Area Lead for Service User, Family and Carer Engagement

Mental Health Division

Job Specification & Terms and Conditions
Job Title and Grade

Campaign Reference
Closing Date
Proposed
Interview
Date (s)
Taking
up
Appointment
Organisational Area
Location of Post

Area Lead for Service User, Family and Carer Engagement

- (Grade VII) - Grade Code: 0582
Nine posts are to be filled.
NRS03438
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Thursday 15 September 2016 @ 3pm
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Week commencing 17 October 2016

A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.
Mental Health Division
An Area Lead for Service User, Family and Carer Engagement will be assigned to each of
the CHO Areas. The locations of post are as follows
CHO Area 1 Rooskey, Monaghan
CHO Area 2 Merlin Park, Galway.
CHO Area 3 Limerick.
CHO Area 4 Unit 9, Stephens Campus, Glanmire, Co.Cork.
CHO Area 5 Kilkenny.
CHO Area 6 Wicklow.
CHO Area 7 Cherry Orchard Hospital, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10.
CHO Area 8 Ardee, Tullamore or Mullingar.
CHO Area 9 HSE Swords, Ballheary Rd., Swords, Co. Dublin.
The Head of Mental Health in each CHO is open to engagement in respect of flexibility
around location subject to reaching agreement on a minimum level of availability at the
main administrative base for Mental Health Services within each CHO.

Informal Enquiries

Details of Service

Gerry Maley Telephone 0877393168

or Catherine OGrady, Telephone 0870566784
Office of Head of Service User, Family Member & Carer Engagement, HSE, Oak House,
Millennium Park, Naas, Co Kildare. W91 KDC2
Tel No: 045-882502
Email: mhengage@hse.ie
Health care services in Ireland are undertaking a significant reform programme in line with
Government policy as outlined in its strategy Future Health A Strategic Framework for
the Reform of the Health Service 2012 - 2015
The Community Healthcare Organisations report was commissioned by the HSE in May
2013, to review Community Healthcare services. This report provides a framework for the
governance and organisation of all of Community Healthcare services. The
recommendations from these Reports provide for a new way of working for the most
important part of our health services the operational delivery system that provides health
and personal social care services to the population of Ireland.
Community Healthcare Services are the broad range of services that include Primary Care,

Social Inclusion, Social Care, Mental Health and Health & Wellbeing Services. These
services are delivered through the HSE and its funded agencies to people in local
communities, as close as possible to peoples homes. Full details of the services provided
by a CHO can be found at
http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/publications/corporate/CHOReport.html
The Mental Health Division has operational and financial authority and accountability for all
mental health services, extending from promoting positive mental health through to suicide
prevention and supporting those experiencing severe and disabling mental illness. It
includes specialised secondary care services for children and adolescents, adults, older
persons and those with an intellectual disability and a mental illness. Full details can be
found at http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/Mental_Health_Services/
The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy - A Vision for Change (2006) is a
progressive, evidence based document which proposed a new model of service delivery
which would be patient-centred, flexible and community based. A Vision for Change
remains the current roadmap, charting the way forward for the Mental Health Service.
This post is developed in line with A Vision for Changes stated aim to: involve service
users and their families and carers at every level of service provision.
Reporting
Relationship
Key Working
Relationships

Purpose of the Post

Principal Duties and

Responsibilities

The Area Lead for Service User, Family and Carer will report directly to the Head of Mental
Health/Senior Administrator within the relevant CHO.
The Area Lead for Service User, Family and Carer will develop effective working
relationships with the following.
Head/Senior Administrator of Mental Health Services in the CHO.
Head of Service User, Family and Carer Engagement.
Other members Area Mental Health Management Team.
Service Users, Families and Carers.
Service Providers Voluntary and Community Organisations.
In line with A Vision for Change the purpose of this post is to consult and present the views
of Service Users, Family Members and Carers through engagement and partnership with
all relevant stakeholders including Mental Health Services and to influence decision making
at Area Management level.
To present the views of Service Users, Family Members and Carers in mental
health services, including (a) being a full and proactive member of the Area
Management Team for Mental Health Services, and (b) participating effectively in
all related processes.
To implement the development of structures that allow for the involvement of
Service Users, Family Members and Carers in the planning, design,
implementation and evaluation of mental health services
To present the feedback from the Area Forum, and associated structures and
mechanisms, at the Area Mental Health Management level and return regular and
updated information to Service Users, Family Members and Carers
To identify and highlight the mental health needs of the most vulnerable groups
who are using or need support from secondary and tertiary mental health services
To perform roles, responsibilities and duties in accordance with the HSE and
Mental Health Division Policies, Procedures and Strategic and Operational Plans
To participate in Area Mental Health Services decision-making processes on
issues directly affecting Service Users, Family Members and Carers
To promote and support the implementation of recovery-oriented services
To engage directly with service providers, (statutory, voluntary & community), to
ensure they understand what Service Users, Family Members and Carers require
To drive the establishment of a culture of involvement for Service Users, Family
Members and Carers in the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of
mental health services
To negotiate for the best use of resources to deliver maximum benefit to Service
Users, Family Members & Carers in line with HSE and Mental Health Division
Policies, Procedures, Strategic and Operational Plans

