Workforce Planning Officer

About Us

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive culture for all our staff, health providers, partners, and community members. The contribution and participation of people with diverse bodies, identities and experiences is crucial to the work we do and allows us to shape a health system that is fit for the future.

WA Primary Health Alliance acknowledges, and pays respect to, the Traditional Owners and Elders of this country. We recognise their diversity and the significant importance of their cultural heritage, values, beliefs, and self-determination in contributing to the positive health and wellbeing of the whole community. We also acknowledge and welcome all members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/transgender, intersex, queer, asexual, aromantic and other rainbow (LGBTIQA+) communities and celebrate the extraordinary diversity of people's bodies, identities, relationships, and experiences.

We encourage applications from every background and ability, including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+ people, people from multicultural backgrounds and people with disability.

WA Primary Health Alliance is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing healthcare services in Western Australia. Due to the nature of our funding and prescribed activities, we often operate in a dynamic and changeable environment. Adaptability and flexibility are therefore necessary to respond appropriately to changes as they occur. Our organization oversees the strategic commissioning functions of the Perth North, Perth South, and Country WA Primary Health Networks (PHNs), and collaborates with medical professionals, allied health experts, Area Health Services, and service providers to enhance the coordination of care for those at risk of poor health outcomes.

The role

The role is responsible for applying a range of research and planning methods to drive the modelling and design to build capacity and capability of the primary health care workforce in Western Australia. Working with internal and external stakeholders in identifying innovative models of care through joint planning and alignment across the WA health system. The position works in parallel with the Workforce Strategy Officer in providing oversight of the planning requirements in line with the Strengthening Medicare Federal budget measures. Understands the impact, barriers, and gaps in workforce recruitment in WA. Incumbent is accountable for the planning for innovative and sustainable primary health workforce models in priority places and populations in partnership with accountable agencies - focusing on building multidisciplinary teams that supplement general practice.

This role will be offered a Maximum Term contract until 31st December 2025 on a full-time basis and offers the flexibility to work from home and office. We welcome applications from various regions in WA.

Key tasks and responsibilities include but not limited to:

1. Primary Care Workforce Strategic Planning:

• Monitor and coordinate workforce requirements across health providers and agencies.
• Develop strategies to identify health needs and analyse outcomes of workforce models.
• Lead planning for market development and service commissioning in underdeveloped areas.
• Plan elements for building capacity in multidisciplinary team care and supporting business sustainability.

2. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal WAPHA staff.
• Build and leverage relationships with key external stakeholders.
• Negotiate and influence stakeholders toward common vision and goals.
• Identify and manage potential resistance and conflicts.

3. Project Management:

• Demonstrate a flexible and adaptable approach in ambiguous situations.
• Effectively manage time and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines.
• Apply project management and business processes to plan activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of methodologies, processes, and tools.

About you

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following selection criteria:

Essential experience and education:

• Tertiary qualifications or demonstrate relevant experience in a health-related discipline.
• Possess previous experience in a planning role within the health sector.
• Demonstrate a high level of knowledge and understanding of the Australian healthcare system.
• Exhibit strong researching and planning skills, including the ability to develop new models of primary health care solutions.
• Proven awareness of current trends, issues, and policies in the primary health sector.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with the Health Demand and Supply Utilisation Patterns Planning (HeaDS UPP) Tool.
• Familiarity with approaches to commissioning effective health services.
• Understanding of working with culturally diverse groups, especially Aboriginal communities.

Our Benefits

• Hybrid Working Arrangement that combines remote work (3-4 days per week) with office presence in our modern Subiaco office (1-2 days per week).
• Commitment to Employee Development
• Salary Packaging - WAPHA's arrangement allows for a maximum of $15,900 for general living expenses and $2,650 for entertainment benefits per fringe benefit tax year.
• Competitive salary
• Professional development allowance ($1k per year)
• 20 days paid annual leave & 10 days of paid personal leave accrued per annum.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid parental leave.
• Gifted paid day off during Christmas.
• Annual $200 health and wellbeing reimbursement scheme
• All employees have access to LinkedIn learning.
• Study leave options available.
• Option to purchase additional leave.
• 13 weeks long service leave after 10 years of continuous services (accessible on a pro-rata basis after 7 years)

To Apply

Please submit your application by clicking the 'Apply' button.

Your application should include your CV along with a cover letter. The cover letter should outline your interest in working for WAPHA and address the selection criteria as outlined in the job advertisement demonstrating your skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role.

Applications close Monday 12th February 2024.

WAPHA reserves the right to commence shortlisting prior to the advertised close date.

For further information please email . Please note that applications must be submitted via the link provided - applications received by email will not be accepted.