Health Promotion & Improvement Officer

Location of post

There is currently 1 permanent / whole-time vacancy available for Dublin and Midlands. The initial base is Broomhill, Tallaght.

A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Dublin and Midlands from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.

Key working relationships

The post holder will have critical working relationships both internally within the health service and externally with key stakeholders.

Internal working relationships include – General Service Managers across CHA, Community Health Network Managers, Chronic Disease and ICPOP Leads, Child Health Development Officer, HSE Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) representative(s), Healthy Ireland Hospital Project Managers, National Programme Leads. External working relationships include – Local Government, Community & Voluntary, Academia.

The HP&I Manager will work closely with National Policy Leads in Health and Wellbeing, their colleague HP&I Managers, Service Managers within emerging HSE Structures, Local Health Authorities, Voluntary and Community Sector and representatives of key at risk population groups.

Purpose of the post

The Health Promotion & Improvement Manager will be responsible for the implementation of programmes and services within the Region with lead operational responsibility for delivery in IHA 1 and 2 and associated Hospital Groups to which they are assigned.

They will work closely with the Health Promotion and Improvement Manager in the Dublin and Midlands Region with sharedregional responsibility for Staff Health & Wellbeing, Slaintecare Health Communities, Stakeholder Engagement & Comms, Training, Tobacco, Making Every Contact Count (MECC) Planning & Development and Cancer Prevention in line with nationally agreed policy, standards and protocols and in accordance within the main priorities for HP&I service delivery:

·        HP&I support for Region Areas and Hospital Groups in the implementation of Healthy Ireland Implementation Plans;

·        Support for rollout of Slaintecare Healthy Communities Programme

·        Support for the Community Health Area and Hubs within IHA 1 and 2

·        Engagement with ICPOP and Chronic Disease Operational Leads

·        Training and the development of training models;

·        External engagement and partnerships to scale up agreed national programmes.

·        Staff health and wellbeing.

·        Cancer Awareness and Prevention

They will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of HP&I activities and programme delivery which includes management of staff and financial resources and performance management of local teams within the Region.

The Health Promotion & Improvement Service currently rolls out the Stop Smoking Service in the Region, Cancer awareness and prevention, Making Every Contact Count, Slaintecare Healthy Community Programmes, Training, Staff HWB and support for Stakeholder Engagement and Comms delivery.

The Health Promotion & Improvement Manager will contribute to development of nationally led projects across key policy programmes and strategic initiatives and will take responsibility for a specific Policy Priority Programme/Initiative as required. They will have responsibility for implementing national policy at local level through the local teams and for monitoring and performance-management.

Principal duties and responsibilities

Service Delivery

·        Accountable for the delivery of HP&I services, in their respective Region in line with nationally defined frameworks, standards, policies and resources.

• Responsible for delivery of Operational Plans at Regional level and associated Hospital Groups.

·        Monitor and control financial resources so as to ensure efficient delivery of services within resources in line with Financial Regulations.

• Utilise business information and analysis to identify and support service improvement and collaborative working opportunities within HP&I and the wider services.
• Promote and lead continuous service quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure that agreed national standards for service delivery are implemented and maintained.
• Manage the grant and service agreement process ensuring the terms and conditions of the agreements are delivered.
• Participate and contribute to the development of national strategic programmes as required.

Staff Management/Performance:

• Manage the Health Promotion and Improvement team and other staff as relevant to the role.
• Manage and direct in the performance of their duties and other staff as relevant and to manage the Performance Achievement process.
• Support the development of staff within the region, identify learning and development opportunities to maximise their potential.

Stakeholder engagement and relationship management

• Work with HSE Management Colleagues maximise the potential of HP&I activities.
• Work with local authority and community partners in the implementation of the SHC programme across the region.

·        Further develop and strengthen local relationships with internal and external partners and staff to implement Healthy Ireland.

·        Ensure Senior HP&I officers are fully engaged with relevant local communities and stakeholders.

·        Work to develop clear systems and practices for effectively working at a population level, across the Dublin and Midlands region.

·        Work closely with colleagues in Public Health to maximise population health approach to service delivery.

General Duties

• To act as spokesperson as required.
• Demonstrate pro-active commitment to all communications with internal and external stakeholders
• Develop and maintain a strong focus on both internal and external communications relevant to the work of this function.
• Utilise business information and analysis to identify and support service improvement and collaborative working opportunities within HP&I and the wider services.
• Have a working knowledge of the 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 and comply with associated protocols for implementing and maintaining those standards
• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

The above job specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must be able to demonstrate at the latest date of application: -

·        Significant experience in Health Promotion.

·        Significant operational experience in managing and/ or delivering a complex service.

·        Experience of managing and working collaboratively with multiple internal and external stakeholders, as relevant to this role.

·        A track record of delivering significant change in a complex multi stakeholder environment, as relevant to this role.

·        Experience in HR and financial management.

·        Have 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.

Post specific requirements

Candidates must have extensive depth and breadth of experience in the delivery of HP&I services

Candidates must have a working knowledge of National H&WB Policy priorities.

Other requirements specific to the post

Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.Travel will be required as part of this role.

Additional eligibility requirements:

Citizenship requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(i)               EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii)              Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

Demonstrate:

·        A working knowledge of key policies and strategies including Slaintecare, Healthy Ireland, Healthy Ireland in the Health Services National Implementation Plan, National Substance Misuse Strategy, Tobacco Free Ireland, National Physical Activity Plan, Sexual Health Strategy and A Healthy Weight for Ireland – Obesity Policy and Action Plan, Making Every Contact Count Framework, Stronger Together, HSE Mental Health Promotion Plan, Self-Management Support Framework etc.

