Job Specification, Terms & Conditions

Job Title and Grade / Manager for Older Persons Services , Grade VIII
Social Care Division
(Grade Code 0655)
Campaign Reference / NRS02353
Closing Date / Monday 11th May 2015 at 12 noon
Location of Post / There is currently a vacancy in Vergemount Community Services, Community Healthcare Organisation 06 (CHO 06).
It is envisaged vacancies will shortly arise in:
  • Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1 Cavan/Monaghan
  • Community Healthcare Organisation Area 7 Naas
  • Community Healthcare Organisation Area 8 Meath
A panel may be formed for Community Healthcare Organisations 1, 6, 7 and 8 from which current and future vacancies will be filled.
Organisational Area /
  • Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1 Cavan/Monaghan
  • Community Healthcare Organisation Area 6 Dublin South/Wicklow
  • Community Healthcare Organisation Area 7 Naas
  • Community Healthcare Organisation Area 8 Meath

Details of Service / Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1 Cavan/Monaghan
The position of Manager for Older Persons has responsibility for Cavan Monaghan Residential Community and Social Supports for Older Persons and is responsible for a wide range of services to older people in Cavan and Monaghan in partnership with the individual, families, Acute hospitals, Mental Health Services, G.P.’s, Allied Healthcare Professionals and Community Services. Long Term care is provided in 6 HSE residential units with a total bed capacity of 188 long term care beds. Respite and Day Care Services are also provided in number of the residential units. Contracted residential placements are provided in collaboration with private providers through the NHSS and Section 39 service arrangements. Social day care services are also provided and supported through 56 agencies across the Cavan / Monaghan service area. These services provide support which maintains older people in the homes and local community for as long as possible. These services are governed through the Grant Aid Agreement process which is also managed by the Manager for Older Persons.
Contact person for informal enquiries is Ms Rose McCaffrey, General Manager, PCS Cavan & Monaghan, Rooskey, Monaghan Tel: 047 30496 / 30421 email:
Community Healthcare Organisation Area 6 Dublin South/ Wicklow
The operational area of responsibility for this post extends to the former Dublin South-East Local Health Office.
This area has a population in excess of 130,000 (2011 census) and has a high proportion of Older Persons, particularly those in excess of 75 years. The local Acute Care setting is St Vincent’s UniversityHospital with step down and related services such as LeopardstownParkHospital, The Royal Hospital Donnybrook and Clonskeagh Community Nursing Unit serving the residential, rehabilitation and associated community support services to the immediate elderly population. A key role for the Older Persons Service Manager in Dublin South-East is to foster and support close working relationships within the above care settings and to develop and co-ordinate joint strategies to enhance the seamless transfer of elderly patients between services.
The Home Care/Help Package functions and the associated operational budget in excess of € 7.5m (2015)
Contact person for informal enquiries is John O’Donovan, Area Operations Manager,
Tel: 01 2365240 email:
Community Healthcare Organisation Area 7 Naas
For further details on this post please contact:
Brena Dempsey, General Manager, Social Care Division, Dublin South West/Kildare West Wicklow. Tel : 045 907862 email:
Community Healthcare Organisation Area 8 Meath
Meath Services for Older Persons provides the following range of services:
  • Long Stay Residential Services
  • Respite Services
  • Day Care Services
  • Community Rehabilitation Service
Residential Services:
There are two long stay residential Units in Meath providing a total of 94 public long say beds in the county between:
1.St. Joseph's Community Nursing Unit, Trim, which is a 50 bed, HSE public residential care unit that provides a range of care options for older people in Meath which include long term continuing care, dementia long term care and dementia respite.
2.Beaufort House, HSE Community Health Unit in Navan which provides residential service for older persons (officially opened on the 01.06.2011) that accommodates 44 residents.
Day Care Services:
Meath Services for Older Persons has 5 day services placed strategically across the county in Kells, Trim, Navan, Dunshaughlin and Mornington.
Rehabilitation Service:
This service is based in Dunshuaghlin Day Centre.
Informal Enquiries:
Mr. Tom Oxley, Interim GM
Floor 1, Co. Clinic, Navan, Co. Meath
Tel: 046-9098727
Email:
Information about the Social Care Division:
The establishment of a Social Care Division to support the ongoing service requirements of older people and people with disabilities is an important step in moving forward with the design and implementation of models of care which will support and maintain patients and clients to live at home and/or in their own community. The objective is to promote their independence and lifestyle choice in as far as possible:
  • Older people and people with disabilities with care needs must be provided with a continuum of services such as home care, day care and intermediate residential care to avoid unnecessary acute hospital admissions and have their required treatments & supports delivered within their local community at primary care level in as far as possible.
  • These types of services must be responsive to service user needs and be provided flexibly at the least possible unit cost to build a sustainable system into the future.
A key function of the social care division is to:
  • Organise and deliver the required services safely and to a set of standards
  • Reconfigure the available resource through a comprehensive reform process, increasing productivity and changing traditional cost structures in the process.
  • Continue reform of staff level requirements, skill mix, staff attendance patterns and rosters within the context of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014.
In line with the Department of Health Statement of Strategy 2011-2014, the Social Care division will:
  • Implement the recommendations of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Service so as to implement reforms to the system of financing and delivery of services including the introduction of individualised budgets.
  • Enhance the cost effectiveness of services by introduction standardised funding bands for specific types of services for people with disabilities and developing a standardised needs assessment framework to ensure that levels/types of services provided are appropriate to people’s needs.
  • Support the Department of Health in the review of Fair Deal: Nursing Home Support Scheme System of financing nursing home care to assess its sustainability and with a view to developing a secure and equitable system of financing for community and long-term care which supports older people to stay in their homes.
  • Support the development of a national dementia strategy and implement as appropriate.

