Position overview

This is an Identified position in accordance with Section 13(1) of the Public Sector Management Standards 1996 and is only open to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural identity is considered essential and therefore confirmation of cultural identity may be requested.

The Deputy Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing is based within the Division of Allied Health. This position reports to the Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing, and is responsible for leading strategy to enhance the experience of cultural safety across Canberra Health Service (CHS) by embedding cultural integrity and uplifting cultural capability across the directorate.

The position will be responsible for leading and implementing initiatives to achieve systemic changes that improves cultural integrity of CHS policies, processes and services delivery models. The position will also support the Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing in the day-to-day leadership, planning and service delivery of the CHS Aboriginal Liaison services across the CHS network including hospital, community based, mental health, justice health and alcohol and other drugs services and in palliative care.

The position is also an important connector with our networks, including professional associations, NGOs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consumer Reference Group, ACCHOs and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Organisations. Through these connections CHS continues to build cultural knowledge and capability that aligns with community expectations.

Cultural capability and safety

The ACT Public Service (ACTPS) is committed to putting the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the centre of care decisions and being guided by their unique and valuable lived experiences. This position has a strong focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes and requires a demonstrated understanding of historical and contemporary cultural contexts, specifically regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.

You will demonstrate cultural capability when engaging with community, Elders and Traditional Custodians and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We acknowledge that this role may result in an increased cultural load, and we are committed to ensuring a culturally and psychologically safe environment. The ACTPS has a range of culturally safe supports in place including mob led staff networks, designated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support through our Employee Assistance Program and access to cultural debriefing as required.

Key Responsibilities

The position is focused on improving the internal cultural capability of CHS. Under limited direction of the Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing, you will be required to:

1. Lead and develop work programs to achieve systemic changes that improves cultural integrity of CHS policies, processes and delivery models.
2. Partner with CHS business areas to build appropriate cultural capability that enhances the cultural safety of our employee and consumer experience and ensure service delivery is culturally competent.
3. Provide advice to the Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing to inform the transformation elements required in CHS, along this change journey.
4. Play a key and visible role in ensuring CHS is embracing and delivering on:
   • The priority reform areas of the Closing the Gap Agreement.
   • Together, Forward Aboriginal Needs Assessment and Action Plan.
   • the Statement of Commitment, aimed to enhance health outcomes, improve access to and experiences with health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
5. Establish and maintain meaningful relationships and proactive consultation with key internal and external stakeholders.
6. Oversee day-to-day operations and service delivery of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison team incorporating managing quality assurance, financial and resource management.
7. Representation of the Service and Canberra Health Services at agreed Territory and National Forums, peak bodies, and community events.
8. Provide cultural expertise and knowledge across all CHS care services, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policy frameworks, and cultural determinants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Communities.
9. Connect with the Cultural Transformation Branch to co-design and embed a whole-of-government approach to enhancing cultural safety for the ACT Public service.
10. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

To be successful in this position, it is expected that the successful candidate will have the following attributes:

• Sound knowledge in contemporary matters that impact the attraction, retention and career development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and building cultural capability across agencies with demonstrated ability to approach these with a solution focused and innovative approach.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the historical and contemporary issues that impact Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities and a demonstrated awareness of cultural protocols and processes.
• Anticipate and establish priorities, monitor progress and work to deliver required outcomes, specific agency functions or a program within an area of responsibility.
• Contribute to strategic planning of agency wide objectives. Set strategic direction, develop long-term plans, and implement operational strategies aimed at achieving objectives within an area of responsibility.
• Work with a high level of autonomy under broad direction with a concurrent need to resolve issues and deliver quality outcomes.
• Develop and manage key strategic relationships with a broad range of business and community partners, promoting the organisations objectives.
• Represent and negotiate on behalf of the organisation to advance interests in cross-agency, inter-jurisdictional, international, and other forums.
• Coordinate and assume responsibility for complex or sensitive projects or work programs that have strategic, political and/or operational significance.

Qualifications

Essential

• This is a designated position and only open to Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Confirmation of cultural identity may be required before appointment to this position.

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Essential

• Leadership experience in health, government, or social services as an operational leader.

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Pre-employment National Police Check.
• Current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
• Be available for weekend and/or after-hours work.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Deep knowledge and understanding of the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture(s), with the ability to utilise that knowledge to enhance the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff through enhancing cultural safety across the organisation.
2. High level understanding of current health issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with a holistic and proficient understanding of chronic disease, mental health, drug and alcohol, homelessness, and family violence issues as they may relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
3. Demonstrated ability to formulate strategic direction and formulate actions plans on a range of operational and strategic issues as they relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including through effective oral and written communication, negotiation and engagement tools.
4. Demonstrated ability to coordinate and contribute to the management of a team, including the provision of clinical supervision and reporting on activity as required.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.