7 May 2016
This Position Description is a guide and will vary from time to time and
between services and/or units to meet changing service needs
The Canterbury District Health Board is committed to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and the overarching objectives of the New Zealand health and disability strategies.Organisational Vision.
The CDHB’s vision is to promote, enhance and facilitate the health and wellbeing of the people of the Canterbury District.Organisational Values
· Care & respect for others· Integrity in all we do
· Responsibility for outcomes
POSITION TITLE: / Senior Communications Advisor (1 FTE)
REPORTS TO (Title): / Communications Team Leader
REPORTS ON A DAILY BASIS TO: / Communications Team Leader
PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES:
To play a key role as part of the Transalpine Communications team and plan and implement effective internal and external communications that reflect CDHB’s & West Coast DHB’s priorities and activities as we seek to build awareness, trust and confidence in the Canterbury & West Coast health systems.
Key Relationships (Internal)
Communications Manager / · Emerging issues and enquiries are identified and appropriately prioritised
· Provide advice and support to other team members (media enquiries and projects)
· Day to day communications activity in line with weekly plans and the DHB’s strategic objectives
· Proactive contribution to internal and external communications, including assistance with the updating website/intranet
Chief Executive / · Assistance with media and staff information.
· Preparation of briefings/ other information as requested
Board and Committees / · Promotion and protection of DHB identity/image/reputation/activity
DHB executive management team, senior managers and advisors / · Add value to CDHB & WCDHB activities through efficient development and implementation of communications plans with a particular focus on internal communications
· Promotion of continuous quality improvement
Planning and Funding, public health and primary care teams / · Assistance with communications plans for projects and initiatives that span the whole health system
Staff / · Recognition of innovation and achievement
· Communications activity enhances efficiency and patient care
· Staff are informed of key activities and priorities of the DHB and wider health system
Key Relationships (external)
Primary sector / · Collaboration between primary and secondary care is enhanced
· Health priorities and issues are clearly articulated
Media / · Pro-active relationships maintained
· ‘Event’ communications carried out according to plans
Office of the Minister of Health,
& Ministry of Health / · No surprises
Other government agencies, Local authorities / · Cooperation and collaboration are enhanced
Other DHBs / · Successes shared, duplication of effort minimised, collaboration enhanced
Community groups and other agencies / · Liaise to add value to health communication activities and encourage collaboration
Key stakeholders in health, general public / · Who needs to know, knows.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / EXPECTED PERFORMANCE and/or INDICATORS
Communication planning / · Contribute to the design and implementation of communications plans that are consistent with WCDHB’s & CDHB’s values and are appropriate to key audiences
· Maintain communication policies and protocols
· Contribute to the production of key documents and publications undertaken by the DHBs
· Contribute to contingency and crisis management plans
Media relations / · To provide advice and hands on support to CDHB’s media liaison officer at times of high demand
· Maintain regular, effective, pro-active media contact.
· Contribute to ‘event ’ communication
· Ensure consistent messages about the West Coast & Canterbury health systems are delivered
· Be a back-up point of contact for media enquiries, providing timely, informed responses.
· Ensure the best interests of the DHBs, staff and patients are maintained in the face of media interest.
· Use channels most likely to reach target audiences
Internal communications / · Take a leading role in the development of intranet and website content, and internal newsletters
· Assist in the identification and resolution of communication issues
· Oversee the design and production of patient information as required
· Work with staff to identify emerging issues of potential media interest
· Assist staff to present media-ready information.
· Keep Strategic Communications Manager updated and seek advice as appropriate.
External communications / · Assist with stakeholder communications
· Assist the DHB to be well presented in external forums
· Ensure relationships with interest groups, including other health are developed and maintained
Event management / · Help coordinate where appropriate key DHB based events that impact on the internal and external activities and image of the Canterbury & West Coast health system.
· Work with the Executive Managers to manage communications around adverse events, emergencies, or unusual circumstances (eg: strikes)
Corporate identity/branding / · Help manage WCDHB’s & CDHB’s image
· Assist with development and production of corporate documents, patient information, and any material that represents Canterbury & West Coast DHBs
Value for money / · Reduce duplication of resources and effort through collaboration with other DHBs and with national initiatives
· Work with community partners, interest groups, and other providers to add value to related communications activity.
