Job Description: Lead. Transform. Inspire. Step into a career-defining executive leadership role at one of Victoria’s premier health services Shape programmes and influence the future of care across 18 clinical sites Work with purpose at a values-driven organisation known for compassion and excellence Join St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) — St Vincent's has been a leader in Australia's health and aged care landscape for more than 165 years. Since our founders, the Sisters of Charity, opened our first hospital in 1857, our services and people have been behind some of Australia's most important medical breakthroughs. We are a microcosm of our Australia’s health and aged care system and are uniquely positioned to lead and respond to our rapidly changing environment. The Opportunity We are now inviting a visionary, courageous and people-focused leader to take the helm as Director of Allied Health , overseeing one of the most complex and vital portfolios in our organisation. This is more than a job — it's a rare opportunity to transform how care is delivered , empower a highly skilled workforce , and leave a lasting legacy in public healthcare. About the Role Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with executive and clinical leaders, the Director of Allied Health will lead a diverse and talented team across our Allied Health & Pharmacy (AH&P) Program . You will be entrusted with strategic oversight, service innovation, workforce leadership, and operational excellence. You will also contribute significantly to the broader health service strategy, ensuring that Allied Health plays a central role in delivering integrated, evidence-based, person-centred care . Classification: Director of Allied Health – Grade 7 or equivalent Enterprise Agreement: Victorian Allied Health Professionals (VAHPA) Agreement 2021–26 or equivalent Your Key Impact Areas Program Leadership & Strategic Direction Provide visionary and accountable leadership across the Allied Health & Pharmacy (AH&P) Program – ensuring service excellence, operational performance, innovation, and alignment with SVHM’s strategic objectives and mission. Financial Accountability Manage and oversee the AH&P Program’s significant operating budget, maintaining financial integrity and delivering on key performance indicators through strategic planning and effective resource utilisation. Workforce Leadership & Development Lead the development of a high-performing Allied Health workforce through strategic recruitment, workforce planning, and capability development, fostering a culture of engagement, excellence and retention. Clinical Integration & Collaboration Work collaboratively with General Managers and program leaders to support the effective integration of Allied Health and Pharmacy services within multidisciplinary teams across SVHM. Policy, Standards & Best Practice Lead the development and implementation of clinical policies, frameworks and service models that ensure best practice, person-centred care and alignment with national standards and accreditation requirements. Education, Research & Innovation Strengthen clinical education, research and translational practice across Allied Health disciplines – working in partnership with the CAHO and the AH&P Leadership Team to advance a culture of inquiry and continuous learning. Strategic Advice & Stakeholder Engagement Act as a trusted adviser to the Chief Allied Health Officer (CAHO) and executive leaders on Allied Health and Pharmacy matters – contributing to whole-of-organisation planning and strategic decision-making. Mission-Aligned Service Delivery Ensure Allied Health services are delivered in a way that reflects SVHM’s values of compassion, justice, integrity and excellence, supporting seamless and coordinated care across the organisation. About You You are a strategic, values-driven leader with a deep commitment to health equity, clinical excellence, and people development. You thrive in complexity and are motivated by the opportunity to lead meaningful, system-wide change. You have have a strong track record of delivering strategic outcomes across complex health systems. With deep expertise in Allied Health and an unwavering commitment to public health, you bring the vision, capability and presence to influence at the highest levels and lead transformational change . You will demonstrate: Extensive expertise across the Allied Health sector, with a comprehensive understanding of professional, operational and strategic issues Significant senior leadership experience within a complex public health environment, including responsibility for large-scale services, teams and budgets A demonstrated ability to lead through influence and collaboration, empowering multidisciplinary teams and fostering a culture of high performance, inclusion and continuous improvement Proven capability in stakeholder engagement and system leadership, with highly developed interpersonal skills to build and sustain effective partnerships across executive, clinical and community settings A strong record in designing and delivering service improvement, change management and workforce development initiatives in complex and resource-constrained settings Advanced knowledge of clinical governance, quality systems, education and research as they apply to Allied Health and Pharmacy in a contemporary public health context Strategic insight into evolving models of care, sector reform and innovation opportunities within Allied Health and interdisciplinary teams Exceptional business acumen, with demonstrated proficiency in financial stewardship, risk management and achieving performance outcomes in line with organisational priorities The ability to operate both autonomously and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary