St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is a NDIS Partner in the Community delivering Local Area Coordination (LAC) services in NSW from January 2016 to June 2019.
Director of Operations – Local Area Coordination (LAC) Program Position Description ___________________________________________________________________________________ Position Title:
Director of Operations – LAC Program
Responsible Unit:
State Support Office
Position Reports to:
Executive Director– Support Services
Reports:
Location:
Primary position objective:
Senior Operations Manager – LAC Central Coast and Hunter New England Senior Operations Manager – LAC SW Sydney, SE Sydney and Sydney Senior Manager Quality and Practice
Base Location – Woolloomooloo with travel across NSW service provision areas. The Director of Operations- LAC Program will oversee the LAC Program in the following Service Areas: South Eastern Sydney South Western Sydney Sydney Central Coast Hunter New England The Director of Operations – LAC Program reports directly to the Executive Director – Support Services and is primarily responsible for strategically leading and driving the operations of the Local Area Coordination program (LAC) to empower individuals and build inclusive communities. The LAC Program spans over 5 Districts across NSW with a team in excess of 450 people including District Managers, Team Leaders, Local Area Coordinators and Administration Officers. The breadth of responsibility will be across program delivery; community engagement, stakeholder management and relationship building; compliance, risk management, sustainability and effective implementation of strategy. The post holder will hold significant operational delegations and decision-making accountabilities. The strategic priorities of focus will be to ensure the program is sustainable and delivered in alignment to the St Vincent de Paul Society’s vision of delivering a hand-up to those we serve; is commercially viable and operationally efficient and that delivery of the Program is consistent across the 5 Districts.
Every day in NSW the Society assists thousands of people through Home Visitation, Migrant and Refugee Assistance, Hospital and Prison Visitation, Vinnie’s Centres, Supported Employment Services for People with an Intellectual Disability, Hostels for Homeless Men, Women and Families, Overseas Relief, Disaster Recovery, Budget Counselling and Youth Programs.
Director of Operations (LAC Program) - Position Description August 2018
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is a member and volunteer based organisation that has been assisting people experiencing disadvantage in NSW for more than 130 years. The Society was founded in France in 1833 by 20 year-old Frederic Ozanam, who wanted to eradicate poverty and disadvantage. The Society came to NSW in 1881 and now has around 16,000 members and volunteers and 2,000 staff. Our local member networks, referred to as Conferences, are present in over 420 communities across NSW. The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is a leading provider of community support services and has close to 100 Special Works in the areas of homelessness, mental health, disability, financial counselling, supported accommodation, food provision, refugees and migrants and addiction counselling. Our work is funded by all levels of government, the generous support we receive from the community and our 250 Retail Centres across NSW.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW and the NDIS The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has been commissioned by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to provide local area coordination to ensure people with disability who are currently receiving supports from NSW or Commonwealth Government disability programs experience a smooth transition to the NDIS. Post transition, the local area coordination Program will work with participants to assist them in achieving their plan goals. This is a far-reaching undertaking and the changes required to existing disability support systems are significant. The Society will provide LAC services in the Central Coast, Hunter New England, South Western Sydney, South East Sydney and Sydney districts of NSW.
Duties and Responsibilities Operational Program Delivery and Service Provision
Lead the operational delivery of the LAC Program meeting the key performance indicators as agreed with the NDIA and the Society, whilst maintaining alignment with the Society’s Mission Implement and sustain an operational model that meets the requirements under the grant agreement with the NDIA, including the key Program activities; LAC in Advance, Plan Implementation and Monitoring and Plan Review activities Ensure the commercial viability, sustainability and operational efficiency of the LAC Program through: o A strong focus on driving consistency in practices across all areas of the Program o Planning and managing resource allocation which maximises productivity and delivers quality outcomes o Developing, monitoring and reporting on establishment plans in line with participant and community needs o Developing, reviewing and implementing service provision policies and practices for the LAC Program In partnership with the Executive Director Support Services, drive the integration of the LAC Program with the Support Services portfolio, realising synergies and operational efficiencies Actively work with the St Vincent de Paul Society Ability Links Program Manager to integrate with the LAC Program In collaboration with the appropriate Society support functions, oversee the maintenance of NDIA participant data management systems to manage and meet the information recording, reporting and confidentiality requirements outlined within the grant agreement with the NDIA Lead teams to identify opportunities and frameworks that implement community engagement and education programs through local/regional level with private and government partnerships that further develop the interests of people with disability. 2
Director of Operations (LAC Program) - Position Description August 2018
Lead teams to build the capacity of people with disability to choose and direct the support they need to achieve social and economic independence Develop and maintain relationships with other NGO managers, government and community stakeholders; attend strategic planning and coordination meetings, consultations, and represent the Society’s voice as required in public and other forums Actively seek opportunities to strengthen engagement with and develop capacity within existing, new and potential diverse communities, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and communities from a Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background Develop new networks to support strategic community development and inclusion initiatives
Quality Assurance, Reporting and Performance measurement
Drive the delivery of the key performance indicators as agreed by NDIA and the Society in the grant agreement Lead the LAC Service delivery to ensure the service is addressing participant needs, is compliant with Disability Standards and all associated quality and safeguarding frameworks Liaise with relevant IT and Performance and Outcomes stakeholders to ensure reliability of key performance reporting requirements as agreed by NDIA and the Society Understand the impact on work practices of the Society’s policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and Work Health and Safety policies and procedures, as well as relevant government legislation and standards Provide policy direction and develop, maintain and support system wide frameworks to ensure that the LAC Program is coordinated in a client-centred, evidence based manner Ensure that employees integrate a quality improvement approach into all functions Ensure that the Program is operating through quality frameworks with the goal of continuous improvement Participate in evaluation and research activity to ensure delivery of quality and best practice across the LAC Program Ensure adherence to Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and other Society wide governance and plans Undertake other duties, as requested by the Executive Director of Support Services consistent with the general nature and responsibilities of the position
Risk Management
Lead teams to work within the Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) accountabilities as part of the WHS Act 2011 Lead the compliance with the Work Health and Safety plan and policies as submitted with the NDIA Identify, manage and report on risks using the Society Risk Management Framework, seeking advice from subject matter experts where appropriate Understand the impact of relevant business and commercial risks on the organisation’s business systems, policies, processes and practices, as well as leading teams to also understand this impact Track and respond to emerging issues with policy, community and clients to appropriately manage risk Ensure appropriate controls and procedures are established to protect the Society in the execution of its LAC Program service delivery
Financial Management
Lead the Senior Operations Managers and District Managers to work within delegations, to manage the budget and financials in accordance with the grant agreement with the NDIA .
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Director of Operations (LAC Program) - Position Description August 2018
In partnership with the LAC Finance manager, maintain a focus on financial accountability and sustainability, identifying productivity gains and efficiencies within the Program Oversee the responsible expenditure of the LAC budget in consultation with Senior Operations Managers, identify key risks relating to LAC operations and ensure they are appropriately documented and managed within their operational area Ensure financial resources are appropriately managed including the annual budget Ensure any relevant financial issues impacting on budgets are addressed in a timely manner, in consultation with the Executive Director Support Services Ensure all LAC Managers work within the Society’s financial delegations policy and framework Ensure compliance with all service agreements, including provision of reports, statistical information and participation in monitoring processes
People Management
Ensure the LAC Program has workforce planning strategies in place to meet the required outputs and activities In collaboration with the Society People and Culture team, develop and promote a culture of onboarding and ongoing learning and professional development. Provide and record regular team meetings, supervision and performance reviews for staff in line with the policy and procedures. Monitor progress of teams to achieve performance indicators and targets agreed by NDIA and the Society In collaboration with Senior Operations Managers implement a practice of performance management supported by early corrective actions i.e. performance improvement plans which actively address performance concerns Lead Senior Operations Managers, District Managers and LAC Team Leaders to resolve issues and complaints as they arise, in line with the Society’s organisational policy. Provide resolution of critical issues and complaints in an effective and timely manner as needed Provide professional advice and assistance to LAC Management Team regarding complex participant scenarios and options to address them seeking advice from subject matter experts where appropriate
Organisational Leadership and Teamwork
Identify and develop strategic, collegial and productive relationships with other Society staff to ensure the best outcomes for LAC participants and the Society Build strong and professional relationships with NDIA to successfully and innovatively deliver the performance indicators as agreed by NDIA and the Society Be an active member of the LAC Management Team and Support Services Leadership Team, contributing to the strategic direction, planning, service delivery and culture. Utilise extensive experience as a leader to work effectively, by setting objectives, managing performance, and coaching and developing team members Communicate in ways that reflect the Society’s commitment to strengths-based practice Use varied communication techniques across all levels to foster positive relationships Use effective influencing and networking skills to resolve issues
Positive Culture
Lead, model and champion a culture that is respectful, non-judgmental and inclusive which promotes and upholds human rights at all times Demonstrate professionalism, adopting high ethical and professional standards, instilling confidence needed to succeed, and building trust amongst others. Demonstrate strong self-awareness, respond positively and effectively to change, encourage and support others in embrace change Embrace and actively demonstrate the mission and vision of the Society, ensuring that providing 4
Director of Operations (LAC Program) - Position Description August 2018
a ‘hand-up’ is evident in all that you do. Be an advocate and champion of ongoing development of team’s capabilities Actively demonstrate our organisational values, as outlined in the Society’s Code of Conduct
NOTE:
All positions within the LAC Program will be expected to travel and work remotely and independently as required
Essential Criteria
Degree, Post-graduate or Masters Qualification in Social Services/Management/Business or equivalent professional experience 5 years Demonstrated experience in Senior Management and working with Executives 5 years Demonstrated experience in delivering community/social services and programs Experience contributing, and advising the CEO and Board at a strategic level, on ways to provide exceptional community and social services care Proven ability to establish and build partnerships and achieve common desired outcomes with a wide range of complex or strategically different, stakeholders Financial monitoring and budgeting, and prioritising allocation of resources to meet organisational goals Experience in continuous improvement; originating action to improve existing conditions and processes; identifying improvement opportunities, generating ideas, and implementing solutions. Championing and shaping a respectful, non-judgmental, inclusive culture that promotes and upholds human rights at all-times and maintains a culture of transparency and accountability Track record of delivering positive community and social outcomes with demonstrated strategic planning, analytical and problem-solving skills Proven ability to meet tight timeframes and the capacity to manage workflows on multiple projects concurrently Proven ability to communicate financial information to senior leaders, Boards and non-financial stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds
Personal Attributes
Commitment to the mission, vision and values of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Holistic and inclusive leadership style that exemplifies servant-leadership A strong work ethic underpinned by resilience and perseverance Ability to drive change in a collaborative way Exceptional emotional intelligence enabling the bringing together of Mission, Strategic Priorities and organisational culture across employees, members, volunteers and the broader community Commitment to high ethical and professional standards, and ability to build trust among team members
Desirable experience/skills
Qualifications in and/or lived experience of disability (while not essential) will be highly regarded.
The St Vincent de Paul Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
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