Standards and Product Development

Project Officer

Standards and Product Development

The ACHS Development Unit is seeking an experienced Project Officer to join its expanding team.

The role of the Development Unit is to research, plan and develop new programs and services for the ACHS and to review, revise or redevelop current services and programs where and when appropriate.

To meet this fast-paced position, candidates will possess an understanding of health care standards and accreditation processes.The role has a focus on relationships with key stakeholders within the health industry and requires high level communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal), the ability to project manage, knowledge of the Australian health system and experience and understanding of quality improvement.

You will enjoy being part of a small team, and thrive in a role which requires flexibility and an attention to detail.

To apply

Applications must address the essential competencies provided in the attached Position Description (below) together with a detailed resume.

The salary package is dependent on qualifications and experience and includes employer superannuation and a monthly RDO entitlement.

Applications close 9 am Monday, 13 January 2014. Enquiries should be directed to: Deborah Jones, Development Unit,ACHS: (02) 9281 9955.

THE AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL ON HEALTHCARE STANDARDS (ACHS)

Position Description

December 2013

COMPETENCIES

Essential:

1. Understanding of healthcare standards and accreditation processes.
2. Knowledge and/or experience working in the health care industry.
3. Demonstrated written communication skills to prepare reports, papers, submissions, articles, issues papers and publications.
4. Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with healthcare professionals and other allied organisations to achieve agreed goals
5. Demonstrated understanding of quality improvement in the health industry.
6. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and unsupervised, and as part of a team.
7. Advanced computer literacy.
8. Demonstrated organisational skills to manage workplace priorities and meet timelines.

Desirable:

1. Familiarity with the ACHS Evaluation and Quality Improvement Program (EQuIP).
2. Experience in developing standards.
3. Capability to identify new business opportunities and market existing ACHS programsto support growth in membership.
4. Demonstrated experience conducting research and literature reviews in related health care areas.
5. Experience in the production of print and electronic publications.
6. Skills in project planning.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project Officer will:

1. Assist in the revision and development of ACHS Standards, including literature review.
2. Participate in the development of support guides and resource tools as required.
3. Contribute to the development of submissions, reports and Tenders
4. Lead specific projects as required.
5. Support the growth of membership in existing ACHS programs through communication with existing and potential customers.
6. Act as secretariat for working groups in relation to development and revision of standards.
7. Participate in ACHS projects and corporate activities as appropriate.
8. Have an undergraduate qualification or equivalent experience in a health related discipline.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the Project Officer, SPD support the organisation to achieve its goals, which are subject to review from time to time:

To be the leading provider of accreditation products and services

• Be responsible for specified projects to develop standards and the supporting materials to assist their implementation such as manuals, guidelines, resource tools and information sheets.
• Participate in activities with stakeholders and provide support to ACHS members appropriate to experience and expertise.
• Research relevant literature and best practice related to ACHS products and services and promote such practice to members and stakeholders.
• Assist with writing papers, submissions and tender documents.

To provide high quality performance assessment services for accreditation and certification against recognised standards

• Seek innovative and best practice principles for incorporation into quality improvement, performance monitoring and accreditation standards.
• Participate with stakeholders in activities that promote performance monitoring / quality improvement as a quality improvement strategy e.g. publications, conferences, education, projects

The collection and analysis of performance data and the dissemination of information relevant to the quality and safety needs of consumers and the health care industry

• Work with stakeholder groups in activities to promote ACHS products and services

To be a leading contributor to research into quality and safety in health care

• Contribute to activities and projects that investigate quality improvement and accreditation in health care.
• Participate in research relating to quality improvement and accreditation in health care.
• Research and analyse appropriate information for the development of ACHS strategies, products and services.

Ensure a strong business focus

• Represent the ACHS at stakeholder and industry forums.
• Participate in the review and improvement of all ACHS activities to ensure continuous improvement.
• Participate in and present staff training programs as appropriate and ongoing education to ensure skills and knowledge are updated to deliver a quality service.
• Contribute experience and expertise to ACHS corporate activities and participate in occupational health and safety activities by:
• Working in accordance with accepted safe practices.
• Reporting unsafe conditions and practices.
• Observing occupational health and safety policies.
• Attending education on occupational health and safety.

Performance and evaluation

Performance evaluation will occur three (3) months after commencement of employment and then annually. Performance will be evaluated by:

• Feedback on the quality of work by ongoing communication and at performance evaluation.
• External customer feedback on services provided.
• Internal customer feedback.
• Performance evaluation against key areas of responsibilities.

December 2013

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