Department of Health
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Position Title: Senior Adviser
Classification Code:
ASO-7
Division: Aboriginal Health Division
Section: Executive Services
Position Number:
Type of Appointment:
Ongoing
Position Created: Jan 2010
Job & Person Specification Approval
All excluding executive level positions:
______________________________
CE or delegate
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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 bi-lingual and bi-cultural 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 – ASO6 Senior Policy & Planning Officer
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JOB SPECIFICATION
1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to the organisation's
goals:
The Senior Adviser is responsible to the Manager, Executive Services for the provision of
monitoring, reporting and data analysis services to identify impacts and trends on Aboriginal
health outcomes, and influence Departmental planning, policy and strategy
for Aboriginal
South Australians. The position provides tactical responses, timely policy advice, analytical and
consultancy services, particularly as it relates to Aboriginal health matters. The incumbent will
be required to coordinate specific projects and related monitoring and reporting activities to
promote accountability of SA Health in meeting the needs of Aboriginal people. The officer will
be required to supervise support staff who may be appointed to assist specific projects.
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 Senior Adviser, reports to the Manager, Executive Services. The incumbent will also work
closely with senior monitoring officers and data analysts, research officers and policy advisers
in other Divisions and in other Departments or agencies, State and Federal, and the Tertiary
sector.
3.
Special Conditions. (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, etc)
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Out of hours work will be required.
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Some intra and interstate travel will be required which may include overnight absence(s)
and travel to country locations in a light aircraft.
A current driver’s licence is essential.
The incumbent may be required to enter into an annual performance agreement for the
achievement of specific outcomes.
The incumbent must be prepared to be assigned to another position at this remuneration
level or its equivalent.
The incumbent will uphold the values of the Department of Health, as reflected in the
Strategic Plan.
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Job & Person Specification – ASO7 Senior Adviser, Executive Services, AHD
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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)
4.1
Monitoring SA Health’s performance on improving Aboriginal health by:
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developing and supporting mechanisms to monitor and report progress against key
state and national Aboriginal Health Policy such as the. SA Strategic Plan Target 2.5
Aboriginal Healthy Life Expectancy, Aboriginal Health Strategic Directions, SA Health
Aboriginal Cultural Respect Framework, National
ATSI Health Performance
Framework and the National Strategic Framework for ATSI Health.
establishing and maintaining processes to ensure AHD analysis and influence on
decision making on policy and reform agendas for Aboriginal health.
establishing effective and co-operative linkages both within and external to the
Aboriginal Health Division to enhance information and data sharing, and achievement
of reporting Aboriginal health results and outcomes.
keeping abreast of impacts and Aboriginal trends against the general population in
areas such as hospitals, primary health care services, mental health care, aged care,
chronic diseases, and maternal health and infant health care.
monitoring and reviewing activity data and identifying gaps and issues as they relate
to Aboriginal health in service provision, planning, policy and strategy.
providing expert specialist cultural advice as required on assessment of data analysis
for health system planning and delivery as it relates to Aboriginal health need;
advising on evaluation methodology, research design and methods of data collection,
analysis and presentation in relation to Aboriginal health;
participating as a member of reference groups for data and information projects.
4.2
Ensuring that AHD’s performance monitoring measurements reflect national &
state requirements by liaising with key research, evaluation and data collection
officers and agencies.
4.3
Ensure that monitoring and evaluation measures are put in place to both assess
the effectiveness and appropriateness of various health policy and strategy on
Aboriginal people and their health outcomes.
4.4
Assisting in the development of Aboriginal health intelligence by:
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collating and maintaining relevant and purposeful Aboriginal health data and information
inclined at the local, state and national level, and where necessary at the international
level, particularly in relation to other Indigenous nations and developing countries.
ensuring the Division has access to up to date demographic and other data on health
needs, service needs, service provision and outcomes, quantative and qualitative
Job & Person Specification – ASO7 Senior Adviser, Executive Services, AHD
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4.5 Promote communication and understanding of specific health related issues for
Aboriginal people to the executive levels of Department of Health by:
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4.6
Promote culturally responsive planning, policy and strategy by:
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providing support to senior executive and convening appropriate working groups and
representing AHD and the Department at various forums;
reviewing and monitoring the implementation and evaluation of Departmental planning,
policy and strategy in relation to Aboriginal needs;
providing Aboriginal advice and consultancy services to the Department of Health;
undertaking regular liaison with advisers, project managers and policy developers in
Health, and other agencies;
Identify emerging policy issues and their implications for Aboriginal Health outcomes.
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4.7
briefing the AHD Executive Director on emerging trends in Aboriginal health;
ensuring effective and timely advice is given to the AHD Executive Director on urgent
matters of concern for Aboriginal health in SA.
