Manager - Clinical Services

About Us :

Toora Women Inc is a not-for-profit organisation which has been delivering gender specific services to women in the ACT and surrounds since 1982. Our mission is to be the leading organisation in the ACT providing safe, respectful support for all women who are impacted by domestic and family violence, homelessness, the criminal justice system and/or alcohol and drug dependency.

About You :

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor qualification in health or social science and a Leadership qualification, or;
• Diploma qualification in an area relevant to Community Services, Leadership qualification and relevant sector experience.

Position Summary :

Toora Women Inc. supports women with complex issues who have experienced past or present traumas such as:

·      domestic, family and sexual violence

·      mental health issues

·      the impact of their own or another’s drug and alcohol use

·      homelessness or needing support to stay out of the homelessness system

·      the ACT corrections system.

Our current domestic violence, homelessness and AOD health treatment programs range across variety of settings such as crisis and transitional and head tenancy accommodation, day program, counselling and outreach support, allowing Toora to provide a wrap-around trauma-informed care model, in an integrated service system. We deliver these complex services within human rights and gendered framework.

All services are based on a theoretical model of recovery, respect and empowerment. This includes encouraging self-help and minimizing the effects of institutionalisation and the harm associated with dependencies.

The Manager will work towards alleviating the effects mental health and trauma of Toora clients experiencing homelessness, substance misuse or who are survivors of domestic violence or engaged with the justice system. She will do this by effectively managing a clinical team who provide individual counselling and group work to clients. She will manage and further develop these clinical services, will provide strong leadership and work towards achieving the maximum potential of the team, will implement and evaluate strategies to meet organisational goals and will engage in effective liaison and partnerships with other relevant programs and services in the community.

The Manager will ensure the day to day provision of services and support will be delivered within the scope of the service agreements, agreed frameworks and in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the organisation.

Key Requirements :

Essential Experience

• Minimum 3+ years’ sector experience (with Bachelor Qualification)
• Minimum 5+ years’ sector experience (with Diploma Qualification)
• Minimum 3+ years management experience
• Ability to lead a team with well-developed interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills
• Understanding of the needs of women affected by homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, immigration, domestic and family violence and sexual assault.
• High level service delivery skills in trauma informed care within a feminist framework
• Thorough understanding of the current trends, practices, policies and legislation pertaining to the homelessness and domestic violence sectors.
• Human resource management skills: experience in supervision of employees, work performance management, conflict resolution, debriefing and crisis management.

Desirable Experience

• Strategic thinking, diplomacy and negotiation skills
• Detailed knowledge of relevant funding agreements, programs, guidelines, procedures and practices within the organisation.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, with proven ability to priorities, work independently and as part of a team, and seek support and assistance when required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency in using client information management systems and report writing.

Personal qualities and behavioural traits

• Communicate with influence in a positive, proactive, constructive responsible and respectful manor to inspire and empower others.
• Communicate showing an awareness the impact of communication style on the receiver, adapting personal style to audience.
• Be committed to our Mission of Safety, Respect and Choice for Women.
• Be flexible and responsive to the changing environments
• Be committed to providing quality programs and excellent services and support that represent leadership and innovation

Women only applicants please as per section s 34(1) of the Discrimination Act 1991. Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and CARM women are encouraged to apply.

Job Responsibility :

KEY DELIVERABLES

Leadership and team management

• Actively contribute to the decision making and management of Clinical Services programs and Leadership tasks, as requested by Director, Service Delivery.
• Provide strong Leadership, lead by example and provide support and guidance to the Clinical Services staff.
• Ensure that the service operates within the organisational and service policies and procedures.
• Develop and regularly review service policies, procedures, programs in consultation with workers.
• Participate in the ongoing review and evaluation of service activities.
• Maintain a comprehensive and well executed performance management system incorporating elements such as induction, regular one-on-one supervision, performance appraisals and processes to manage underperformance.
• Participate in recruitment and selection, training and development, conflict resolution, disciplinary procedures and counselling, as required.
• Provide regular line supervision, debriefing and monitoring of work performance of designated staff.
• Take a lead role in operational team meetings. 
• Participate in staff meetings and other Toora meetings or subcommittees as required.
• Ensure flow of communication between Toora team and Director, Service Delivery.
• Undertake higher level duties as required.
• Be informed of current government policies and sector developments in relation to Clinical Services programs.

Services Coordination

• Keep accurate records and storage of services data, daily operational activities and human resources documentation.
• Promote and strengthen clinical practice within a trauma informed and strengths-based care model.
• Operate within the parameters of the Funding Agreement.
• Identify gaps, initiate and participate in service developments to improve community-based service and responses.
• Ensure that women accessing the service receive high quality and timely support.
• Liaise with community training organisations and organise student placement within the service.
• Promote professional best practice in the team by enabling the full range of approved intervention methods to be used, contributing to the professional knowledge base and reinforcing programs standards.
• Present at workshops, forums and other speaking engagements, as required.

Administration / office maintenance

• Have clear knowledge regarding funding outputs and service agreements.
• Prepare high quality reports as required, including reports for the CEO, Board and funding body as outlined in the Funding Agreement.
• Ensure that the daily responsibilities associated with maintaining the physical premises of the service are undertaken including service accessibility and security.
• Manage staffing via Happy HR system, where required, eg create service delivery and on-call rosters, approve timesheets of designated staff.

Teamwork, Networking and Liaison

• Participate in internal and external meetings, as required.
• Establish and maintain effective, positive relationships with all relevant stakeholders to build our organisational branding, reputation, coordination of services and sharing of resources.
• Participate in projects which support and are responsive to the needs of women.

Professional development and performance management

Engage in professional development activities (eg organisational training/workshops)

• Attend professional (external) supervision where required
• Attend to regular supervision with the Director, Service Delivery and accept direction.
• Participate in performance management/appraisal activities as determined by the organisation.

Work Health Safety / Quality Improvement Systems

• Take reasonable care to protect their own health and safety at work and meet all obligations under the WHS Act 2011Adhere to the Toora Women Inc WHS policy and related procedures and take reasonable care to protect your own health and safety at work and meet all obligations under the WHS Act 2011
• Participate in Toora Quality Improvement Systems including auditing, surveys and needs analysis
• Understand and adhere to all Toora policies and procedures.

Performance Expectations by Classification

*Taken from the Social and Community Services award

Level 8

• Employees at this level will only be given broad direction from senior officers of the organisation and will have managerial responsibility for the organisation as a whole.
• Employees under a Level 8 classification may also act as senior specialists who are able to provide advice to various departments, the employer, the Committee or Board of Management members. They will also be required to implement and develop techniques and practices in all areas of the organisation.
• Employees generally will develop more extensive projects and programs at this level which will in turn influence the goals and objects of the organisation. Level 8 employees will engage in the development of company strategies as well as providing financial, technical, and specialised advice on both internal and government policies.
• These employees hold a thorough understanding of the theoretical aspects of the industry to discover the best possible solution to issues that may sit outside of their initial area of expertise. Positions at this classification level are expected to establish, implement, monitor, and evaluate projects and programs. These employees will have a high level of independence and action within the parameters of the organisation’s policy.

Job Functions :

Community development

Job Benefits :

5 weeks annual leave

NFP salary sacrifice benefits

Selling Point :

Maternity leave cover to lead the clinical services team providing counselling to women in the ACT

Contact :

Shannon Jones