executive leadership team, aligned to mission, values and organisational strategy Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in an Allied Health discipline Eligibility for registration with AHPRA or relevant professional body Postgraduate qualification in health leadership, business, public administration or related field (or working towards) Minimum five years’ experience in a senior leadership or executive role within a large public health organisation Why Choose SVHM? Purpose. Growth. Leadership. Legacy. SVHM offers far more than a role — we offer a platform to lead systemic impact , grow professionally and influence the future of Allied Health across Victoria. You will benefit from: Salary packaging and generous leave provisions Access to leading education, research, and innovation initiatives A culture grounded in respect, inclusion, learning and service Flexible work options across a multi-campus network Executive mentorship and leadership development pathways Vaccination and Compliance Requirements This is a Category A position. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and other specified diseases is required. A National Police Check and, where applicable, NDIS Worker Screening Check are mandatory prior to employment. Equal Opportunity We celebrate diversity & inclusion and are committed to equal employment opportunity for everyone. How To Apply Please submit your application via the Apply Now button, including your resume and cover letter. Please note: Shortlisting and interviews may commence prior to the closing date. Respectfully, no recruitment agencies. Please see below for a copy of the position description. KEY POSITION DETAILS Job Title: Director of Allied Health Reports to: Chief Operating Officer Industrial Agreement: Victorian Allied Health Professionals (VAHPA) Single Interest Enterprise Agreement 2021-26 OR Medical Scientists, Pharmacists and Psychologists (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021-2025. Classification: Director of Allied Health- Grade 7 or equivalent Risk Category: A LOCAL WORK ENVIRONMENT Allied Health services at SVHM include multiple allied health professions who provide patient centred care across all clinical programs. The Director of Allied Health has overall responsibility for the Allied Health and Pharmacy Program (AH&P), which provides operational and professional oversight for 260 FTE and approximately 350 people, through the AH&P Leadership structure. In addition, AH&P discipline managers have professional oversight of Allied Health and Pharmacy staff who report operationally to other clinical programs at SVHM. In total there are approximately 450 FTE Allied Health (headcount 600) working across SVHM. This position is based at the Fitzroy Campus of SVHM but will provide support across all SVHM sites and Programs and is expected to attend these sites on a regular basis. POSITION PURPOSE Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director of Allied Health (DAH) will be responsible for leading service provision across the AH&P Program, in collaboration with the Chief Allied Health Officer (CAHO), Deputy Director of Allied Health and AH&P Leadership team. The position has the operational lead responsibility and accountability for an annual operating budget in excess of $90 million and 265 full time equivalent staff. The role will be responsible for the management and growth of services to best meet patient demand, striving for evidence-based practice and service innovation. The Director of Allied Health is a pivotal member of the Operational Directorate leadership team. The role is accountable for fostering the AH&P Program strategic vision, which includes conceptualisation through to the development of future oriented service delivery models within a whole of organisation context. The DAH is responsible for developing the AH&P strategic plan, in consultation with key stakeholders. The role will be accountable for the achievement of KPIs, articulated within the directorate plan, including specific targets set under the Statement of Priorities in terms of access, activity, quality and financial performance as they relate to the AH&P program. POSITION DUTIES Provide effective operational and strategic leadership across the AH&P Program, including service delivery, financial management, professional standards of practice, human resources management, education and research initiatives Oversee the overall AH&P Program budget, ensuring financial responsibility and accountability, and implement strategies that meet budgetary targets and key performance indicators Leadership of the AH&P workforce including planning, development and recruitment Collaboration with General Managers and Clinical and Operational program managers to support Allied Health & Pharmacy roles within multi-disciplinary teams Provide advice to the CAHO and General Managers on AH&P related matters Oversight of clinical teaching and education of AH&P staff and students working in collaboration with the CAHO and the Allied Health Leadership team Develop clinical policies, plans and programs to enhance the service capability of the Allied Health professions, ensuring excellence in patient centred care in collaboration with the CAHO, Allied Health Leadership team and other key stakeholders Work closely with all SVHM programs/departments to ensure Allied Health services planning, organising, integration and coordination is aligned to the mission and values of SVHM and organisational priorities INCUMBENT OBLIGATIONS General Perform the duties of the position to the best of their ability and to a standard acceptable to SVHM Comply with, and ensure all those in the area they manage comply with all SVHM policies, procedures, by laws and directions Display adaptability and flexibility