Position Description
Position:
FTE:
Location
Clinical Councils Coordinator
Full-time position
Contract term: Initially 1 year
Position will be based at a regional office within the Central
Queensland and Sunshine Coast Primary Health Network region,
dependent upon where the successful applicant resides.
Organisational Background
As a key component of health reform undertaken by the Australian Government, Medicare Locals were
established across Australia to improve coordination and integration of primary health care in local
communities, to identify local health care needs and address service gaps, and to help patients receive
more seamless care across sectors of the health care system. Further reform has now lead to these
functions being performed by Primary Health Networks (PHN).
Sunshine Coast Health Network Ltd (SCHN), currently trading as Sunshine Coast Medicare Local is an
independent non-profit organisation has been awarded the Central Queensland and Sunshine Coast
Primary Health Network (PHN) contract with the Commonwealth Department of Health.
Our PHN region has three distinctive areas, each one requiring a General Practitioner (GP) - led Clinical
Council to represent the needs of that area.
Central Queensland and Sunshine Coast
Primary Health Network
Our Vision
Better health for our communities.
Our Mission
Planning in partnership to deliver effective local solutions.
Our Values
Respect
We respect and facilitate the involvement within communities of clinicians and consumers.
Innovation
We search for new and improved ways to deliver quality services to the community.
Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve.
Enquiry/Evidence Base
We will seek and support evidence based practice and decision-making.
Equity
We will pursue the principles of social justice and equity in the provision of health services.
Our Leadership Behaviours
Leads Self
Engages and Motivates Others
Achieves Outcomes
Drives Innovation
Shapes Systems
Bases decisions on available evidence
Clinical Councils Coordinator
Primary Objectives of Position
Reporting directly to an Area Manager, the primary purpose of the Clinical Council Coordinator is to plan,
develop, establish and monitor Clinical Councils in the Central Queensland and Sunshine Coast PHN.
The Clinical Councils are GP-led Councils that are required to report on clinical issues to inform and
influence SCHN Board decisions affecting their respective communities, including the rural and remote
areas. The Clinical Councils are comprised of health professionals, including but not limited to nurses,
allied and community health practitioners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, specialists
and hospital representatives.
The Clinical Councils assist the PHN in developing local strategies to improve the operation of the health
care system for patients in the region, facilitating effective primary health care provision to reduce
avoidable hospital presentations and admissions.
Clinical Councils Coordinator Position Description
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The role requirements include, and are not limited to:

Establishing, coordinating and monitoring Clinical Councils in each of the three areas:
o
Central Queensland
o
Wide Bay
o
Sunshine Coast and Gympie

Gathering input from Clinical Councils on relevant service gaps, major health concerns and
system capacity issues to inform the Health Needs Assessment

Developing and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders in each area to enable
the Councils’ objectives

Remaining culturally aware and sensitive to the needs of the diverse communities in the region

Coordinating and facilitating key stakeholder engagement activities, managing outcomes through
effective negotiation and conflict management strategies

Providing the SCHN Board with formal reports on relevant clinical issues and recommended
solutions and proposals as identified by the Clinical Councils.
Organisational Relationships
Reporting Line
This position reports to the Area Manager.
Internal Contacts
This position works closely and collaboratively with General Practitioner Liaison Officers (GPLOs), Health
Integration and Outcomes Team members and Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Leadership.
External Contacts
Clinical Stakeholders including regional local Hospital and Health Services (HHS), public and private
hospitals, Aboriginal Medical Services, nurses, allied health providers, health training coordinators, state
and territory government health services, aged care providers and private health insurers.
Direct Reports
This position does not have direct reports.
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Key Selection Criteria
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
•
Tertiary qualification and relevant experience in a clinical environment
•
Experience in effectively establishing strategic relationships and applying contemporary stakeholder
engagement principles
•
A comprehensive understanding of the health system, specifically health service delivery challenges
in regional and rural Queensland
•
Experience in designing, developing, implementing and evaluating projects using resources
effectively
Attributes
•
Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills within a clinical committee or stakeholder
environment
•
Has the ability to establish and maintain respectful relationships with clinicians, general practice and
other stakeholders to achieve goals
•
Uses an analytical and mature approach to problem solving and conflict resolution
•
Is discreet and demonstrates respect and patience enabling opinions to be shared
•
Is outcome focused and acts with purpose
•
Is aware of the commercial challenges of business within the health sector
•
Can relate to and communicate effectively with a wide range of people including board members,
clinicians, staff and members of the community
•
Is able to travel regularly throughout the region to prepare for and attend Clinical Council meetings
and engagement activities
Other

SCHN has a strict non-smoking policy which must be adhered to during working hours.

A current driver’s license is required.

The role requires an ability to work flexible hours. The role may include evening/weekend
commitments for which time off in lieu is provided.
(Please note: This position description is subject to adjustment within reason and in consultation with your
Manager to meet the deliverables of the organisation).
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