Reporting Relationship / The Manager forOlder Persons Serviceswill report to the Area Operations Manager (Older Persons).
Any alternative reporting relationship structures for individual posts will be notified at job offer stage.
Reporting relationships may change in line with CHO organisational management developments.
The Manager for Older Persons Services will have operational responsibility for all community based older person’s services including the Home Help and Home Care sectors. The Manager for Older Persons Services will be the key contact for governance and management of agreements and arrangements with the Voluntary and For Profit sectors. The Manager for Older Persons Services will have line management responsibility for administrative staff (directly employed) within the above functions. The Manager for Older Persons Services will work closely with the Director of Public Health Nursing/Asst Director of Public Health Nursing in the management and co-ordination of the care coordinator and case management functions.
Purpose of the Post / The post of Manager for Older Persons Services is a key role involving overall responsibility for the delivery of services to the Elderly population. The role requires strong governance and leadership within the statutory services and requires close working partnerships with the Voluntary and Private Care sectors.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities / Professional /Managerial
The Manager for Older Persons Services will:
  • Manage and ensure strict governance of the Home Care/Help Package functions and the associated operational budget
  • Ensure strong governance and managerial interface with the Home Help sector and maintain and develop close links with the Voluntary Providers in this regard.
  • Provide strong leadership and support to staff in the operation of services for the Elderly
  • Ensure strict governance and compliance with the National Financial Regulations in the operation of the above functions.
  • Review services on a continuous basis to ensure efficiency and best use of resources.
  • Inform and develop a strategic operational plan which informs the broader CHO plan and consequently the Social Care Operational plan.
  • Work in close co-operation will colleagues within the Community Health Organisation to inform and develop a strategic plan for delivery of care to the Elderly across the CHO and with external stakeholders.
  • Ensure that service users and others are treated with dignity and respect
  • Manage and respond to complaints in accordance with national policy
  • Develop working relationships and operational protocols with colleagues in the Acute Care Sector to ensure seamless transition of patients from Hospital to Community settings.
  • Ensure the protection and welfare of vulnerable Older Persons as outlined in National Policy
  • Provide a line management role to dedicated officers for the monitoring and investigation of allegations of Elder Abuse.
  • Provide appropriate and time Performance Data and KPI’s in line with National Policy and that defined within the Social Care Directorate.
  • Engage in Investigations or enquiries as requested by the Area Operations Manager
  • Carry out all reasonably related duties to the role of the Manager of services for the Elderly as request from time to time by the Area Operations Manager.
  • Develop Business Cases for service developments that are guided by agreed priorities and policy guidelines.
  • Work with service managers in the implementation and roll-out of new developments, with a particular emphasis on consistency and alignment across the system and reference to best practice, outcome measures and value for money.
  • Establish appropriate relationships with key stakeholders in the area including other relevant service providers. Actively engage with HSE partner organisations in achieving service goals.
  • Ensure that appropriate robust service arrangements, in line with national policies, are in place and signed in a timely manner and reviewed with all non-statutory providers.
  • Ensure that arrangements are in place for regular reviews of service arrangements.
  • Provide information and advice based on evidence, research and best practice to support Area Management decision making processes at area and local level. This will include the analysis of the implications of national policies and strategies on the geographic area and translating those policies/strategies into implementable programmes and standardised practice at area and local service level.
  • Develop processes to ensure that the services are in compliance with its statutory and regulatory obligations within their area.
  • Participate in the preparation of the National Service Plans, and Operational Plans at national and local level in collaboration with the National Division, General Manager, Business Managers, local disability staff and heads of discipline.
  • Oversee the responses to parliamentary questions, political representations, media queries or queries from service users and families in relation to services for persons with disability.
  • Appropriately implement local initiatives and/or nationally set systems to ensure appropriate consultation, involvement, feedback and support for service users, advocates and staff and to ensure that they have the appropriate information to guide their decision making.
  • Apply the designated processes and templates for collecting information, evidence and systems data in the geographic area so as to inform planning and evaluation and to ensure the development of services is based on identified need, with particular focus on addressing social exclusion.
  • Ensure the timely provision of data/information consistent with the monitoring requirements of the service plan.
  • Participate, as required, in the Regional Performance Assurance Process including attending meetings and preparing reports.
The above duties and responsibilities are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved. This post is evolutionary in nature and consequently the officer may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/ or experience / Applicants must demonstrate all of the criteria listed below, as relevant to this role:
  • Experience of working in the social care area or other care areas relevant to the role.
  • Significant operational experience in managing and/ or delivering a complex service.
  • Experience of delivering change in a complex environment, as relevant to this role.
  • Experience of managing and working collaboratively with multiple internal and external stakeholders, as relevant to this role.
  • Experience in team management and development.
  • The requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and management ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character
Age
Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age.
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge / Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of government and national HSE policy as it relates to this role.
  • Knowledge of Social Care service provision.
Managing & Delivering Results (Operational Excellence)
Demonstrate:
  • Evidence of effective planning and organisational skills including an awareness of resource management and the importance of value for money
  • The ability to improve efficiency within the working environment ability and the ability to evolve and adapt to a rapid changing environment.
  • The ability to work to tight deadlines and operate effectively with multiple competing priorities
  • A capacity to operate successfully in a challenging operational environment while adhering to quality standards.
  • The ability to take personal responsibility to initiate activities and drive objectives through to a conclusion.
Evaluating Information and Decision Making
Demonstrate:
  • The ability to evaluate complex information from a variety of sources and make effective decisions.
  • Effective problem solving especially from an operational perspective.
Leadership & Teamwork
Demonstrate:
  • Capacity for management responsibility and demonstration of initiative.
  • Motivation and an innovative approach to the job within a changing working environment.
  • Leadership skills and the capacity to inspire teams to the confident delivery of excellent services.
  • Ability to support supervise develop and empower staff in changing work practises in a challenging environment within existing resources.
  • Strong team work skills including the ability to build and maintain relationships in a multidisciplinary team/ multi-stakeholder environment.
Leading a Quality Service
Demonstrate:
  • A client user focus in the delivery of services.
  • A core belief in and passion for the sustainable delivery of high quality service user focused services.
  • A commitment to community development principles and practices.
  • A commitment to the principles of public accountability as they apply to the local community.
Communication & Interpersonal
Demonstrate:
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Negotiation/influencing skills.
  • The ability to interact in a professional manner with other Social Care staff and other key stakeholders.
Critical Analysis & Decision Making
Demonstrate:
  • The ability to rapidly assimilate and analyse complex information; considering the impact of decisions before taking action; and anticipating challenges.
  • The ability to make timely decisions and to adhere to those decisions as required.

