration and/or human services relevant
to the area of practice.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills: (related to the job description and expressed in a way
which allows objective assessment):
Experience
Knowledge
Other Details:
________________________________________________________________________
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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
/
/
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”
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