CHW072 Clinical Lead - Assistant Director of Nursing 2 HSE Vaccination Programme
Clinical Lead - Assistant Director of Nursing 2,
HSE Vaccination Programme, Community Healthcare West
Job Specification & Terms and Conditions
Job Title and Grade
Clinical Lead - Assistant Director of Nursing 2
HSE Vaccination Programme, Community Healthcare West
Grade Code: 2911
Campaign Reference
CHW072-ADONCL-2024
Closing Date
Thursday 07th November 2024 at 12 noon
Proposed Interview Date (s)
Interviews will be held as soon as possible following the closing date. Please note you may be called forward for interview at short notice.
Taking up Appointment
A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.
Location of Post
Community Healthcare West, HSE Vaccination Programme, Toghermore House, Old Dublin Road, Tuam, Co. Galway
There is currently one temporary whole-time vacancy available within HSE Vaccinations Programme.
A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Clinical Lead, Assistant Director of Nursing 2, HSE Vaccinations Programme, Community Healthcare West from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration for the post of Clinical Lead – Assistance Director of Nursing 2, Vaccinations Programme, Community Healthcare may be filled.
Informal Enquiries
Patricia Dever, DON, Clinical and Operational Lead,
HSE Vaccination Programme, West/North West Region (Galway, Mayo, Roscommon)
Email: Patricia.dever@hse.ie
Tel: 086 4134334
Details of Service
The Public Health Service, in accordance with the Medical Officer of Health Legislation, protects our population from threats to health and well-being through the provision of national immunisation and vaccination programmes, the prevention and control of infectious diseases, and response to environmental hazards and emergencies. It seeks to deliver measurable health improvement, and provides public health assessment and advice to health and social care service planning, all of which is underpinned by health intelligence.
HSE Vaccination Programmes
The key function of the HSE Vaccination programmes are to offer vaccines to the population for whom it is indicated. The HSE Vaccination Programmes are designed to ensure the safe, effective and efficient administration of a vaccines to all residents in Ireland who are eligible and wish to receive it.
A HSE National Vaccination Programme Team was established to lead out on all operational matters related to the rollout of vaccination programmes. A Vaccine Clinical lead was appointed to each Vaccination Base to strengthen governance and accountability for the planning and delivery of high quality vaccination service with the aim of driving transformational change across our health care system, promoting a culture of safety and quality improvement through service user involvement.
The recent Covid 19 pandemic has recognised the need to develop sustainable, short, medium and long term workforce planning for future delivery of targeted HSE Vaccination Programmes across the population. It is vital that a high quality standard of care is provided to our service users.
HSE Vaccination Programmes will require a Clinical Lead whose role will also include collaborative and integrated working with other key services to facilitate the successful role out of these programmes to the targeted population who fall under the eligibility criteria.
Reporting Relationship
The post holder will report to the Director of Nursing for HSE Vaccination Programmes
Purpose of the Post
The clinical lead for the HSE Vaccination programmes has a pivotal role in leading and co-ordinating the delivery of the clinical service, being responsible for the highest standard of care, and for the development and maintenance of professional standards in accordance with the HSE policies for the HSE Vaccination programmes. The post holder will work in collaboration with the Operational Service Manager to facilitate the overall smooth running of the HSE Vaccination Programme.
The Clinical Lead for the HSE Vaccination Programmes will:
· Plan and guide clinical activities within the vaccination service in order to ensure the safe delivery of vaccinations to the public.
· Provide clinical governance and supervision to staff who are vaccinating.
· Provide clinical and professional governance for all medication protocols.
· Liaise and collaborate with operational services managers and key stakeholders to promote, implement and deliver the HSE Vaccination Programmes.
· Work in collaboration with the NIO, Public Health and other key services i.e. Social Inclusion to provide a health protection role in combating vaccine hesitancy.
· Support the increase uptake of Winter Vaccinations to the WHO recommendation of 75%, among health care workers and recommended targeted at risk populations, and to provide dedicated information campaign to share the facts and address any misinformation.
· Provide optimal and co-ordinated services by developing and managing working relations with a wide range of stakeholders including colleagues within health and well-being, primary care, older persons, mental health, Disability Services, General Practitioners, practice nurses, Community Healthcare Network Operational Managers, Hospital Groups, voluntary organisations, representatives of marginalised groups, statutory bodies and professions as appropriate.
· Lead the development of clinical policies, procedures and guidelines relevant to the role.
· Embed QPS strategies within the HSE Vaccination Programmes, incorporating relevant national policies, procedures and guidelines to promote a safe and efficient quality assured vaccination service.
· Undertake duties in connection with performance management in line with NMBI guideline participating in the HSE Performance Achievement Framework.
· Coordinate and collate clinical KPIs and metrics for all HSE Vaccination Programmes.
