Position description. Position title: Delegation level: Responsible to: Director: of Public Health (DPH) Nil Executive Director Community & Clinical Support Place in organisation Chief Executive Executive Director: Community & Clinical Support Chief Medical Advisor Director of Public Health Vision (Te Matakite) Building healthy communities - Te hanga whaioranga mo te iwi. Mission (Te Whakatakanga) Waikato DHB will ensure community involvement at all levels and will focus on: increasing wellness through prevention, promotion and awareness activities ensuring equitable access to high quality health and disability support services. Values Acknowledging the diversity of Waikato communities. Self responsibility. Personal and professional growth of the workforce. Inclusive and honest communication. Respect for each other. Enhancing the health and independence of Waikato people. Striving for excellence. Code of conduct and employee expectations Respect the rights of others. Carry out duties in a professional manner. Act in a fair, responsible, trustworthy, and legal manner. Perform duties honestly with impartiality. Waikato DHB s code of conduct incorporates the State Services standards of integrity and conduct, and sets expectations relating to employee conduct.
Purpose of the position The position description describes four key elements to this role, each with distinct competencies, functions, and levels of authority. While it is not expected that these work in conflict to each other, it is expected that the position holder understands and provides input to the highest level of the organisation, service, unit and team. The Director of Public Health (0.2 FTE) This is the most senior advocate for public health across the district health board for the populations served by this post. It is an executive level appointment which carries with it strategic responsibilities and is a position of influence to the executive group and DHB board. (The role is responsible to the Chief Executive when undertaking these functions (i.e.) is an equal partner with the Executive Director of Community & Clinical Support at the executive table.) Clinical Director Public Health Medicine role (0.2 FTE) As formalised through this leadership agreement, the CD commits to, and undertakes with support all dimensions of good leadership within the service including quality improvement, and process improvement, even when they are not related directly to the holder s professional discipline or previous experience. They provide clinical leadership to Population Health which includes Public Health Unit, Emergency Planning and Screening services. Public Health Medicine Specialist/ Medical Officer of Health (0.6fte) Population Health s goals are; Service description To reduce inequalities in health outcomes, with prioritisation of those communities and populations where inequalities are greatest To improve population well being To reduce the risk of avoidable disease To foster a culture of innovation in meeting these goals. The Working Context The Director of Public Health has responsibility for being the chief source of public health leadership and expert advice to the DHB board or Executive on all aspects of public health. It is the lead role on behalf of the executive in developing interagency and interdisciplinary short and long term strategic plans to ensure and secure health improvement both of the general and most vulnerable populations at risk of poor health and inequality. The DPH will work in partnership with a range of agencies and take a lead responsibility within the district. This requires the ability to work across other agencies at senior levels in order to influence and inform public health policy decisions. The incumbent must be a highly effective leader for public health including ensuring contribution within appropriate wider public health networks and being an example for public health practice, teaching and research identifying ways in which to bring these together. The DPH will contribute to the full range of public health knowledge and responsibilities to influence and maximise opportunities for system reform, regulatory and performance and to ensure that public health goals are at the centre of local authority and health board agenda. They work with other public health colleagues to strengthen public health capacity and delivery across the district and region. The Clinical Director (CD) aspect of the role is delivered both by directly doing activities and by delegating activities to others. Clinical Directors may also elicit the agreement of individual Senior Medical staff to undertake specific portfolios of work (e.g. training or audit coordination for the Directorate, etc), as part of their non-clinical work schedule. The CD role works very closely with the rest of the multidisciplinary leadership team and especially the Manager Public Health and the Executive Director. They work closely with the Chief Medical Advisor on professional matters.