·        An understanding of the concepts and principles of Health Promotion.

·        Strong understanding of research and information management/ use of research/ evidence to inform practice, monitor progress and improve services.

·        Knowledge of the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare.

·        Knowledge on the application of the IUHPE Core Competencies for Health Promotion to service delivery.

·        A track record of delivering on the health promotion and improvement agenda and an understanding of the processes involved in progressing this agenda.

·        Knowledge of the use of ethical, empowering, culturally appropriate and participatory processes to implement Health Promotion action.

·        Knowledge and experience of using an email system effectively e.g. Outlook, Lotus Notes.

·        Knowledge of the health service including a good knowledge of HSE reform.

·        Evidence of implementation of sustainable programmes and stakeholder ownership through on-going consultation and collaboration.

Managing & Delivering Results (Operational Excellence)

Demonstrate:

·        Excellent organisational and time management skills to meet objectives within agreed timeframes and achieve quality results.

·        A proven ability to prioritise, organise and schedule a wide variety of tasks and to manage competing demands and tight deadlines while consistently maintaining high standards and positive working relationships.

·        The ability to work on a self-directed basis.

·        Evidence of effective project planning and organisational skills including an awareness of resource management and the importance of value for money.

·        Strong evidence of excellent financial planning and expenditure management.

·        The ability to seek and seize opportunities that are beneficial to achieving organisation goals and strives to improve service delivery.

·        Monitoring quality of implementation process in line with agreed goals and objectives for Health Promotion actions.

·        The ability to improve efficiency within the working environment and the ability to evolve and adapt to a rapid changing environment.

·        A capacity to operate successfully in a challenging environment while adhering to various standards.

·        Ability to take personal responsibility to initiate activities and drive objectives through to a conclusion.

Critical Analysis, Problem Solving & Decision Making

Demonstrate:

·        The ability to evaluate complex information from a variety of sources and make effective decisions.

·        Excellent analytical skills to enable analysis, interpretation of data and data extraction from multiple data sources.

·        Considers the impact of decisions before taking action.

·        Anticipates problems and recognises when to involve other parties (at the appropriate time and level).

·        Makes timely decisions and stands by those decisions as required.

·        The ability to consider the range of options available, involve other parties at the appropriate time and level, to make balanced and timely decisions.

·        Significant experience in effective operational problem solving utilising an inclusive approach.

·        A knowledge and application of evidence based decision making.

·        A capacity to develop new proposals and put forward solutions to address problems in a timely manner.

·        Effective problem solving in complex work environments.

Leadership, Direction and Team Working Skills

Demonstrate:

·        Effective leadership in a challenging and busy environment including a track record of innovation / improvements.

·        Ability to lead, organise and motivate teams to the confident delivery of excellent services and service outcomes.

·        Ability to support, supervise, develop and empower staff in changing work practises in a challenging environment within existing resources.

·        Champions measurement on delivery of results and is willing to take personal responsibility to initiate activities and drive objectives through to a conclusion.

·        Motivation and an innovative approach to the job within a changing working environment.

·        Evidence of being a positive agent of change and performance improvement.

·        Flexibility and adaptability to meet the requirements of the role.

·        Experience of working as part of a team with a mixed programme of work and moving with ease between concurrent projects.

·        Ability to work with multi-disciplinary team members and other stakeholders to facilitate high performance, developing and achieving clear and realistic objectives.

·        An ability to influence and negotiate effectively in furthering the objectives of the role.

·        Ability to incorporate new knowledge and ideas to improve practice and respond to emerging challenges in Health Promotion.

·        Ability to contribute to team and organisational learning to advance Health Promotion actions.

Building & Maintaining Relationships/Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrate:

·        Excellent interpersonal and communications skills to facilitate work with a wide range of individuals and groups.

·        A track record of building and maintaining key internal and external relationships in achieving organisational goals.

·        The ability to lead, direct and influence multiple stakeholders and ensure buy-in to plans and their implementation.

·        Effective conflict management skills.

·        The ability to interact in a professional manner with staff and other key stakeholders.

Communication Skills

Demonstrate:

·        The ability to present information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing tailoring to meet the needs of the audience.

·        Excellent presentation skills.

·        Excellent written communication skills including the ability to produce professional reports.

Commitment to a Quality Service

Demonstrate:

·        An ability to pay close and accurate attention to detail in personal work and to create a culture where high standards are valued and respected.

·        An ability to cope with competing demands without a diminution in performance.

·        Places strong emphasis on achieving high standards of excellence.

·        A client user and customer focus in the delivery of services.

·        A core belief in and passion for the sustainable delivery of high quality customer focused services.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him / her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Campaign specific selection process

Ranking/shortlisting / interview

A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out based on information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting 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 progressing to the next stage of the selection process.

Those successful at the ranking stage of this process, where applied, will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.

Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience. 

The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.

The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long-term health condition.

Read more about the HSE’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Tenure

The current vacancy available is permanent and whole time.

The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004, the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Working week

The standard weekly working hours of attendance for your grade are 35 hours per week. Your normal weekly working hours are 35 hours. Contracted hours that are less than the standard weekly working hours for your grade will be paid pro rata to the full time equivalent.

You are required to work agreed roster/on-call arrangements advised by your Reporting Manager. Your contracted hours are liable to change between the hours of 8.00am and 8.00pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of collective agreements and HSE Circulars.

Annual leave

The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.