Other requirements specific to the post / Access to own transport as the role will require travel.
Campaign Specific Selection Process
Shortlisting / Interview / Short listing may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Candidates who are shortlisted will be called forward for a meeting. The meeting will be based on the candidate’s ability to demonstrate that they have the necessary experience and competencies required for the role, as set out in the job specification.
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job description may be reviewed.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.

HEALTH SERVICE EXECUTIVE

Terms & Conditions of Employment

Grade VIII

Tenure / The appointment is whole-time, permanent and pensionable.
A panel may be created from which current and future permanent or temporary posts of whole or part-time duration will be filled.
Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.
Remuneration / TheSalaryScaleforthepostis:-
The Salary scale for the post is: €64,812 - €74.551 (July 2013)
This rate takes account of the reduction provided for by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013.
Working Week / The standard working week is 37 hours
Annual Leave / The annual leave associated with the post is to be confirmed at job offer stage.
Superannuation / All pensionable staff become members of the pension scheme.
Probation / Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.
Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 / As this post is one of those designated under the Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.
Infection Control / Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.
Ethics in Public Office 1995 and 2001
Positions remunerated at or above the minimum point of the Grade VIII salary scale / Positions remunerated at or above the minimum point of the Grade VIII salary scale (€ 64,812 as at 01.01.2010) are designated positions under Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995. Any person appointed to a designated position must comply with the requirements of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 as outlined below;
A) In accordance with Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, a person holding such a post is required to prepare and furnish an annual statement of any interests which could materially influence the performance of the official functions of the post. This annual statement of interest should be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer not later than 31st January in the following year.
B) In addition to the annual statement, a person holding such a post is required, whenever they are performing a function as an employee of the HSE and have actual knowledge, or a connected person, has a material interest in a matter to which the function relates, provide at the time a statement of the facts of that interest. A person holding such a post should provide such statement to the Chief Executive Officer. The function in question cannot be performed unless there are compelling reasons to do so and, if this is the case, those compelling reasons must be stated in writing and must be provided to the Chief Executive Officer.
C) A person holding such a post is required under the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 to act in accordance with any guidelines or advice published or given by the Standards in Public Office Commission. Guidelines for public servants on compliance with the provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 are available on the Standards Commission’s website

1