Organisational accountabilities Strategic and Operational Planning Leads the development of the unit s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the DHB and ministerial priorities Maintains an active and broad knowledge of international, national and regional trends of relevance to population & public health and utilises that knowledge to constructively influence others Supports the development of annual operating plans that operationalise the strategic plan and operational deliverables in the context of the DHB and service annual plans Service relationships Maintains collegial networks at an international, national, regional, and local level Represents public health, as requested by their manager, in national, regional or local forums Represents the service with consumers and external stakeholders Forges and maintains strong and effective working relationships with others, with particular emphasis on: o the Chief Medical Advisor and other Professional Advisors o the Executive Group o other Clinical Unit Leaders, Directors, Clinical Directors and Managers o all members of the Directorate s leadership team o all staff working in the Directorate o senior leaders in intersectoral contexts, including central and local government agencies, NGOs, PHOs, etc Clinical and Service Quality Maintains a balanced approach to their leadership, covering workforce, technology, financial, clinical quality, and consumer service dimensions from the perspective of enhancing the sustainability of the service and health system as a whole As member of the leadership/management team, monitors performance against the agreed annual plan Undertakes proactive and corrective actions to ensure the annual plan and service kpi are achieved Participates in the Board of Clinical Governance and other Clinical Governance and management forums as requested by the Executive Director or Chief Medical Advisor. Contributes to the identification, notification and mitigation of risks in the Directorate, both service and clinical Ensures compliance with, and maintains, the established frameworks (e.g. policies) for achieving risk management and legal compliance. Ensures the Directorate has a current departmental credentialing report and that key findings are reflected in the Directorate s target and annual plans Ensures that external accreditation and certification requirements are achieved, particularly for College accreditation, and service specific accreditation (such as IANZ) where relevant Participates in Serious Event Reviews and complaints management Participates in applying quality improvement methodologies and techniques and uses them to improve the quality of care. Ensures regular clinical and service audits occur, including ensuring the reporting of valid data and robust oversight of outcomes Ensures services are consumer centred Ensures that staff uphold Treaty of Waitangi principles of partnership, participation and active protection, that they adhere to tikanga best practice guidelines, and practice is aligned with policy direction in relation to Māori health gain. Medical Behaviour & Practice Takes the primary accountability for providing leadership to, and line management of, the senior medical workforce including providing day to day supervision of them Employs appropriately qualified, registered and credentialed medical staff, and supporting and
developing them to deliver required services Ensures that all medical staff in the public health unit are practising in a safe and legal manner Ensures the SMO and RMO rosters and leave plans are robust and meet service Encourages clinical practice that is of high quality and at the top of an individual s scope and abilities Encourages all medical staff to actively contribute to the wider functioning and development of the unit, DHB, and profession Ensures there is a comprehensive training and induction programme for RMOs Ensures that the department pursues appropriate research opportunities Ensures all medical staff participate in an annual performance appraisal and have current performance objectives Actively manages behaviours, performance levels, and practices that do not meet the standards set by the organisation and/or the generally accepted standards of the profession. Team Functioning Operates as a fully and jointly accountable member of the multi-disciplinary leadership / management team. Participates in the leadership team meetings on a regular basis in order to represent the public health unit and/or influence the wider organisation s direction Works with the Manager Public Health, Executive Director and senior medical staff to ensure the roles of training, quality, CME, clinical audit, education, and research are delegated and provides oversight to those functions Mentors and manages members of the team in a way that demonstrates their value in the organisation and is consistent with good employer principles Provide significant leadership and advice specifically to the PHIT team which includes epidemiology, statistics, evaluation, digital information and policy analysis. Public Health Medical Specialist (PHMS)/ Medical Officer of Health To provide Public Health Medicine Specialist expert advice and education in relation to Public Health issues and requirements to WDHB staff, health professionals and others. To undertake the statutory responsibilities and requirements of a Medical Officer of Health within the Waikato District Health Board (WDHB). To participate in public health planning, health needs analysis and other support activities as required by WDHB. Self Management Maintains personal clinical practice of the highest standard Fulfils the Can Meds accountabilities across each of the following domains: a) Medical Expert b) Communicator c) Collaborator d) Health advocate e) Scholar f) Professional Upholds ethics and professional accountabilities (RACP and Medical Council) Participates in own leadership and management development plan Sundry Accountabilities Declares and mitigates any perceived or real conflicts of interest Complies with DHB policies and procedures Complies with their Delegation of Authority in terms of what they can approve and what requires approval by those with a higher delegation. Complies with the requirements of the DHB s corporate and clinical records management policies to create and maintain full and accurate records. Leads by example and ensures compliance with all established health and safety frameworks and systems for achieving best practice in hazard management within own department.
