Position: Team Leader South East Classification: SCHCADS Level 6 Department/ Program: Location: Mental Health Community Support Service South East Employment Type: Reporting to: Supervision/Support: Full Time Regional Operations Manager Regional Operations Manager Every person has the right to a decent life Page 1 of 7
Introduction Prahran Mission is a community service agency of The Uniting Church in Australia committed to social justice and the wellbeing of its clients. P o s i t i o n D e s c r i p t i o n Our mission is to engage with those who have or have had a mental illness or experienced extreme social and economic disadvantage in order to facilitate a full and meaningful life. We also promote social justice by the development of a more caring, more humane and more equitable society that integrates and meets the needs of all its members. Prahran Mission achieves this through the provision of services that are grounded in our values and by effecting beneficial social change that creates opportunities for meaningful participation in society. We work to address and change the attitudes, institutions and policies which create and perpetuate inequality. Prahran Mission is committed to working within the framework of the Strengths Based Approach with participants, colleagues and communities. Prahran Mission is an equal opportunity employer and upholds the value of its workers, both paid and unpaid and the principles of social justice in its workplace policies and practices. Prahran Mission s services and programs are available to all people irrespective of class, race, religion, gender, age, sexuality or health status. Prahran Mission is a quality accredited agency certified by QIP Australia s most comprehensive notfor-profit accreditation organisation. All programs undergo regular audits and are committed to the continuous improvement of the services provided. We will prove the reality of our worship by the quality of our service. Frank Hartley 1958 Page 2 of 7
1.0 Characteristics Context As a team leader you re working under the direction, support, supervision and management of the Regional Operations Manager to exercise day to day managerial responsibility for the parts of the program operations delegated to you. You will co-author leadership responsibility for your motivated, high quality team of fellow professionals with the Regional Operations Manager. You ll provide specialist Mental Health support to Support Workers and other professionals involved in the delivery of services to Participants. You are also responsible for, in conjunction with the Regional Operations Manager, assessment and entry to the program by Participants referred in. The key purpose of this role is for you to consistently excel in the delivery of agreed Key Performance Criteria, Prahran Mission Strategy and operational requirements. Making it work You work in collaboration with the Regional Operations Manager and undertake a range of functions for which existing operational policies, practices and guidelines will be adhered to. You have the scope to influence the operational activities of the organisation and require members of your team to be involved with proposing operational procedures to the Prahran Mission Continuous Quality Improvement Committee. Leadership One of the key characteristics needed for this role to achieve excellence is your ability to lead. You collaborate with local and organisational management of the organisation to exercise your responsibility for decision-making relating to day-to-day operations delegated to you. You re first approach is that of consultation. From your consultations, you set goals and objectives for your team that reflect the strategic and operational imperatives of Prahran Mission. Style and approach You possess a good understanding of the long term goals of the organisation. You exercise managerial responsibility and provide specialist support for programs or activities that have been delegated to your oversight. Managing time is essential so outcomes can be achieved. You possess a high level of interpersonal skills and use them to resolve team and sometimes organisational issues. You motivate and engage staff in your team as a daily occurrence and your team hold you in high regard for the great example you provide to them. The key purpose of your role as Team Leader is for you to consistently excel in the delivery of agreed Key Performance Criteria, Prahran Mission Strategy and operational requirements. Collaboration As one of the Prahran Mission Team leaders you will work alongside juniors, peers, seniors and other stakeholders in a mutually rewarding and respectful way that enhances the collegial aspect of the organisations culture as well as promoting a genuine sense of teamwork. Page 3 of 7
1.1 Program Context The Mental Health Community Support Services program (MHCSS) is funded in a particular geographical catchment area. The funding is provided by the Mental Health Branch of the Department of Health (VIC) to provide support to people in an outreach capacity on an individual basis. The program provides psychosocial rehabilitation to people who have a severe and enduring mental illness. A key interface for Participants is our Support Workers. It is their role to provide support to Participants by assisting them to develop, refine and pursue their articulated goals. 2.0 Key Responsibilities P o s i t i o n D e s c r i p t i o n You perform specialised functions to achieve results in line with Prahran Mission s strategic plan and you re responsible for undertaking projects involving the use of analytical skills. You work through many and varied situations / challenges to achieve results in line with the organisations strategic goals and the Key Performance Criteria that you have agreed with the Regional Operations Manager. You assist with planning, directing, and evaluating operations of the program delegated to you, including developing work practices and quality improvements. In addition, you provide expert advice and support to Support Workers and the supervision of Administrative staff and volunteers where required. You undertake significant projects and/or functions involving the use of analytical skills; undertake a range of duties within the work area, including the development of work practices; problem definition, planning and the exercise of judgment in relation to solutions. You provide advice on policy matters and contribute to their development; provide advice on matters of complexity within the work area; control and co-ordinate the work area in collaboration with the Regional Operations Manager - within budgetary constraints. In addition: 2.1 Main Duties of the Position Oversight of the intake and exit of Participants from the program. The review and implementation of individual case and progress plans programs is also part of your responsibility in collaboration with Support Workers and the Client Assessment Co-Ordinator. You also facilitate training and professional development opportunities for individual staff and programs in collaboration with the Regional Operations Manager. You work collaboratively with staff in the implementation of continuous quality improvement. Provision of direct professional supervision to support workers. Representation of Prahran Mission and participation in relevant clinical panel meetings. You inform and provide appropriate input to the Regional Operations Manager in their responsibilities for program operation. You may be asked to step up in the absence of the Regional Operations Manager when they are on annual leave and any other extended absences from their role. Page 4 of 7
2.2 Provision of Direct Service Delivery Ensure the development and maintenance of individual program plans and / or case plans. Enable formal and informal opportunities for clients input into the programs. Ensure intake of clients across the discrete programs including referral / applications, assessments, participation and exit is streamlined and efficient. Assist with case work during periods of staff leave. Ensure that key deliverables in the area of hours of service is provided. 2.3 Staff Supervision and Support Ensure that regular staff meetings, case discussions, secondary consultations, work practice and program planning forums are effectively facilitated. Assist the Regional Operations Manager with performance appraisals with each of the program staff. Provide professional supervision and support to staff, through fortnightly formal supervision, case reviews and collaborative work with clients and debriefing. Assist support workers in identifying professional development opportunities and, in consultation with the Regional Operations Manager, arrange for appropriate training. Participate in the recruitment and orientation of new staff. Guide and coordinate a team using effective teamwork practices. 2.4 Program Review and Development Ensure active participation of staff and clients in program review and development. Participate in the development and maintenance of appropriate program policies and procedures with both staff and clients through the Prahran Mission Continuous Quality Improvement Committee. Be aware of issues relating to clients and assist the Navigator in the allocation of clients. Lead quality reporting, service delivery and continuous improvement practices that are aligned with stakeholder expectations and legislative guidelines. Write regular reports on program operations as required. 2.5 Data Integrity Ensure integrity of data input into databases by staff. Ensure that staff have appropriate training and support in the relevant database. 2.6 General Duties Ensure procedures for program records keeping are accurate and timely. Work within the program budget. Inform the Regional Operations Manager of program space, building and asset maintenance, repair needs and liaise with the Workplace Health and Safety Representative to ensure the maintenance of a safe workplace at all times. Other duties as directed and agreed with the Regional Operations Manager. Page 5 of 7
3.0 Requirements of the Job Your position requires comprehensive knowledge of Prahran Mission s policies and procedures along with the leadership capability and expertise relevant to case management in a community setting. In addition: P o s i t i o n D e s c r i p t i o n Demonstrated skills and experience in providing professional supervision and leadership. Demonstrated experience in participant case work and case management. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Established ability to work autonomously as well as a member of a team. Understanding of the mental health sector and emerging issues. Demonstrated ability to problem solve, plan and have sound decision making skills. Appreciation of the long term goals of Prahran Mission; Detailed knowledge of program activities and work practices relevant to the work area; Knowledge of Prahran Mission s structures and functions. Comprehensive knowledge of requirements relevant to the discipline. 4.0 Organisational Relationship You work under the limited direction of the Regional Operations Manager and you re required to supervise staff. 4.1 Accountability You are directly accountable to the Regional Operations Manager. You support day to day operational issues, conduct regular fortnightly formal staff supervision, be available for informal supervision on a daily basis, provide support for staff and contribute to individual and collective team unity. The Regional Operations Manager and Team Leader positions work closely together in collaboration with other program staff to ensure open and effective communication within and between programs and the organisation. You maintain a harmonious and collegial approach to this style of operation. 4.2 Other Relationships a) Program Staff - you will meet and work with and give direction to support staff delegated to your leadership. b) Clients - you ensure the needs and rights of clients continue to be a major focus of the program and deal with all grievances and input in line with Prahran Mission policies. c) Prahran Mission Staff - All staff are part of the wider Prahran Mission team and the you liaise, meet with and share responsibility with other staff where appropriate and as directed, in line with the work of the whole organisation. d) External Stakeholders - All staff are required to be professional in their interactions and communications with external stakeholders and uphold and represent the values of Prahran Mission at all times. In this role, you provide a strong model for those who follow your lead and as such, you ensure that you are mindful of this aspect at all times. Page 6 of 7
5.0 Extent of Authority You exercise a degree of autonomy and you re able to manage a work area with the significant delegated authority in this position. You provide advice and support on complex and unusual matters as presented by Support Workers or administration staff and defer to the Regional Operations Manager when these fall outside your knowledge and experience or require a higher level of authority to make appropriate decisions. In consultation and collaboration with the Regional Operations Manager you make the day to day operations of the program / site happen in a smooth and seamless fashion. Support and advice is available on complex or unusual matters but generally solutions to problems can be found within Prahran Missions documented policies, processes and procedures. I have read and understand the content of this Position Description. Signature of Employee: Date: Signature of Manager: Date: Page 7 of 7