To have contact with Service Users, Family Members and Carers both at group
and individual levels
To ensure at all times that the views of Service Users, Family Members and Carers
are central to the management of the services
To ensure the above requirement is fulfilled through active participation in the
management of the Area Mental Health Service
To advise, influence and support the Area Mental Health Management Team in
carrying out their duties with the benefit of creative, innovative and where possible
evidence based or evidence led, up to date and practical input from a Service
Users, Family Members and Carers recovery perspective
To set up and manage information and administration systems to allow best
available information to support this role, ensuring compliance with data protection
legislation. This may include:
o To collect information about Service User, Family Member and Carer
involvement
o To establish and maintain a database for the Office
o To prepare reports to management about Service Users, Family Members
& Carers involvement in so far as possible
o To publicise training events for Service Users, Family Members & Carers
o To monitor, record and provide local governance for the payment of
expenses and remunerations in line with HSE Financial Governance
Arrangements
o To plan and monitor expenditure to ensure that the office remains within its
budget
o To regularly evaluate Service User, Family Member and Carer satisfaction.
To provide line management to assigned staff, as assigned
Have a working knowledge of the Mental Health Commission and 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.
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

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

Personal experience of mental health difficulties or Family Member/Carer
experience of caring for a person with mental health difficulties including the
recovery process.
A track record and demonstrable competence in the support and development of
projects and new initiatives that promote positive mental health.
Experience of group facilitation or similar engagement process with service users
and family members
Experience of working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders as
relevant to this role.

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.
Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Age
Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new
entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate
who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the
month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office
occurs.
Other requirements
specific to the post

Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Skills, competencies
and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

Demonstrate:

Insight and understanding of the personal recovery process and its implications for
mental health services
An understanding of recovery principles and a recovery-oriented ethos
Knowledge of the bio-psychosocial model
Knowledge and experience of community development
Knowledge of Mental Health Services, policy and planning processes
An ability to provide creative and innovative approaches to current Mental Health
practices and an awareness of current best practices in other jurisdictions
A working knowledge of and competence in use of Word, Excel and Email

Planning & Organising:

Demonstrate:
Excellent organisational and time management skills to meet objectives within agreed
timeframes and achieve quality results
Evidence of effective planning and organisational skills including an awareness of
resource management and the importance of value for money
The ability to proactively identify areas for improvement and to develop practical
solutions for their implementation
The ability to improve efficiency within the working environment and the ability to
evolve and adapt to a rapidly changing environment
The ability to embrace change and adapt local work practices accordingly by finding
practical ways to make policies work, ensuring the team knows how to action changes
The ability to operate successfully in a challenging operational environment while
adhering to quality standards.
Critical Analysis, Problem Solving & Decision Making
Demonstrate:
Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision making skills
The ability to quickly grasp and understand complex issues and the impact on service
delivery
The ability to confidently explain the rationale behind decision when faced with
opposition
Ability to make sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and to stand by these
Initiative in the resolution of complex issues
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
The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team and
multi stakeholder environment
The ability to lead the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as
required.

Flexibility, adaptability and openness to working effectively in a changing environment

An ability to support, develop and empower people in a challenging environment and
within existing resources
The ability to be empathetic to others with different experiences and present the views
of others fairly, accurately and objectively as required.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrate:

Excellent communication, interpersonal and networking skills including group

facilitation and presentation skills
Ability to interact in a professional manner with other staff and all stakeholders
Ability to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner
Actively liaises with individuals and groups internally and externally
Ability to build a professional network to remain up-to-date with and influence internal
and external politics.
Ability to work co-operatively with and influence senior management colleagues to
drive forward the mental health group agenda.
Strong written communication skills including the ability to prepare and present reports

Commitment to a Quality Service

Demonstrate:
Evidence of incorporating the needs of the service user into service delivery
Evidence of practicing and promoting a strong focus on delivering high quality
customer service for internal and external customers
Evidence of commitment to personal and career development.

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.
Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an
order of merit and will be called to interview in bands depending on the service needs of
the organisation.

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 HSEs 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
description may be reviewed.

This job description 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.

Area Lead for Service User, Family and Carer

Grade VII
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Tenure

The current vacancies are wholetime for a 3 year fixed term contract.
The posts are 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 Appointment)
Act 2004.

Remuneration
Working Week

The Salary scale for the post is: 47,015 - 61,417 (01/07/2013)
The standard working week applying to the post is 37 hours.

Annual Leave

HSE Circular 003-2009 Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended

Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4
of Towards 2016 applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff
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appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16 2008 will be required to work agreed
roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of
work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet
the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the
Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).
The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at job offer stage.

Superannuation

Probation

This is a pensionable position 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
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pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01 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
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were entitled to at 31 December 2004
Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent 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.