· Support continuous quality improvement within the HSE Vaccination Programme.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership and Practice
The Clinical lead will demonstrate:
· Provide clinical direction and supervision to the clinical staff to provide a high level of safe care in accordance with the operational policy of the HSE Vaccination programmes
· Manage, monitor and evaluate professional and clinical standards across the vaccination service ensuring an evidence based approach
· Practice in accordance with professional clinical and regulatory guidelines, National and Health Service Executive guidelines, HSE Vaccination specific policies, protocols and guidelines, current legislation as it pertains to HSE Vaccination Programmes
· Provide direct care to individuals attending for vaccination as appropriate
· Support clinical staff to undertake the reviews of complex medical histories pre-vaccination and provide expert clinical advice and guidance as appropriate
· Address any concerns that may arise regarding the vaccine and contra-indications for specific individuals.
· Oversee the clinical staff responsible for the preparation, transport and storage of the vaccine to ensure it is undertaken as per specification.
· Oversee all activities relating to vaccination administration.
· Support the response where an individual who has been vaccinated experiences a potential adverse reaction, offering specialist advice and support as needed.
· Ensuring adherence to infection prevention and control standards.
· Ensure adherence to all standards and guidelines relating to professional practice and behaviour
· Lead the development of quality initiatives including clinical audit, standard setting, review of clinical complaints or untoward incidents
· Influence and facilitate change within the HSE Vaccination Programmes as new evidence emerges regarding the vaccines and/or more effective ways to manage the HSE vaccination programme delivery.
· Assist in the development and updating of clinical policies and procedures and the implementation of same.
Education and Training
· Participate in the identification, development and delivery of induction, education, training and development programmes for clinical staff.
· Assess and sign-off clinical competence of new vaccinators as required.
· Provide support, supervision and professional development to staff sharing expert knowledge to maintain professional standards.
· Provide support/advice to those engaging in continuous professional development.
· Engage in and provide performance review processes including personal development planning.
· Maintains own professional development as relevant to the work ensuring fit for practice
Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety
· The management of Risk, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.
The clinical lead for HSE Vaccination Programmes will:
· Work with the Operational Service Manager to ensure that effective safety procedures are developed and managed to comply with statutory obligations
· Be aware of risk management issues, identify clinical risks and take appropriate action
· Document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and bring them to the attention of the relevant person(s).
· Maintain a feedback mechanism and report to senior management where appropriate
· Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others.
· Ensure compliance with hygiene services. Hygiene Services incorporates environment and facilities, hand hygiene, cleaning, the management of laundry, waste, sharps and equipment.
· Ensure adherence to policies in relation to the care and safety of any equipment supplied for the fulfilment of duty and bring to the attention of a responsible person any perceived shortcoming in safety arrangements or any defects in the equipment.
· Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example: Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections, 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
· The post holder has a duty to familiarise themselves with the relevant Organisational Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate in the following areas:
o Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives
o Document Control Information Management Systems
o Risk Management Strategy and Policies
o Hygiene Related Policies, Procedures and Standards
o Decontamination Code of Practice
o Infection Control Policies
o Safety Statement, Health & Safety Policies and Fire Procedure
o Data Protection and confidentiality Policies
· The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they become familiar with the requirements stated within the Risk Management Strategy and that they comply with HSE Risk Management Incident/Near miss reporting Policies and Procedures.
· The post holder has specific responsibility for Quality & Risk Management, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety. This will be clarified in the induction process by the line manager.
· The post holder must take reasonable care for his or her own actions and the effect that these may have upon the safety of others.
· The post holder must cooperate with management, attend Health & Safety related training and not undertake any task for which they have not been authorised and adequately trained.
· It is the post holder’s responsibility to be aware of and comply with the HSE Health Care Records Management/Integrated Discharge Planning (HCRM / IDP) Code of Practice.
KPI’s
· The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with HSE Vaccination Programme targets.
· The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets.
· Driving and promoting a Performance Management culture.
· In conjunction with line manager assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession.
· The management and delivery of KPIs as a routine and core business objective.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS:
· Employees must attend fire lectures periodically and must observe fire orders.
· All accidents within the Service must be reported immediately.
· Infection Control Policies must be adhered to.
· In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits.
· In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within all HSE facilities is not permitted.
· Dress/Uniform code must be adhered to.
· Provide information as required/requested Senior Management.
· To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.
The above Job Description 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 him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/ or experience
Candidates must have at the latest date of application: -
1. Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.
(a) Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:
(i)
Are registered, or are eligible for registration, in the General Nursing Division of the Register of Nurses & Midwives maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland [NMBI] (Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann).
And
(ii)
Have 7 years post registration clinical nursing experience and 3 years nursing management experience at a minimum of Clinical Nurse Manager 2 (CNM2).
And
(iii)
Have successfully completed a post registration programme of study, as certified by the education provider, which verifies that the applicant has achieved a National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major academic Level 8 or higher award maintained by Quality & Qualifications of Ireland (QQI) or can provide written evidence from the Higher Education Institute that they have achieved the number of ECTS credits equivalent to a Level 8 or higher standard in a health care or management related area.
And
(b) Candidates must possess the requisite clinical, leadership, managerial and administrative knowledge and ability for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
2. Annual registration
(i)
On appointment, Practitioners must maintain live annual registration on the relevant division of the Register of Nurses and Midwives maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann)
And
(ii)
Practitioners must confirm annual registration with NMBI to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).
