Programme Co-ordinator

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post as at the 1.10.2023 is:

€52,441 – €53,575 – €54,707 – €57,729 – €58,899 – €60,063 – €61,241

Purpose of the Post The Programme Co-ordinator will;

• Be responsible for the day to day operation of the service in the assigned area.
• Provide managerial oversight and consistency while proactively addressing any operational issues.
• Oversee the delivery of quality service provision and promote the application of consistent standards and ensure they are in compliance with Government and HSE regulations.
• Establish, monitor and implement quality-led initiatives and ensure a safe, effective service delivery. S/he will be responsible for ensuring continuous quality improvement and the provision of audit information to management through the preparation of reports and analysis of data.
• Responsible for the development of a new programme to support adults with ID who are transitioning from School or Rehabilitative Training to day service supports.
• Ensure that the core values of person-centeredness, community inclusion, active citizenship and high quality service provision are implemented and prioritised in the delivery of programmes and supports.
• The Programme Co-ordinator will work as part of the Governance structure to ensure the safe and effective running of the service and will support the self-assessment and continuous quality improvement processes being implemented through the New Directions EASI Tool evaluation process.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities The Programme Coordinator will:

• Liaise with the service manager, staff, service users, multi-disciplinary team and other supports as appropriate to ensure the effective and efficient day to day operation of the service.
• Work closely with the service user and key workers in the development and implementation of their PCP and associated goals.
• Develop and update the service user schedules in consultation with the service manager and base it on the views of the service users through the PCP process.
• Co-ordinate the delivery of supports required to prepare and enable individuals to maximise their potential to participate fully in community life. This may include the delivery of training programmes/activities based on the needs identified through the person centred planning process.
• Work closely with management and the key workers across the service to ensure a standardised and co-ordinated approach to service delivery, including paperwork, policies, procedures, initiatives and programmes.
• Co-ordinate the development, implementation and review of the service risk management.
• Develop and implement advocacy support structures and a service user forum.
• 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 HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
• Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.
• Develop and maintain close links with families/guardians and support networks to develop a partnership approach.
• Engage with key stakeholders to ensure a full understanding of programme objectives and desired outcomes.
• Work closely with multi-disciplinary teams to achieve optimal input for the service user.
• Provide a lead role in the delivery of CQI accredited training modules and programmes.
• Promote and implement management of service user feedback e.g. HSE Your Service Your Say.
• Ensure all information relating to people who use the service, their families, staff colleagues etc. is treated in a thoroughly professional manners, in accordance with the principles of confidentiality, data protection legislation and Freedom of Information.
• Ensure that HSE databases are populated and maintained to a high standard.
• Work collaboratively with all members of the multi-disciplinary team in relation to the safe and appropriate management of behaviours of concern and assist in the development, review and evaluation of all plans relating to this.
• Carry out work on other tasks/activities as required/directed by the service manager.
• Co-operate with external monitoring and statutory inspections and implement their recommendations.

Management / Administration

• Lead out on the implementation of the New Directions EASI Tool evaluation process within the specified location assigned responsibility for.
• Take a lead role in the implementation of New Directions / New Direction standards within the service.
• Liaise with the service manager and staff in other locations to develop programmes for the delivery of modules in line with New Directions.
• Engage in the continuous quality improvement approach to the review of documentation and ensure that files are maintained in line with HSE and legal requirements.
• Develop and maintain the overall programme plan with detailed activities, including planned completion dates, milestones, quality review processes etc. and present to the service manager.
• Lead out on the review of existing PCP processes and support the implementation of the new PCP Framework within the service.
• Ensure effective implementation of the HSE Adult safeguarding policy within the services to reduce the risk of harm and to promote the rights, health and wellbeing of individuals.
• Engage with and implement feedback processes and mechanisms for all key stakeholders in conjunction with management.
• Maintain the KITE training database to ensure staff training is up to date.
• Develop and deliver the service in line with the HSE Social Care Policy and complete service plan reports, KPI’s, and other national reporting templates as requested.
• Manage, develop and support staff, individually and as a team, including induction, probation, supervisory support and training.
• Delegate appropriate responsibility to staff consistent with effective decision making, retaining overall responsibility and accountability for results.
• Assist in the preparation of policies and procedures to ensure high standards of care and implementation of same.
• Take a lead role in the area of quality, safety and risk, with particular reference to HSE Risk Management Policies.
• Provide cover for the services manager or his/her designate in their absence.
• Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.
• Any other duties that may be assigned by the services manager or his/her designated officer, having regard to service needs and change requirements.

Change Management

• Drive and promote the change management programme.
• Encourage and support staff through the change process.
• Manage the delivery of a change programme which supports the transition of traditional centre based day services to person centred supports, identifying and co-ordinating supports within wider communities and networks.
• Support the implementation of quality improvement plans to ensure high quality service provision in line with policy and best practice.
• Manage the day to day operation of the developing service including delivering in line with HSE policies and procedures, national quality standards, working within defined budgets and delivering an innovative service which will enhance the lives of people with disabilities and the community in which they live.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with all elements of local community infrastructure – education/training providers, transport providers, business community, leisure facilities, local health and social care providers, youth and sports organisations, voluntary organisations, community networks and umbrella bodies etc.; to promote and support capacity building and greater inclusion for individuals in local community.
• Co-ordinate the development and delivery of awareness raising initiatives and projects to enable local community organisations to provide support and services to people with disabilities.
• Create an environment which will embrace a person centred culture within the developing service, one which ensures the balance of power lies within the individual and which welcomes families, carers and other people significant to the individual to encourage and participate in their support plans.

Education, Training & Professional Development

• Contribute to the development of the team in light of the purpose and function of the service.
• Provide induction to new staff; guiding them on best practice in conjunction with the services manager.
• Participate in regular professional supervision and the supervision of staff as required.
• Participate in further training and development as required.
• Engage in reflective and evidence based practice.
• Keep abreast of current legislation and current professional knowledge.
• Be responsible for own health and wellbeing in order to carry out the duties of the role / is committed to managing own work / life balance

Standards, Regulations, Policies, Procedures & Legislation

• Ensure clear transparent policies and procedures are in place for HSE staff and service users.
• Build knowledge, understanding and ownership of the quality requirements of New Directions Interim Standards.
• Comply with policies and procedures as laid down by the HSE.
• Participate in professional development and attendance at in-service events, training courses, conferences as deemed appropriate by the Management Team.
• Have a working knowledge of the PCP Framework.
• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.
• As a mandated person under the Children First Act 2015 you will have a legal obligation to report child protection concerns at or above a defined threshold to TUSLA & to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report.
• As this post is one of those designated under the Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a Designated Officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a Designated Officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.

Health & Safety/Risk

• Adhere to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act (1989) policies and procedures and other relevant legislation.
• Report any immediate concerns / incidents of questionable practice to the Manager or his / her designate.
• Be familiar with Health Service Executive policies and procedures and ensure that such policies and procedures are strictly adhered to.
• Be familiar with emergency procedures and know who to contact in an emergency.
• Work in compliance with HIQA National Standards.
• 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 HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards.
• Have responsibility for ensuing that the management of safety, health & welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within the area that post holder has responsibility for, so fare as is reasonably practicable.

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 them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria Qualifications and/ or experience 1. Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc (a) Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition: (i) Possess the National Diploma in Childcare awarded by awarded by Quality & Qualifications Ireland, (QQI) (Dearbhu Cáiliochta agus Cáiliochtai Éireann) (formerly HETAC)/DIT. Or (ii) Possess the National Diploma in Applied Social Care Studies awarded by awarded by Quality & Qualifications Ireland, (QQI) (Dearbhu Cáiliochta agus Cáiliochtai Éireann)/DIT. Or (iii) Possess the Diploma in Social Care awarded by awarded by Quality & Qualifications Ireland, (QQI) (Dearbhu Cáiliochta agus Cáiliochtai Éireann) (formerly HETAC)//DIT. Or (iv) Possess the Diploma in Applied Social Studies/Social Care from DIT. Or (v) Possess a BA (Ord) in Social Care Practice (Level 7 on the QQI framework). Or (vi) Possess Open Training College National Diploma in Applied Social Studies (Disability). Or (vii) Possess an equivalent qualification And (b) Candidates must have 3 years experience of working with a relevant client group. And (c) Candidates must have a suitable standard of professional attainments. And (d) Candidates must 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). 2. 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. 3. Character Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Post Specific Requirements

• Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience of supporting people with disabilities to realise their full potential as relevant to the role.
• Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience of leading a team and ability to manage a team as relevant to the role.

Other requirements specific to the post

• Full Drivers Licence (Category B) as post holder may be required to drive HSE owned vehicle or own vehicle.
• A flexible approach to working hours is required to support the varying demands of the role.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge Professional Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the HSE’s New Directions policy for the provision of day services to Adults with disabilities.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the HSE’s Interim Standards to support the delivery of New Directions
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of opportunities for people with disabilities and an understanding of the implications for the service user and family.
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience of programme implementation and delivery.
• Demonstrate knowledge of person centred planning and working with key workers within the service in developing person centred plans.
• Demonstrate knowledge of legislation pertaining to people with disabilities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of health service structures and social care services as relevant to the role.
• Demonstrate knowledge of autism spectrum disorders.
• Demonstrate knowledge of positive behavioural support planning.
• Demonstrate knowledge of incident management and reporting.
• Demonstrate sufficient awareness of policy, legislative and professional requirements to ensure appropriate standard of service delivery as related to the function of the role.
• Demonstrate competency in the use of MS Office to include, Word, Excel and Power Point.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills (verbal & written) including active and empathetic listening skills.
• Demonstrate ability to effectively influence and negotiate with others.

Planning & Organising and Delivery of Results

• Demonstrate the ability to successfully manage a range of different priorities and work activities concurrently, utilising computer technology effectively and assigning work to others as appropriate to meet strict deadlines.
• Demonstrate the ability to proactively identify areas for improvement and to support the development of practical solutions.
• Demonstrate ability to work on own initiative.
• Demonstrate the ability to embrace change and ensuring the team knows how to action changes.
• Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills including awareness of resource management and importance of value for money. Evaluating Information, Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Demonstrate excellent analytical, problem solving and decision making skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to quickly grasp and understand complex issues and the impact on service delivery.
• Demonstrate the ability to confidently explain the rationale behind decision when faced with opposition.
• Demonstrate ability to make sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and to stand by these.

Building and Maintaining Relationships including Teamwork & Leadership Skills

• Demonstrate the ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders and to achieve results through collaborative working.