Review, provide commentary, analysis and advice
providing complex and sensitive written and verbal advice (involving review,
commentary and analysis) on discussion papers, reports and briefing notes on a wide
range of issues effecting Aboriginal people, their health and associated services;
providing high level briefings that appropriately represent Aboriginal perspectives and
advice for the attention of the ED, Chief Executive and Minister;
incorporating Aboriginal needs, issues and positive outcomes in policy, strategy and
planning across SA Health and across other areas of government impacting on
Aboriginal health outcomes;
facilitating and advocating for the provision of culturally responsive planning, policy
and strategy in areas impacting on Aboriginal health outcomes;
participating as a member of AHD on committees, reference groups or working
groups for major projects.
Contribute to the achievement of the goals and future directions of the Aboriginal
Health Division by:
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Developing processes and initiatives to ensure AHD fulfils its monitoring and reporting
function;
being an information source for Divisional personnel, and the Department of Health;
providing complex, succinct and sensitive written and verbal advice, discussion
papers, reports and briefing notes in an Aboriginal perspective, on a wide range of
issues effecting Aboriginal people, their health and associated issues;
ensuring that high level briefings and advice comply with Departmental procedures
initiating and maintaining successful partnerships with other Divisions, Branches and
Units, and in particular other data management personnel, Aboriginal Directorates and
the Aboriginal Health Council of SA;
facilitating and advocating for the increased representation and participation of
Aboriginal people at all levels of decision making at local, state and national levels;
ensure ones own work plan reflects AHD’s key roles and functions;
developing clear project frameworks and briefs, and establishing clear project
parameters and work plan for self, and the project.
Participate and contribute in AHD office planning sessions and staff meetings
effectively represent AHD views and perspectives in a professional manner at forums,
meetings, conferences etc.
Job & Person Specification – ASO7 Senior Adviser, Executive Services, AHD
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4.8
Contribute to the well-being of Aboriginal 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.
4.9
Ensure the promotion and implementation of the General Public Sector
management aims, personnel management standards and employee conduct
standards and in particular Equal Opportunity and Occupational Health Safety and
Welfare by adhering to the provisions of relevant legislative requirements.
Acknowledged by Occupant:
_________________________
___/___/___
Job & Person Specification – ASO7 Senior Adviser, Executive Services, AHD
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications (include only those listed in PSM Act Determination No. 2,
Appendix 2 as an essential qualification for the specified classification group)
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills: (related to the job description and expressed in a way which allows
objective assessment:
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Demonstrated ability to collect and interpret information and data and to formulate
evidence based recommendations and plans.
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, conceptualise problems, think analytically,
provide succinct written and verbal advice, and negotiate successful outcomes in given
time frames.
Proven commitment to incorporate Aboriginal needs, issues and outcomes in monitoring
and reporting on policy and strategy implementation.
Demonstrated ability to develop co-operative relationships with a wide range of people,
especially communication with Aboriginal People, and to interact constructively with
various stakeholders in evaluation and review projects, including technical and nontechnical people.
Demonstrated computer skills – spreadsheets; presentations software, file management
software and graphics packages.
Demonstrated ability to lead projects, and to work in a team under minimum
supervision, and motivate and inspire others to work together.
Experience
Proven experience in:
 Data and information analysis.
 Reporting and monitoring policy and strategy.
 Project management.
 Written and oral presentation to a wide range of audiences; lay and specialist.
 Providing succinct and informed advice through review and written analytical
commentary of policies, strategies, discussion papers, submissions and reports.
Knowledge
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Knowledge of theories and methods of evaluation and social research.
Knowledge and understanding of key state and national Aboriginal health policy and
Aboriginal health performance monitoring frameworks.
An understanding of the historical, social and economic experiences of Aboriginal
people, and the subsequent ethical issues in relation to the usage of Aboriginal data,
and the impact on Aboriginal people, communities and society.
Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal values and culture in relation to health &
well being.
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential
requirements)
Job & Person Specification – ASO7 Senior Adviser, Executive Services, AHD
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Educational/Vocational Qualifications (include only those listed in PSM Act Determination No. 2,
Appendix 2 as an essential qualification for the specified classification group)
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An appropriate tertiary qualification in a field providing a strong background in research
methodology and data analysis (e.g. psychology, sociology, social work).
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills: (related to the job description and expressed in a way which allows
objective assessment:
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Ability to utilise quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
Experience
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Statistical research and data analysis.
Demonstrated successful experience in working at a strategic level on Aboriginal topics
and communicating with high levels of government concerning Aboriginal needs and
issues.
Experience in establishing effective relationships at different levels across government
and in the Department.
Knowledge
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Knowledge of Aboriginal and mainstream health structures and their relationship to
each other at local, state and national levels.
Job & Person Specification – ASO7 Senior Adviser, Executive Services, AHD
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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.
The values behaviours that reflect honesty, respect and integrity from every individual.
These values are used in day to day communication and interaction between all employees and
are linked to the DHS Strategic Plan (2002 – 2005), 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.
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I ___________________________________ have the ability and commitment to
behave consistently with the stated values of the Department of Health.
__________________________________
Signature
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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”
Job & Person Specification – ASO7 Senior Adviser, Executive Services, AHD
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