Professional accountabilities Medical Council of New Zealand eligible for vocational scope of practice in Public Health Medicine Credentialed to work as a Public Health Medicine Specialist by the Waikato DHB credentialing committee, and eligible for designation as a medical officer of health by the Director General of Health (Medical Specialist means any medical practitioner who is vocationally registered by the Medical Council under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 in one of the approved branches of medicine and who is employed in either that branch of medicine or in a similar capacity with minimal oversight.) Is required to undertake their clinical responsibilities and to conduct themselves in all matters relating to their employment in accordance with best practice and relevant ethical and professional standards and guidelines, as determined from time to time by: the New Zealand Medical Association s code of ethics the practitioner s relevant medical college(s) and/or professional associations the New Zealand Medical (or Dental) Council the Health and Disability Commissioner the employer s policies and procedures except to the extent that they may be inconsistent with any other provision of the Senior Medical Officers and Dental Officers Collective Agreement To be designated or the ability to be designated as a Medical Officer of Health Qualifications and experience Registration with Medical Council of New Zealand, therefore inclusive of scope of practice of specialist. A current practising certificate with the Medical Council of New Zealand. Qualified to practice as a specialist in Public Health Medicine. A minimum of two years as a Specialist in Public Health Medicine would be an advantage, Be able to part of the on call roster for Medical Officer of Health Organisational leadership/ management / behavioural competencies Contribution Models and shares the vision, values and expectations with others. Leads a team that provide safe and quality service delivery for patients/clients/ customers. Uses robust and inclusive recruitment processes to employ suitably qualified people. Self and others Builds rapport and understands what motivates staff that report to them. Treats people fairly and equitably, provides development opportunities for direct reports. Deals with issues, people or situations, in a timely and appropriate way. Relationships Creates a climate where people strive to do their best and enables people to be accountable for their work. Maintains effective relationships with peers and is direct, respectful, inclusive and honest. Getting results Provides clear direction, assigns and reassigns work depending on progress, results and resources, and encourages and provides actionable feedback. Leading change Is open to change and creates an environment which allows others to conceive of and implement change.
Relationships Scope of position INTERNAL Include but are not limited to: Population Health staff Waikato District Health Board Executive Waikato District Health Board Planning and Funding staff Nursing and Allied health professionals/clinical staff Waikato DHB Communications Director Infection Control staff Legal Adviser Privacy Officer Manager Quality and Patient Safety Laboratory staff Librarians Te Puna Oranga Waikato DHB Staff EXTERNAL Include but are not limited to: Ministry of Health staff, and in particular, the Director of Public Health Primary care practitioners Staff from other public health providers, including non- governmental agencies Laboratories Appropriate Community Agencies. Medical Council of New Zealand Local government Media personnel ESR Iwi groups General Public Educational institutions from early childhood to tertiary Work environment and work function/activity This position description should be read in conjunction with the WDHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Core Conditions Document and the agreed work schedules and outcomes. Hours of work shall be mutually agreed between the employer and employee when they are agreed they will form an appendix to this position description including regular on call outside normal working hours Work environment: Frequently works indoors in offices and meeting rooms situated within a health centre, hospital or other medical facility. Work spaces will usually be heated, ventilated, clean and well maintained. Work function/activity: This is usually sedentary work with a requirement for frequent sitting in offices or in meetings. Stands and walks frequently in office and clinical areas. Lifting, carrying or pulling is not a significant component of the job. Bending, squatting or crouching is unlikely to be required Stretching, twisting, climbing is unlikely to be required. Occasional to frequent requirement for repetitive hand and finger movements when using hand-held objects including pens, calculators and using a keyboard and mouse. Driving is not typically a significant component of the job.
Mental activities necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with communication, interpersonal, public speaking, financial, organisational, problem solving, critical thinking and decision-making capabilities. Source: www.acc.co.nz Other requirements: NZ full drivers licence Declaration I certify that I have read this position description and reasonably believe that I understand the requirements of the position. I understand that: a) this position description may be amended by the employer following reasonable notice to me b) I may be asked to perform other duties as reasonably required by the employer in accordance with the conditions of the position. Position holder s name: Position holder s signature: Manager s name: Manager s signature: Date of signing: