Operations Manager Palliative Care Services page is loaded
Operations Manager Palliative Care Services
Apply locations VIC Caritas Christi Hospice time type Full time posted on Posted 4 Days Ago time left to apply End Date: September 15, 2025 (25 days left to apply) job requisition id JR144048
Job Description:
• Excellent benefits including salary packaging
• Senior leadership opportunity
• Full time Permanent role
About the Role
You will be responsible for providing operational and strategic leadership across all Palliative Care Services at SVHM. This includes direct operational oversight of service provision at Caritas Christi (ward and admissions coordination, site management, and after-hours telephone triage); the Palliative Care Consultation Service (PCCS), and academic (education and research) programs. The role collaborates closely with the Director of Nursing (Caritas Christi), and the Clinical and Academic Directors of Palliative Care to foster the development and growth services, driving clinical and academic excellence, and service innovation.
- Management of the operational, financial, administrative and workforce components of SVHM Palliative Care Services
- Contribute to palliative care services strategic plan and oversee the development and implementation of the associated operational action plan
- Ensure delivery of high-quality evidence-based care, that is flexible and responsive to patient/client needs and demand management imperatives, and in accordance with program guidelines and objectives, and best practice principles
- Provide leadership in service integration and strategic development opportunities in research, training and clinical care
- Create a culture of continuous improvement in operational efficiency and quality of care in line with the SVHM improvement systems, principles and problem-solving methodology
Classifications for this position range between (dependent on qualification):
Allied Health, Grade 5 Social Work SC47 ($156.748.80 per annum) OR
Nurse Manager, Division/Clinical Director RN61 ($178,209.20 per annum)
Your Contribution
- Tertiary level healthcare qualification
- Postgraduate qualification in healthcare or business administration (desirable)
- Extensive experience in palliative care service provision
- Highly developed leadership and organisational skills, including demonstrated experience in leading and managing a wide range of multidisciplinary staff and functions
- Ability to engage people with a clear vision and outstanding communications skills
- Ability to shape and achieve strategic and operational goals, implemented through a sustainable deliberate improvement methodology+
- Current National criminal history check, or willing to obtain
What we Offer
• A focus on wellbeing initiatives, with regular events and programs
• Confidential, solutions-focused employee counselling
• A healthy work/life balance encouraged. Full time employment comes with a monthly Accrued Day Off (additional day off per month)
• Ability to join Fitness Passport - Your pass to an extensive choice of fitness facilities
• Salary Packaging – Increase your take home pay
• Discounts and Promotions always available through our Foundation
• Regular opportunities for professional development to assist you to reach your career goals
• Culture of continuous improvement
About the Palliative Care Department
Palliative Care Services at SVHM includes specialist clinical care services across inpatient (Caritas Christi site), outpatient, and community settings, supported by psychosocial services, the Palliative Care Consultation Service (PCCS), and an after-hours telephone triage service. Clinical services are complemented by a range of academic programs including the Centre for Palliative Care (CPC), and Palliative Nexus which are affiliated with The University of Melbourne, delivering education, training, and research in collaboration with national and international partners.
Palliative Care sits within the Continuing Care Program at SVHM, which also includes Subacute Services (Rehabilitation, Geriatric Medicine), Community Services (HIP, ACAS, GP Liaison), Healthcare for the Homeless, and Residential Aged Care facilities.
Working at St Vincent's
St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) is a leading teaching, research and tertiary health service. SVHM provides a diverse range of adult clinical services and is driven by values of Compassion, Justice, Integrity and Excellence.
Application
For all inquiries, please email Belinda Cary: belinda.cary@svha.org.au
Please attach your resume and cover letter to your application.
Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately. We encourage you to apply promptly as the advertisement may close early should a suitable applicant be sourced.
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Inclusion is essential to our mission and diversity reflects the community we serve.
Please visit our website, for further information regarding our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment at SVHM.
SVHA has a duty of care under work health and safety legislation to eliminate and/or control the risk of transmission of vaccine preventable diseases in healthcare settings. You may therefore be required to undergo mandatory immunisations/vaccinations (including flu vaccinations).
This position is subject to a Victorian government direction regarding vaccination against COVID-19. Successful applicants must meet these vaccination requirements. Please contact us if you would like to know more.
Please see the full position description below.
Position Description
Operations Manager Palliative Care Services
Clinical Managerial
1. THE ORGANISATION AND OUR MISSION
St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) is a leading teaching, research and tertiary health service, which
employs more than 7,500 staff across 18 sites throughout Melbourne.
Part of Australia's largest not-for-profit Catholic health and aged care network, St Vincent's Health
Australia, SVHM provides a diverse range of adult clinical services including acute medical and surgical
services, sub-acute care, medical diagnostics, rehabilitation, allied health, mental health, palliative care,
correctional health and community residential care.
SVHM's mission is to provide high quality and efficient health services to the people of Victoria in
accordance with the philosophy of St Vincent's Health Australia. This mission is based on the values of
compassion, justice, integrity and excellence.
2. KEY POSITION DETAILS
Job Title: Operations Manager, Palliative Care Reports to: General Manager, Continuing Care
Program: Continuing Care Department: Palliative Care Services
Industrial
Agreement:
Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public
Sector) (Single Interest Employers)
Enterprise Agreement 2020 – 2024 or its
successor
Allied Health Professionals (Victorian
Public Health Sector) Single Interest
Enterprise Agreement 2021 - 2026 or its
successor
Classification:
Risk Category:
Allied Health Grade 5 or Nurse Manager
(RN 61 – Div/Clin Director Nursing)
A
3. LOCAL WORK ENVIRONMENT
Palliative Care Services (PCS) at SVHM includes specialist clinical care services across inpatient (Caritas
Christi site), outpatient, and community settings, supported by psychosocial services, the Palliative Care
Consultation Service (PCCS), and an after-hours telephone triage service. Clinical services are
complemented by a range of academic programs including the Centre for Palliative Care (CPC), and
Palliative Nexus which are affiliated with The University of Melbourne, delivering education, training, and
research in collaboration with national and international partners.
Palliative Care sits within the Continuing Care Program at SVHM, which also includes Subacute Services
(Rehabilitation, Geriatric Medicine), Community Services (HIP, ACAS, GP Liaison), Healthcare for the
Homeless, and Residential Aged Care facilities.
4. POSITION PURPOSE
Reporting to the General Manager Continuing Care, the Operations Manager is responsible for providing
operational and strategic leadership across all Palliative Care Services. This includes direct operational
oversight of service provision at Caritas Christi (ward and admissions coordination, site management, and
after-hours telephone triage); the PCCS service at SVHM, and academic (education and research)
programs. The role collaborates closely with the Director of Nursing (Caritas Christi), and the Clinical and
Academic Directors of Palliative Care to foster the development and growth services, driving clinical and
academic excellence, and service innovation.
5. POSITION DUTIES
Management of the operational, financial, administrative and workforce components of SVHM
Contribute to palliative care services strategic plan and oversee the development and
implementation of the associated operational action plan
Ensure delivery of high-quality evidence-based care, that is flexible and responsive to patient/client
needs and demand management imperatives, and in accordance with program guidelines and
objectives, and best practice principles
Provide leadership and management support to direct reports within portfolio
Provide leadership in service integration and strategic development opportunities in research,
training and clinical care
Manage clinical, academic and organisational resources; identify service efficiencies and innovations
to program deliverables and activity targets
Lead ongoing evaluation of the services that demonstrate client outcomes and service effectiveness.
Maintain effective communication and develop and foster positive relationships with internal and
external stakeholders
Oversee palliative care services communication and marketing strategy
Contract management including annual review of service deliverables to strengthen collaboration
and ensure accountability
Convene and chair key management, clinical and academic operational meetings
Create a culture of continuous improvement in operational efficiency and quality of care in line with
the SVHM improvement systems, principles and problem-solving methodology
Contribute to service development and program wide activities of the Continuing Care program
Provide a leadership role with key partners in palliative care initiatives and services within Victoria
6. INCUMBENT OBLIGATIONS
General
Perform the duties of the position to the best of their ability and to a standard acceptable to SVHM
Ensure all those in the area they manage, comply with all SVHM policies, procedures, by laws and
directions
Ensure all those in the area they manage, only access confidential information held by SVHM when this
is necessary for business purposes, maintaining the confidentiality of that information once accessed
Display adaptability and flexibility to meet the changing operational needs of the business
Participate in the annual SVHM performance review process and ensure same for those in the area
managed
Treat others with respect and always behave professionally and in accordance with the SVHM Code of
Conduct
Comply with applicable Enterprise Bargaining Agreement provisions
Display a willingness to develop self and seek to improve performance
Organise and participate in unit meetings and orientate new staff as required
Participate in hospital committees as required.
Clinical Quality and Safety
Ensure clinical care is undertaken within established procedures in order to provide safe clinical care
for patients/residents, ensuring clinical risk is minimised
Ensure clinical staff work within their approved scope of practice and at all times with appropriate
supervision
Ensure all clinical staff maintain their clinical registration and any required indemnity cover
Ensure all staff attend necessary training that enhances safety and quality of clinical care
Promote a culture that supports learning and encourages reporting of errors
Implement systems to identify and manage risks and to deal with and learn from incidents and
complaints
Implement all facets of the SVHM safety and clinical quality programme within clinical area managed
Collaborate with more senior levels of management to implement the SVHM safety and quality
agenda
Provide feedback to more senior management in relation to problems or issues that impact on safety
and clinical quality.
Person Centred Care
Ensure that consumers receive information in an appropriate and accessible format
Actively support consumers to make informed decisions about their treatment and ongoing care
Ensure consumers are aware of their rights responsibilities and how to provide feedback
Health and Safety
Ensure all health and safety related policies, procedures and directions are complied with in the area
they manage
Ensure all in the area they manage undertake annual Fire and Emergency Training and comply with
fire and emergency procedures
Ensure all those in the area they manage, treat others with respect, behaving professionally and in
accordance with the SVHM Code of Conduct and undertaking annual Workplace Culture and Equity
Training
Conduct regular safety audits with Health and Safety Representatives and implement required
improvements
Minimise WorkCover costs by actively assisting the return to work of any employee injured in the area
they manage.
As required, comply with fit-testing and PPE requirements
Participate in reporting and analysis of safety and quality data including risks or hazards,
Report any hazards, near misses and incidents (regardless of whether an injury occurred or not) into
Riskman
Identify and report any variance to expected standard and minimising the risk of adverse outcomes
Human Resource Management
Ensure that workforce planning is regularly undertaken and implemented to provide for the ongoing
resource needs of the area they manage
Ensure recruitment and rostering practices comply with applicable Enterprise Bargaining Agreement
and cost effectively support delivery of quality service
Ensure new employees are properly inducted to their local work environment and attend the General
Hospital Orientation program
Ensure all those who work in the area managed, undertake an annual performance review and are
continually developed to reach their full potential
Ensure leave is rostered fairly and that employees in the area managed, regularly take leave and do not
accumulate excessive leave except where a plan is in place as to when that leave will be taken.
Actively manage individual and team performance to maximise performance and minimise workplace
problems and conflict.
Continuously seek individual and team improvement and take responsibility for the introduction
of any changes required to bring about such improvements.
Financial management
Oversight and coordination in the development of the annual budget allocation for the area managed.
Oversight and management of the service cluster cost centres and related financial activities
Monitor EFT and expenditure to ensure spending remains within budget allocation
Ensure decision making remains within delegated authority
7. INCUMBENT CAPABILIITY REQUIREMENTS (Level 3)
The incumbent of this position will be expected to possess the following core capabilities:
Capability Demonstrated behaviour
Personal Personal effectiveness Sets and measures team goals, driving pursuit of
higher standards of practice
Learning Agility Responds to new and complex situations by
adjusting behaviour appropriately
Outcomes Patient/Resident centred Monitors satisfaction levels and proactively
addresses issues
Innovation and Improvement Anticipates problems and continuously
improves systems and processes
Strategy Driving Results Takes ownership for performance of team
results
Organisational Acumen Uses information and organisational knowledge
to make decisions and achieve results
People Working with and Managing others Leads others and shares responsibilities,
providing support and effective communication
Collaboration Operates Cross functionally and develops
constructive relationships across the
organisation
8. SELECTION CRITERIA
8.1 ESSENTIAL REGISTRATION, LICENSE OR QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Essential - Tertiary level healthcare qualification
Desirable - Postgraduate qualification in healthcare or business administration
8.2 OTHER ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Extensive experience in palliative care service provision
Highly developed leadership and organisational skills, including demonstrated experience in leading
and managing a wide range of multidisciplinary staff and functions
Ability to engage people with a clear vision and outstanding communications skills
Ability to empower staff to lead high performing teams that deliver organisational objectives
Ability to shape and achieve strategic and operational goals, implemented through a sustainable
deliberate improvement methodology
Demonstrated understanding of the healthcare environment, including key safety, quality and
financial drivers.