to meet the changing operational and strategic needs of the business Leadership Act as a senior leader demonstrating and modelling exemplary professional conduct and behaviour in accordance with SVHM values and code of conduct Develop a strategic direction and future vision for AH&P, aligned with the strategic priorities of SVHM, and underpinned by discipline strategic and operational plans Foster an organisational culture of excellence, innovation and positive people management Clinical Quality and Safety Ensure AH&P service delivery is evidence-based and of the highest standard to meet the needs of consumers within allocated resources Ensure implementation of the SVHM Clinical Governance Framework across the AH&P program Ensure AH&P staff allocated to specific programs have the skills, experience, supervision and appropriate credentialing (as relevant) needed to fulfil their roles. Foster a culture which promotes evaluation and continuous improvement, resulting in enhanced services, evidence-based practice and clinical innovation. In conjunction with the Allied Health research lead, provide staff with the opportunity to initiate or participate in research projects and reduce the knowledge to translation gap, including application for funding and research grants, where feasible Ensure all clinical staff maintain their clinical registration (or equivalent for self-regulated professions) and any required indemnity cover Collaborate with other SVHM Managers to implement the SVHM safety, quality and clinical risk management agenda Provide feedback to more senior management in relation to problems or issues that impact on safety and clinical quality Person Centred Care Actively support consumers to make informed decisions about their treatment and ongoing care Ensure consumers are aware of their rights and 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 Foster a culture that supports learning and reporting of incidents/errors/near misses within the Riskman system and discuss in relevant discipline forums Ensure all those in the area they manage treat others with respect, behaving professionally and in accordance with the SVHM Code of Conduct and undertake annual Workplace Culture and Equity Training and all Mandatory Required Learning Conduct regular safety audits with Site Managers and Workplace 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 Human Resource Management Provide leadership and support for direct reports and monitor and appraise the performance of the Deputy Director of Allied Health and Allied Health and Pharmacy Managers. Build an inclusive workplace culture where people can feel empowered to contribute, creating an environment for collaboration and high performance. Develop and maintain a workforce strategy for the recruitment and retention of AH&P staff to ensure that SVHM is an employer of choice that attracts and retains outstanding AH&P employees Ensure effective, timely and respectful communication channels are established between the AH&P Leadership team and relevant Clinical General Managers / Clinical Directors/ Operational Managers to inform of any workforce changes that are likely to impact service delivery Ensure coordination and management of clinical education of students in liaison with the Allied Health Clinical Educators, General Managers and relevant policies and procedures. Financial Management Lead the development of the annual budget allocation for the AH&P Program working in collaboration with the COO, Finance, AH&P Managers and General Managers Monitor FTE and expenditure to ensure spending remains within budget allocation Demonstrate appropriate financial stewardship through ethical, honest and responsible use of financial resources Ensure contracts are in place and current for all contracted services and lodged in the SVHM contract system Ensure decision making remains within delegated authority SELECTION CRITERIA ESSENTIAL REGISTRATION, LICENSE OR QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Tertiary qualification in an Allied Health Profession Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), or eligible for membership with the appropriate Professional Association for self-regulated Allied Health professions Minimum of 5 years' experience in a senior allied health leadership role Post graduate qualification in health service management or relevant field or working towards a relevant post graduate qualification. EXPERIENCE and OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Extensive knowledge and experience in Allied Health Extensive leadership experience in a senior management role within the public health sector Demonstrated advanced leadership skills and experience in people management, including an ability to actively develop and empower staff, develop high performing teams and build a positive workplace culture Sound interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to initiate and foster strong working relationships with a range of stakeholders within a complex and dynamic environment Demonstrated experience in leading service improvement initiatives and change processes, with capacity to work with highly motivated professional disciplines Demonstrated understanding of clinical governance, quality assurance, continuous improvement, education and research in the context of Allied Health and Pharmacy within a public health setting Current knowledge of contemporary health systems, professional and practice issues with respect to Allied Health and Pharmacy professions Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary leadership team to deliver safe consumer focused care. Significant strategic business and financial acumen with extensive budget management experience Closing Date: 8 June 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