3. Health
Candidates 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.
4. Character
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Other requirements specific to the post
Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role, as this post may involve travel.
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge
Professional/Clinical knowledge
Demonstrates:
· Relevant clinical knowledge of vaccinations and their administration
· Knowledge of the health service including a good knowledge of the relevant policy and legislative framework specific to delivery of the HSE Vaccination Programmes
Planning & Organising and Delivery of Results
Demonstrates:
· The ability to lead on clinical matters relating to vaccinations and service quality
· Manage all resources efficiently and effectively to ensure sufficient supply of staff and sufficient clinical roles are in place
· The promotion of evidence-based decision making
· The ability to successfully manage a range of different projects and work activities concurrently
· The ability to proactively identify areas for improvement and to develop practical solutions for their implementation
· The ability to embrace change and adapt local work practices accordingly ensuring the team knows how to action changes
· The ability to use resources effectively, challenging processes to improve efficiencies where appropriate
Clinical Leadership and Managing Staff
Demonstrates:
· Leadership skills and ability to influence others.
· Flexibility and openness to change and ability to lead and support others in a changing environment.
· Ability to manage, motivate and develop staff to maximize performance at work.
· Ability to foster a learning culture amongst staff and colleagues to drive continuous improvement in services to service users.
· Ability to work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams.
· Ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
Commitment to Providing a Quality Service
Demonstrates:
· Understanding of, and commitment to, the underpinning requirements and key processes in providing and improving quality care.
· Ability to monitor and evaluate service performance and levels of care
· Capability to treat all service users, family supports and work colleagues with dignity and respect
· A track record of delivering on the quality and patient safety agenda
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Demonstrates:
· Effective communication and interpersonal skills including: the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner: the ability to engage collaboratively with all stakeholders; the ability to give constructive feedback.
· Competency in general use of information technology-computers, office functions, internet for research purposes, email, preparation of presentation materials etc.
Campaign Specific Selection Process
Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview
A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.
Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.
The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.
The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long term health condition.
For further information on the HSE commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, please visit the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion web page at https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/diversity/
Code of Practice
The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, facilities for feedback to applicants on matters relating to their application when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates”.
Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates” or on www.cpsa.ie.
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job specification may be reviewed.
This job specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
Clinical Lead - Assistant Director of Nursing 2,
(HSE Vaccination Programmes)
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Tenure
The current vacancy one temporary 12mth whole time position.
The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.
Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.
Remuneration
The Salary Scale for the post is (as at 01/10/2024):
€65,827, €67,230 €68,657, €72,428, €73,977, €75,407, €76,849, €78,823.
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.
Working Week
The standard working week applying to the posts is to be confirmed at Job Offer stage.
Annual Leave
The annual leave associated with the posts will be confirmed at job offer stage.
Superannuation
These are pensionable positions with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004
Age
The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.
* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:
Public servants recruited between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.
Public servants recruited since 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.
Probation
Every appointment of a person who is not already a Temporary officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.
Protection of Children Guidance and Legislation
The welfare and protection of children is the responsibility of all HSE staff. You must be aware of and understand your specific responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015, the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 in accordance with Section 2, Children First National Guidance and other relevant child safeguarding legislation and policies.
Some staff have additional responsibilities such as Line Managers, Designated Officers and Mandated Persons. You should check if you are a Designated Officer and / or a Mandated Person and be familiar with the related roles and legal responsibilities.
For further information, guidance and resources please visit: HSE Children First webpage.
Infection Control
Have a working knowledge of 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.
Health & Safety
It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).
Key responsibilities include:
· Developing a SSSS for the department/service[1], as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.
· Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.
· Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.
· Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.
· Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures[2].
· Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.
· Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.
Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.
Ethics in Public Office 1995 and 2001
Positions remunerated at or above the minimum point of the Grade VIII salary scale (€75,420 as at 01.03.2023) are designated positions under Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995. Any person appointed to a designated position must comply with the requirements of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 as outlined below;
A) In accordance with Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, a person holding such a post is required to prepare and furnish an annual statement of any interests which could materially influence the performance of the official functions of the post. This annual statement of interest should be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer not later than 31st January in the following year.
B) In addition to the annual statement, a person holding such a post is required, whenever they are performing a function as an employee of the HSE and have actual knowledge, or a connected person, has a material interest in a matter to which the function relates, provide at the time a statement of the facts of that interest. A person holding such a post should provide such statement to the Chief Executive Officer. The function in question cannot be performed unless there are compelling reasons to do so and, if this is the case, those compelling reasons must be stated in writing and must be provided to the Chief Executive Officer.
C) A person holding such a post is required under the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 to act in accordance with any guidelines or advice published or given by the Standards in Public Office Commission. Guidelines for public servants on compliance with the provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 are available on the Standards Commission’s website http://www.sipo.gov.ie/
[1] A template SSSS and guidelines are available on the National Health and Safety Function/H&S web-pages
[2]See link on health and safety web-pages to latest Incident Management Policy