Quality / · Work produced complies with the recognised policies and standards
· Knowledge of health sector issues is updated regularly
· Customer satisfaction is attained
· Cultural awareness and sensitivity are demonstrated
· Skills are enhanced in ways which benefit the organisation
· Outputs are timely and within budget
Act within legal boundaries and Canterbury & West Coast DHB policies / · Ensure that all records are maintained accurately and in accordance with legislation and Canterbury & West Coast DHB policies
· Provide appropriate information in accordance with the Privacy Act and other relevant legislation and Canterbury & West Coast DHB policies
· Ensure own and staff’s compliance with the Health and Safety in Employment Act and regulations, and the Canterbury & West Coast DHB’s Health and Safety Policy
Health and Safety / · Displays commitment through actively supporting all health and safety initiatives.
· Ensures all staff maintain adequate safety standards on the job through consultation, training and supervision.
· Ensures own and others safety at all times.
· Complies with policies, procedures and safe systems of work. Reports all incidents/accidents, including near misses in a timely fashion.
· Is involved in health and safety through participation and consultation.
Treaty of Waitangi
/ · Service activity, development and implementation is undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi – partnership, protection and participation.· Consultation is undertaken with appropriate Maori communities.
Competencies required for role
Interpersonal Skills:
Problem solver
Able to build relationships and mobilise support
Empower others to act
Think and act strategically
Able to give constructive feedback
Good team player & able to work autonomously
Has a sense of humour.
Communication Skills:
Demonstrated communications skills
Effective relationship skills
Experience in producing communications material, writing for print and for the web
Experienced in planning & managing implementation of internal communications in a large organisation.
Fit with CDHB Values:
Innovative thinker
Understands Tikanga Maori and sensitive to the cultural needs of key audiences
Accountable for the quality and timeliness of work
Working with passion, energy and commitment
Honest, respectful, acts with integrity
· ‘Can do’ – leading, innovating and acting courageously
· Working together with passion, energy and commitment
· Trust through openness, honesty, respect and integrity
Striving for excellence.
Excellence Focus:
Well organised with an attention to detail
Willingly extends skills relevant to the changing needs of the position
Can prioritise workloads under pressure
An ability to manage many projects concurrently, demonstrating good time management skills
Technical Expertise:
Competent using computer.
Is prepared to and has the ability to learn new web based skills. Undertakes training if required.
Experience with website maintenance/development (desirable)
Experience in media and event management
An understanding of the health sector
A journalism, communications or health sector qualification. (desirable)
HEALTH & SAFETY:
· Observe all Canterbury DHB safe work procedures and instructions
· Ensure your own safety and that of others
· Report any hazards or potential hazard immediately
· Use all protective equipment and wear protective clothing provided
· Make unsafe work situations safe or, if they cannot, inform your supervisor or manager
· Co-operate with the monitoring of workplace hazards and employees health
· Ensure that all accidents or incidents are promptly reported to your manager
· Report early any pain or discomfort
· Take an active role in the Canterbury DHB’s rehabilitation plan, to ensure an early and durable return to work
· Seek advice from your manager if you are unsure of any work practice
QUALITY:
Every staff member within CDHB is responsible for ensuring a quality service is provided in their area of expertise. All staff are to be involved in quality activities and should identify areas of improvement. All staff are to be familiar with and apply the appropriate organisational and divisional policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Essential:
· Tertiary qualification in journalism, public relations, communications or related discipline
· Experience working at a mid to senior level within a large scale organisation
· Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in politically charged environments
· Ability to prioritise tasks and delegate when required
· Able to manage many projects concurrently, demonstrating good time management skills
Desirable:
· Experience working in the health sector environment
· Experience managing internal communications in a large organisation
· Team leadership
· Experience working with local and central government agencies
· An understanding of industrial relations
· A knowledge of community-oriented and social services organisations
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
Mandatory:
Key Behaviours
· Ability to work together in a truthful and helpful manner.
· Ability to work smarter by being innovative and proactive.
· Accepts responsibility for actions.
· Actively looks for ways to collaborate and assist others to improve the experience of the healthcare workforce, patients and their families and the community and iwi.
· An outgoing, proactive personality with the ability to quickly identify risk and opportunity.
Desirable:
· Ability to provide inspirational and motivational leadership to other team members
The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by staff in this job classification. Staff members may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those specified.