The Exodus Foundation
JOB APPLICANT INFORMATION PACKAGE

This information package has been put together for you to help with your employment application at The Exodus Foundation. The following information will be addressed:

  • Background information on the organisation
  • Eligibility
  • How to prepare your application
  • Job description
  • Any special requirements of the position
  • Referees
  • Contact person for enquiries
  • Information on how to submit your application
  • Closing date for receipt of applicants
  • The selection process
  • The interview

The Exodus Foundation – background

The Exodus Foundation is a registered charity that combats disadvantage in its many forms – by providing food, educational, and social health, and wellbeing services without discrimination to those who need it most.

Exodus operates as a subcommittee of Ashfield Uniting Church Parish Mission in Ashfield, in Sydney’s Inner West and works to provide real assistance to poor and needy Australians.

Our story began in 1986, when Reverend Bill Crews was ordained as minister of the Ashfield Uniting Church Parish Mission. Seeing a desperate need for a support service for homeless and at-risk people in the Inner-West of Sydney, Bill opened the doors to the Church to offer shelter and what food was available.

In 1989, The Exodus Foundation was founded by Bill and a team of dedicated volunteers as a place where homeless and abandoned youth could seek assistance and refuge.

1989 also saw the establishment of the Loaves and Fishes Free Restaurant, which was brought about through the close friendship of Bill Crews, John Singleton, and a lucky bet.

In 1996, the Foundation began its first Ashfield based Literacy Tutorial Centre program for needy children. This was followed about a decade later by a similar Literacy Centre in Redfern, primarily for needy Aboriginal children.

In 2009, we added a night food van to provide hot meals to the homeless who live in Sydney’s CBD. Then in 2011, we added a stationary food van service based in Marrickville, creating a free meal service for Sydney’s Inner West’s growing homeless population.

You can find out more by visiting our website:

Eligibility

To be eligible for employment at The Exodus Foundation, applicants must be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia.

Preparing your Application

When preparing your job application address each of the selection criteria in turn. Selection criteria are the essential skills and/or experience required to undertake the position advertised. These are usually summarised in the advertisement and detailed in full in the job description. Wherever possible demonstrate with examples, from your work history or experience, how you meet each of the selection criteria.

A comprehensive CV/Resume, which includes relevant personal details, work history (paid and voluntary), qualifications, training and professional development activities undertaken, skills and areas of interest in terms of career development must be included in your application. Supporting evidence may be required regarding qualifications and certificates completed/part completed (this will be advised at a later stage if necessary).

Job Description –SHW Practice Support Manager

Please find attachedjob description which includes information on the nature of job tasks, and the selection criteria.

Special Requirements for the Position

Provide evidence of a Working with Children verification.

Provide evidence of National Police Check

Referees

Please note that your referees may be contacted at various stages in the selection process. The panel will ask your referees how well they think you meet the requirements of the job. Select referees who know about your relevant skills and abilities. You should always let your referees know about the job and skills required before nominating them in your application.

Contact Person for Enquiries

If you have any questions, queries, or concerns, please contact Carmen Haley on the following email address only:

How to Submit your Application

Applications are to be submitted via email before the closing date to the following email address:

Closing date

The closing date for applications 5pm Wednesday 10 May 2017.

The Selection Process

Within The Exodus Foundation, the assessment, selection and interviewing of candidates for most job vacancies is undertaken by a Selection Panel (the panel).

The panel consists of at least two people, preferably of both genders, and is structured to ensure expertise, independence, and diversity of backgrounds.

The panel will assess all applications received against the selection criteria and short-list the most suitable applicants. Applicants on the short list will be contacted regarding interview times with the panel.

All applicants will be advised in writing (email) of the outcome of their application.

The Interview

If you have been successful and offered an opportunity to attend an interview, please ensure you arrive promptly and on time for the interview. Details of the time, location and contact person will be advised to successful applicants in an email.

If you require wheel chair access to the interview site or have any other special needs please advice the person contacting you for your interview, so that appropriate arrangements may be organised.

Thank you for your interest in the position and we look forward to hearing from you.

The Exodus Foundation

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: SHW Practice Support ManagerDATE: March 2017

REPORTS TO:Chief Executive Officer DEPT: SHW

HOURS: 38 hours a weekCATEGORY:Full Time

APPROVED BY: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

JOB SUMMARY

The Practice Support Manager is a key member of the Exodus Foundation senior leadership team supporting its CEO Rev. Bill Crews. The position provides direction and oversight of the Exodus Foundation’s Social Health and Wellbeing Department (SWHD) so that members of the community, who are the Foundation’s guests, are supported in crisis situations and wherever possible, are supported to self-manage in the long term. The Practice Support Manager will ensure that the SWHD operates in accordance with the CEO’s objectives and any directions. Within a two-year time frame the successful applicant will have achieved the following:

1. national accreditation of SWHD programs and services and agreed standards of service delivery by the SWHD; and

2. imbed evidence based decision making practices to maximise the value of SHWD programs and services provided to guests.

The Practice Support Manager will work collaboratively with other staff across Exodus to support holistic care provision to guests. The Practice Support Manager will role model and lead the provision of services in a caring and supportive manner, consistent with Exodus core values, so that guests receive an exceptional standard of care.

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

The Exodus Foundation’s vision is: “To give those experiencing poverty the help to break free of it”. The Exodus Foundation cares for members of the community, as guests, through the provision of meals, hygiene services such as showers, medical and other health care services and through facilitating accommodation solutions. The Exodus Foundation also provides financial assistance to support its guests in period of crisis or instability in their lives. Within this context as part of the Exodus Foundation, the SWHD delivers a suite of services, namely, case work, primary health care and community/pastoral care. The vision for SWHD is that it will support the Exodus Foundation by implementing best practice service delivery, using data and evidence to support decision making and work collaboratively with other parts of the Exodus Foundation. Within this context, the Practice Support Manager’s role will function as follows:

  • Under direction from the CEO, have overall responsibility for the effective performance of the SWHD. This includes establishing outcomes and objectives for SWHD programs and services and personnel, ensuring effective supervision of client services, programs, and projects. The Practice Support Manager leads the preparation of departmental budgets & business planning, establishes departmental policies, procedures, safe work practices and provide supervision and oversight to all SHWD employees/volunteers.
  • As part of the Exodus Foundation’s senior management team, the Practice Support Manager contributes to organisation wide planning, strategy development and ensuring a whole-of-organisation perspective. The Practice Support Manager will develop his/her knowledge and understanding of the long-term goals of the Exodus Foundation and the community health and welfare sector/industry to enable the Exodus Foundation to maximize its effectiveness.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Operational Leadership:Ensure effective governance so that services are delivered in line with the approved ‘Delegations of Authority’ and ensure approaches to service delivery are in line with Exodus core values.
  • Program and Service Delivery Accreditation: Achieve RACGP accreditation by 30 June 2019
  • Policy Development:Develop and/or amend operational policies as required to support effective operating outcomes for SHWD
  • Change Leadership: Lead change in the following key respects: improved holistic care of guests, a culture of strong accountability and alignment with Exodus Foundation’s strategic objectives.
  • Strategic Partnering:Be a key point of liaison for internal and external partners including identifying and capturing opportunities that enable the best possible suite of holistic services are offered to guests.
  • Stakeholder Management: Be the key contact officer within the SWHD for managing strategic and escalated issues.
  • Financial Management: Effective management of the SWHD budget.
  • Risk Management: Identify and incorporate sound risk management principles and strategies to mitigate against those risks.
  • Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement: Implement best practice in quality assurance and establish processes, systems and a culture that allows for continuous improvement and innovation.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The position holder has three direct reports these being: The Senior Case Worker, the General Practitioner, and the Community Care Co-ordinator. The position holder will work collaboratively with the Chief Operating Officer and other members of the Exodus Foundation’s senior leadership team.

OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Whilst a major requirement is those of business, administrative and people resource management, the SHW practice manager will understand community health, welfare, social services, and program delivery, ensuring oversight to operations (where possible) 7 days a week 365 days a year.

The Practice Support Manager’s role will be focused on achieving the following operational objectives:

  • Establishment of standard operating procedures (SOP) work place practices and appropriate policies and procedures for SWHD;
  • Ensure effective staff performance and Departmental productivity to achieve core deliverables (see further detailed information as provided below);
  • Effective management of SHWD under a wide range of conditions to achieve effective performance in line with wider Exodus Foundation goals;
  • Effective control and evaluation of SHWD operations which include providing appropriate analysis and interpretation of its operations;
  • Preparation of budget submissions for SWHD in coordination with Group budgets;
  • Measurable improvement in efficiency and/or effectiveness of SWHD programs and services; through a rolling program of continuous improvement;
  • Development of appropriate methodologies and techniques in providing specialized welfare/health services;
  • Consultation based performance plans/goals for staff and volunteers;
  • Strengthened partnerships and strategic alliances with 3rd parties delivering outreach services and programs;
  • Quality (accurate and timely) departmental data via departmental databases;
  • Maintenance and records of the assets of SHWD;
  • Assisting with marketing and public relations content and information relevant to SHWD programs and services;
  • Effective discharge of WH&S accountability for the execution of the safety regulations including:
  • Assist in providing a safe work environment.
  • Ensuring SHWD employees understand their WH&S role and responsibilities.
  • Documenting and reporting WH&S incidences.
  • Consulting with employees on WH&S issues that affect them.
  • Providing adequate training to employees on WH&S issues.

As part of the above, the Practice Support Manager will:

Manage Staff Performance:

  • Induction and training of staff (other than professional practitioners).
  • Determine the work of these staff, including position definition, task types and task allocation in response to the needs of the SHWD.
  • Review of the performance of staff.
  • Manage appropriate human resources systems.

Manage Productivity

Development and maintenance of systems, including appropriate measurement, for:

•Staff performance.

•Use & maintenance of departmental databases.

•Purchase and use of consumables.

•Provision of in house and outreach services to the centre

•Hours of operation.

•Types of SHW services and programs provided by the practice.

•Departmental performance. Based on measurable (KPI’s) consumer outcomes e.g. Number of EPA, number of counselling sessions. Number of times SHW staff attend meal deliveries

•Undertake analysis of business issues and make decisions, give comments, and/or make recommendations as appropriate.

Core Deliverables

  • Support the delivery, consistency, and quality of Exodus Social, Health and Wellbeing guest services/welfare programs (wherever operationally possible 7/365 day)
  • Manage outreach partner programs (including clinical /dental /legal/welfare care) in coordination with pro bono practitioners/providers.
  • Deliver appropriate outcomes to Exodus stakeholders - consumers and guests, department employees & volunteers and external partners/parties providing programs and services.
  • Provide appropriate business management and operational oversight (people resource management, departmental budgeting, operating models)

Academic and technical skill Requirements

Essential / Highly Desirable
Tertiary Education in Community health, Psychology, Mental Health Professional Medical centre management. / Relevant managerial qualifications – Business Administration, Business Management, Financial management.
Experience and or qualifications in management of community health program/centre
A high level of computer literacy in– MS applications (Word, Excel, Power Point)
Excellent oral and written communications skills

WORK EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Essential
Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar position including managing change – (for example managing a medical practice or a not for profit in the community, welfare, or health sector) and experience with practice accreditation.
Demonstrated effective judgment and communication skills in complex situations including crisis, conflict management and situations of ambiguity.
Extensive experience in building strong relationships and working with a diverse range of audiences including people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds who have high and complex needs.
Effective financial management skill and proven experience in achieving continuous improvement outcomes
Knowledge or ability to acquire knowledge of applicable legislation and manage any compliance issues.

PERSONAL QUALITIES AND BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

Essential
Treats all people with dignity and respect and acts with humility and grace,
High level of emotional intelligence and concern for the emotional-wellbeing of others.
Resilient and calm in difficult situations
Driven by compassion and integrity in their conduct.

Job Applicant Information Package

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