Chief Operating Officer

SCOPE OF POSITION 

The role of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is to work across all levels and sites of Ngwala Willumbong Corporation (Ngwala), providing management of programs, operations and compliance requirements as determined by the Chief Executive Officer. The position accomplishes this through a respectful, constructive and energetic management style, guided by Ngwala’s vision and goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational

• Oversight of the managers of the Ngwala Recovery Centres, Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD), Outreach and Housing Programs;
• Development, in collaboration with the CEO of the Annual Operating Plans) which support the organisations goals;
• Ensuring compliance with all funding guidelines;
• Ensuring the CEO is fully informed in a timely, candid and professional manner in relation to the day to day operations of the organisation;
• Providing regular updates to the CEO in relation to the achievement of agreed goals and objectives established by the Board;
• Maintaining appropriate OH&S processes and procedures established to ensure compliance with legislative guidelines and best practice;
• Ensuring service delivery sustainability of Ngwala programs.

Data Management

• Support managers to identify areas that require improvement through observation, audits, incidents and staff feedback and implement changes upon CEO approval;
• Investigate complaints and incidents promptly and implement changes to prevent reoccurrence of similar incidents and report same to the CEO;
• Ensure all registers are maintained accurately.

Mentoring

• Coordinate clinical supervision and governance;
• Motivate, support and co-ordinate staff to accomplish set goals;
• Provide regular supervision, coaching and instructions to managers and staff on work processes.

Public Relations

• Act as a point of contact for external agencies on service delivery issues;
• Establish linkages with partner agencies;
• Liaise with the community and partner agencies and stakeholders.

General Education and Training

• Coordinate managers and staff training and development needs.

Health & Safety

• Oversee Work Health and Safety matters including committee and injury management and ensure a safe and supported environment;
• Identify and manage OH&S risks;
• Ensure staff complete the OH&S training as and when required;
• Work in a healthy and safe manner and ensure others to do the same.

Teamwork and Agency Representation

• Maintain team boundaries and confidentiality in a professional manner;
• Interact collaboratively and actively facilitate meetings;
• Represent and promote Ngwala across networks.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA 

• Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent or demonstrated ability to work with and understanding of the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community;
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Health Management or Human Resources Management or equivalent comparative management experience (Minimum 3 years) at an executive level in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Sector;
• Proven ability to manage change management processes, exemplifying personal drive, integrity and respect for and compliance with the principles of Aboriginal community control;
• Experience in working with Aboriginal communities and stakeholders including State and Commonwealth Departments in order to engage, negotiate and form alliances that reflect agreed organisational strategic outcomes;
• Understanding and demonstrated experience in the application of corporate and clinical governance principles;
• Risk management skills, including the application of appropriate risk management and mitigation strategies;
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and the construction of a supportive, collaborative work environment with the ability to manage, supervise, coach and develop employees;
• Demonstrated high level of written and verbal communication skills including report writing, negotiation, facilitation and presentation skills and advanced computer skills;
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Relations, Equal Employment Opportunity and any other applicable legislation;
• Demonstrated ability to critically analyse issues and develop and implement effective strategies and solutions that support Ngwala’s goals and values;
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining quality processes.

QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES 

• A relevant tertiary qualification e.g. Human Resource Management, Business or Organisational Development
• Experience or ability to work collaboratively with Aboriginal people
• Computer literacy skills

MANDATORY PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS 

• Current Victorian Driver’s License
• National Police Certificate (no more than 3 years old)
• Current Victorian Working With Children’s Check