Southern Adelaide Health Service
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
(NON-MANAGERIAL)
TITLE OF POSITION:
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT:
Community Visitors Scheme Coordinator Southern Adelaide Health Service
Classification:
ASO4
Health Unit: Southern Primary Health (SPH)
Division:
Classification Reviewed:
Department / Section: SPH - Inner Southern
Position No: FMO236
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 state-wide
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.
2. SUMMARY OF THE BROAD PURPOSE OF THE POSITION and its responsibilities/duties
The Community Visitor Scheme (CVS) Coordinator is based at Southern Primary Health – Inner
Southern (SPH-IS) and is accountable to the SPH-IS Manager.
The CVS is funded on a rolling annual basis by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
to improve the quality of life to people living in residential aged care facilities. Volunteers are recruited
to befriend and individual resident who is at risk of isolation and to visit that person on a regular basis.
The CVS Co-ordinator is based at SPH-IS. S/he markets the Scheme and recruits and supports 36
volunteers who visit people who are lonely and/or isolated living in eight residential aged care facilities
in the area.
The Scheme strives to be consumer focused. The primary principles that guide implementation are
based on the belief that all residents have the right to social relationships that are fair, honest, genuine
and ethical. Available volunteers are matched on a 1:1 basis with priority given to those residents who
receive little or no visitors.
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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)
As a member of a multi-disciplinary team responsible to the SPH-IS Manager for the delivery of
agreed activity, outputs & outcomes as defined in the Population & Primary Health Care Business
Plan and team plan and for active participation in organisational and team quality, OH&S and
administrative matters.
Responsible to the Manager of SPH-IS, for fulfilling work expectations which comply with discipline
specific professional standards, which are evidence based and of a professional quality.
4. SPECIAL CONDITIONS
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Job and Person Specifications are reviewed regularly as part of the ongoing Performance
Development process.
May be required to work within other locations of the Southern Adelaide Health Service.
Some out of hours work may be required.
Support values consistent with the aims of the Region, including honesty, respect and integrity.
Will be required to undertake a health assessment prior to commencement.
Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Offender History Check.
Comply with the Principles of the Code of Fair Information Practice, adopted by the Department of
Health, which regulate the collection, use, disclosure, storage and transfer of all personal
patient/client information within the Department and throughout its funded service providers.
5. STATEMENT OF KEY OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES
Responsibilities
Market the program and to recruit, assess and match volunteers appropriately with residents in the
eight identified aged care facilities by:
 Developing and maintaining networks with staff and clients in each facility
 Developing and maintaining a register of volunteers
 Providing appropriate orientation and ongoing training and support for volunteers
 Maintaining knowledge of volunteer best practice and up to date knowledge of volunteer issues
and policies
Ensure accurate, up to date records of volunteers and their activities by
 Working within an allocated budget
 Prepare a volunteer activity report for submission to the Commonwealth bi-annually
 Tracking budget activity to enable SPH-IS to report to the Commonwealth and as required by the
CVS Guidelines and as directed
 Maintaining volunteer registration, activity statement and reimbursement forms
 Monitoring outcomes of the CVS to ensure they are achieving desired outcomes
Ensure own safe and competent practice by
 Developing knowledge and competencies through education and staff development
 Maintaining appropriate communication with and seeking guidance from supervisory staff
 Practicing within own area of competence and qualification
 Participating in a range of performance appraisals and development activities
Contribute to the achievement of SPH-IS organizational goals by
 Taking part in the organizational planning and action process and reviews
 Work within policies and procedures of the SPH-IS
Contribute to a safe and healthy work environment, free from discrimination and harassment by working in
accordance with legislative requirements, the Code of Conduct and departmental human resource
policies, including the OHS&W requirements.
Acknowledged by Occupant:______________________________ Date:_____/_____/_____
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
1. ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (those characteristics considered absolutely necessary)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
Nil specified
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
 Demonstrated ability to manage human resources and to relate and work with a wide range of people,
and build effective relationships
 Demonstrated ability to understand the needs of vulnerable/frail/ lonely /isolated people
 Ability to co-ordinate and support volunteers – including training and managing networking meetings
 Ability to deal with conflict constructively
 Ability to keep clear and detailed records and write annual report
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills
 An ability to manage time effectively
 Proven commitment to the principles and practise of:
 EEO, Ethical Conduct, diversity and OHS&W;
 Quality management and client oriented service;
 Risk management.
Experience
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Managing volunteers in a setting with paid staff
Administration of program budget
Program planning, implementation, reporting and evaluation
Promoting and marketing programs
Working as part of a multi disciplinary team as well as independently
Working in community service setting
Promoting and marketing programs
Using variety of computer applications including Microsoft Office
Knowledge
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Understanding of Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare principles and procedures
Understanding of Quality Management principles and procedures
Understanding of the issues and needs of frail aged people in residential aged care facilities
Understanding of the current ethos of volunteerism & resources available to volunteers
Understanding of adult learning principles and training techniques
2. DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (to distinguish between applicants who meet all essential requirements)
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
Ability to work in a self directed manner
Experience
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Group work, program development, aged care or community development projects
Participation in aged care programs
Proven experience in basic computing skills, including email and word processing
Knowledge
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Primary Health Care Principles
Current knowledge of local aged care services, programs and resources
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