Demonstrated ability to improve clinical outcomes and achieve greater efficiencies through a change
management process, based on evidence and research
Demonstrated experience in working collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external
stakeholders and partners to grow and improve the service
Ability to deliver results whilst upholding high ethical and professional standards
Demonstrated ability to deliver challenging financial and performance targets as part of a senior
leadership team
Ability to establish and maintain strategic and operational relationships with all internal units,
Government organisations, Catholic Health and other health care providers
Commitment to the Mission and Values of St. Vincent's Health Australia
9. REQUIRED IMMUNISATIONS
SVHM Employee Health Screening and Immunisation Policy outlines the requirements for staff working in
SVHM facilities.
Table 1: Vaccine Preventable Diseases for which vaccination and/or assessment is required within SVHM
Chicken pox (varicella)
Hepatitis B
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Whooping cough (pertussis)
Diphtheria
Tetanus
Influenza
Tuberculosis
NOTE: Vaccination requirements may differ according to individual jurisdictional requirements and policy
directives and where there is a conflict the higher directive will apply.
SVHM has grouped individuals according to their risk of transmitting vaccine preventable diseases and
their risk of exposure to blood or body substances (Table 2).
Table 2: Health Care Worker Risk Categorisation
Risk Category Description Vaccination
requirement
Category A Vaccination is required for this category of health care worker.
Healthcare workers within this category have the potential to
transmit Vaccine Preventable Diseases to vulnerable patients most
at risk of mortality and morbidity from these diseases within
SVHM.
This includes employees with direct physical contact with
patients/clients, deceased persons, blood, body substances or
infectious material or surfaces/equipment that might contain
these or contact that would allow acquisition and/or transmission
of a specific infectious disease by respiratory means.
This includes laboratory workers.
Required
Category B Vaccination is recommended for this category of HCW. This
includes individuals who do not work with the risk of exposure to
blood or body substances, their normal work location is not in a
clinical area (e.g. chef, administrative staff) and only attends the
clinical area for short periods of time. Essentially, these individuals
have no greater level of risk than that of the general community.
Recommended
10. PRE-EXISTING INJURY
Prior to any person being appointed to this position it will be required that they disclose full details of any
pre-existing injuries or disease that might be affected by employment in this position.
11. AGREEMENT
National Police Check:
I understand that it is a condition of my employment to provide SVHM with a current National Police
Certificate PRIOR TO COMMENCING WORK and this is at my own cost.
I understand that regardless of the frequency, if I am working and or visiting in a designated 'high risk area'
of SVHM (as defined in the SVHA Pre-employment/Appointment Safety Checks Policy) I will be subject to
periodic Police Checks every three years at my own cost.
NDIS Clearance (if applicable):
This is a 'Risk Assessed Role' (as defined by the National Disability Insurance Scheme NDIS). Regardless of
frequency, you will be subject to periodic NDIS Worker Screening Checks every five years at your own cost.
'Risk Assessed Roles' are defined as (a) key personnel as defined in the National Disability Insurance
Scheme Act 2013; (b) any role that directly delivers a set of specified supports or services in the NDIS
(Practice Standards – Worker Screening) Rules 2018; (c) any role where normal duties are likely to require
'more than incidental contact' with people with disability. The designation of 'Risk Assessed Roles' are
subject to change, please refer to NDIS Practice Standards for further information.
Required Immunisations:
Individuals who will be working in Category A positions will only be able to commence employment
following assessment of their vaccination status. The decision to proceed with the commencement of
employment will be at the discretion of the ICP in consultation with the Hiring Manager and may in some
instances, require additional vaccinations to ensure full compliance with the SVHM Employee Health
Screening and Immunisation Policy.
I understand that if additional vaccinations are required to comply with pre-employment prerequisites,
this will be at my own cost. Where a state jurisdiction overrides this, the facility will bear the cost.
Closing Date:
14 September 2025 11:59pm
Reconciliation Action Plan:
At St Vincent's we acknowledge the importance of creating a work environment that is welcoming, safe, equitable and inclusive for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Employees. As part of our Commitment to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap in employment related outcomes, we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
For further information, visit https ://www.svha.org.au/about-us/reconciliation or get in contact at indigenouscareers@svha.org.au
View Reconciliation Action Plan
Code of Conduct:
View Code of Conduct
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