Health Workforce Australia has an exciting opportunity for a Research Project Officer
to join the Workforce Innovation and Reform team. The role will provide project
support with an emphasis on information gathering and dissemination to inform the
development of the Workforce Innovation and Reform work program. HWA is seeking
a person with experience working in a team to deliver support and research data
across the program areas.
Knowledge of the health sector would be highly valued. Organisational information
can be found at www.hwa.gov.au
Position Details
Title:
Research Project Officer
Classification:
HWA 6
Division:
Workforce Innovation and Reform (WIR)
Work Location:
Adelaide
Position Number:
HWA 100
Employment Type:
Ongoing
Salary Range:
$67, 653 - $76,323
Further information:
Sue Caust
Phone:
08 8113 5726
Position reports to:
Program Manager Workforce Innovation and Reform
Closing Date:
COB Friday 10 December
Organisational Environment
Health Workforce Australia (HWA) is a Commonwealth statutory authority established
under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies (CAC) Act 1997, and enabled
through the Health Workforce Australia Act 2009.
HWA is governed by a Board of Directors, and reports to the Australian Health Ministers
Conference (AHMC). It was established following the 2008 Council of Australian
Governments (COAG) National Partnership Agreement (NPA) on Hospitals and Health
Workforce Reform that commits $1.6Bn to HWA over four years.
HWA is a national agency that operates across both the health and education sectors,
both public and non-government, in order to implement substantive health workforce
reform. HWA has the following objectives:
1. Provide comprehensive, authoritative national workforce planning, policy and
research advice to Ministers, governments and key decision makers in the health
and education sectors.
2. Improve and expand access to quality clinical education placements for health
professionals in training across the public, private and non-government sectors. This
will be achieved through funding programs which expand capacity, improve
quality and offer diversity in learning opportunities.
3. Develop and implement a national program of health workforce innovation and
reform. This will encourage the development of new models of healthcare delivery,
facilitate inter-professional practice and equip health professionals for current and
emerging demands on the health care sector.
4. Facilitate a nationally consistent approach to international recruitment of health
professionals to Australia.
Workforce Innovation and Reform
The Workforce Innovation and Reform group is developing partnerships and networks
across jurisdictions and sectors that will guide the formation of a targeted program of
reform driven by the changing profile of health service demand and the capability,
capacity and flexibility of health professionals to meet that demand.
The group will encourage collaboration to identify and support programs across the
health, education and training sectors that will stimulate, and promote implementation
of sustainable, people-centred reform to ensure the development of a workforce that is
fit for purpose and flexible to respond to changing health demands.
Position Responsibilities/ Duties:
1. Undertake research and literature reviews to source information and evidence to
guide the overall development of the work program.
2. Contribute to research, investigating significant health workforce innovation and
reform initiatives both nationally and internationally.
3. Create clear and concise reports, tables and graphics that guide strategic thinking
and program planning.
4. Provide project support across the team and be responsive to the changing
demands of the program.
5. Develop relationships with key partners and stakeholders.
Key Selection Criteria
Specialist expertise
1. Experience in conducting research and literature reviews, including the use of
online databases, information repositories, journals and other sources of quality
information.
2. Highly developed written communication skills across a range of outputs and
audiences.
3. Experience in producing complex and detailed reports based on evidence and
analysis. (Candidates are encouraged to present examples of work to demonstrate
this criteria)
Knowledge and Skills
1. Ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with internal and external
stakeholders.
2. High level conceptual and analytical skills, with a commitment to producing quality
results.
3. Ability to work effectively within a team to achieve program outcomes.
4. Demonstrated understanding of project management methodology.
5. Demonstrated understanding of change management principles and a well
developed problem solving capacity.
Page
2
6. An understanding of the Australian Health Sector and the Australian Government’s
commitment to Health care reform would be highly advantageous
Desirable Qualifications
A relevant tertiary qualification that underpins detailed and quality research practices.
Organisational Values
Accountability

Responsibility for decisions and actions, submitting to appropriate scrutiny and
maximising the efficient use of HWA’s resources.
Impartiality

Performance of functions in an objective and equitable manner, making decisions
and providing advice based on merit and without bias, caprice, favouritism or self
interest.
Integrity

Performance of functions in an honest, open and transparent manner.
Leadership

Behaviour that encourages and supports the adoption of best practices and striving
to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency with which functions are
performed.
Respect

Treatment of all people with courtesy and consideration and performance of all
functions in a manner that is free from discrimination and harassment.
Responsiveness

Provision of frank, impartial and timely advice and provision of high quality services
in a timely manner.
Other Relevant Information
Position requirements
Employment Agreements
As a CAC Act body, HWA is free to determine its own employee arrangements and
staff will not be engaged under the Public Service Act 1999. However, HWA has
modelled its code of conduct, statement of values and other employment instruments
on the Australian Public Service framework where appropriate.
HWA does not yet have a certified enterprise agreement for the employment of nonexecutive employees. In the absence of such an agreement, successful non-executive
candidates will be employed through an engagement letter that specifies terms and
conditions. In anticipation of HWA entering into a certified enterprise agreement with its
non-executive employees, the engagement letter provides that the terms and
conditions of employment in the enterprise agreement will apply subject to any
additional or more generous terms in the engagement letters used to employ staff prior
to the agreement taking effect.
The engagement of staff by secondment from other public sector agencies and
departments (or other bodies established for a public purpose) to HWA is permitted by
the Health Workforce Australia Act 2009.
How and Where to Apply
A position description can be found at www.hwa.gov.au. Applicants are required to
provide a current resume and a written statement of claims against the key selection
criteria.
Page
3
Completed applications should be emailed to HWAI&Rrecruitment@hwa.gov.au by
Close of business Friday 10 December 2010
Employment Safety Screening Requirements
HWA is committed to selecting people able to provide quality services and a safe
working environment. Accordingly, we have rigorous employment safety screening
requirements for all new employees.
All competitive applicants will be required to undergo employment safety screening.
This involves establishing identity, consenting to a National Criminal History Records
check, and verification of claims through referee comments.
All of our employees are required to comply with the Code of Conduct for Health
Workforce Australia Employees 2010.
Diversity
HWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, values diversity and encourages applications
from Indigenous people, people with disabilities and from culturally and linguistically
diverse backgrounds.
Reasonable Adjustment
It is the policy of HWA to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with disabilities
who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need assistance or
adjustments to fully participate in the application or interview process, please use the
contact listed under ‘Position Details’.
Privacy Notification
HWA requires declarations and personal information relevant to your employment. The
collection and handling of this information will be consistent with the requirements of
the Privacy Act 1998.
Page
4