HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER (GRADE VII) JOB DESCRIPTION Title:

Human Resources Manager

Purpose of the Position:

This is a key senior management post with responsibility and accountability for the operational provision of an effective and efficient human resources service and the strategic development of this service to meet changing organisational needs.

Accountable to:

Chief Executive

Liaison / Communication: The proper performance of these duties will require a high degree of liaison and communication with Managers and Staff throughout the hospital in the course of their normal duties and responsibilities. Overview of the Role Human Resources (HR) Manager will be accountable for ensuring that the hospital has in place the necessary policies, procedures and progressive human resource systems, processes and structures to ensure that the hospital’s most important asset, its staff, are effectively recruited, retained and developed and that harmonious staff relations are fostered, developed and maintained. He/she will be expected to advise the Chief Executive and/or Board and Heads of Departments on key human resource management issues and put in place appropriate strategies and systems to underpin an effective, progressive, flexible human resource management philosophy and practice. The appointee will also be expected to represent the hospital at HR management and employee relations fora outside of the hospital. It is expected that the appointee will possess the requisite skills of flexibility, vision, excellent communication, negotiation/persuasion skills with an attention for detail without losing sight of the big picture. In addition to being a hands on practitioner, it is expected that the HR Manager will contribute significantly to the strategic perspective of the hospital. He/she will be expected to keep abreast of all imminent developments in the areas of Human Resource Management and Development. As a member of the management team of the Hospital, they may be expected to lead on key organisational projects as designated by the Chief Executive. 1

Qualifications The candidate must, on the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office, possess: Essential:  Minimum five years’ Human Resources (HR) experience including strong industrial and employee relations experience.  A sound background in HR and/or relevant experience in recruitment, staff relations and identifying training and development needs.  Management/supervisory experience Desirable:  CIPD qualification or equivalent  Project management experience  Public sector HR experience  Health Sector experience Personal Attributes:  The ability to liaise successfully between groups by expressing and addressing issues clearly and articulately as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills.  A high capacity for responsibility and individual initiative.  An ability to write clear and concise English.  Intellectual clarity that demonstrates that a brief given on any issue if fully understood.  Determination and a willingness to make a success of the job. Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

ACCOUNTABLILITY, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES General Accountability 

Maintain throughout the Hospital awareness of the primacy of residents, patients and clients in relation to all hospital activities.

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Maintain an awareness of the Mission of the Hospital in relation to all HR activities.

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Support the Chief Executive and management team through the development and implementation of best practice in human resources.

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Be responsible for reviewing and updating human resource policies, procedures and systems that support the needs of the Hospital. 2

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Promote and maintain a safe working environment for staff and visitors, in compliance with Health & Safety requirements and best practice.

Specific Accountability 

Report to and be accountable to the Chief Executive Officer in all matters relating to the HR Function.

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Regularly audit the activities of the function and initiate changes and improvements as appropriate.

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Keep-up-to-date with “best practice” in Human Resource Management (HRM) and introduce innovations as appropriate.

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Keep abreast of all imminent developments in the areas of HRM and staff development.

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Provide professional support and advice to managers in relation to all aspects of HRM, including staff recruitment, development and retention.

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Maintain appropriate records and provide statistical information as required, including the compilation of employment control statistics for submission to the HSE National Employment Monitoring Unit.

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Establish and maintain good communication protocols for dealing with managers and staff, to ensure the information delivered is relevant, accurate, appropriate and timely, and establish good communication protocols within the hospital.

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As the role requires day to day management, the appointee must be able to organise workload efficiently whilst always maintaining the highest level of service and support to staff and management.

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To demonstrate excellent prioritisation skill, being quickly able to ascertain the importance and relevance of an issue.

OUTLINE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Management 

As a member of the management team, contribute to the development of the hospital strategic plan and delivery of care based on best practice and standards in people management and customer care.

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Assist in preparation of manpower/succession plans through effective skill needs analysis and planned costings.

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Anticipate changing demands on service and respond to these changes with costed implementation plans to meet the needs of the service.

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Makes a full contribution to the management of the Hospital by taking an interprofessional perspective and adopting a corporate overview in terms of the wider organisation and service strategies.

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To review existing HR audit report and develop and action plan to address areas raised in that report

Operational Management 

Provide full HR support and advice to the CEO and department managers.

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Apply technical HR knowledge in an expert manner

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Maintain and act on any changes in employment legislation, HSE circulars, HIQA guidelines and other relevant communications.

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Objectively interpret guidance based on employment law, best practice and Hospital policy

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Review and implement internal Standard Operating Procedures for the efficient and effective administration of the HR Department.

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Meet regularly with, and advise department managers on staff related issues, and review mechanisms for introducing and managing change. Provide expert HR advice to managers to increase capability and confidence of managers in all HR related matters.

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Staff Recruitment, Selection and Retention: review and implement best practices to meet the immediate and future staffing requirements to implement the Hospital Strategic Plan.

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Manage the total advertising, recruitment and selection process in consultation with Heads of Departments throughout the hospital in line with relevant standards and requirements, e.g. HIQA.

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Manage and ongoing review induction programme for staff. Audit compliance with attendance on an ongoing basis.

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Review and update HR Policies and Procedures, and ensure they are implemented throughout the Hospital. 4

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Liaise closely with Finance in relevant matters including Superannuation Scheme, and issues pertaining to staff pensions and staff pay.

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Manage agency contracts with third parties, ensuring that contracts are up to date, relevant and compliant with the needs of the Hospital and its legislative obligations.

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Represent the hospital at HRM and Employee Relations forums outside of the Hospital.

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Review Training & Development for staff, and identify the requirements needed to ensure the Hospital can deliver a high quality service to all patients.

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Develop and co-ordinate the introduction of performance management and support its implementation by providing advice and assistance to management and staff.

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Develop and implement exit interviewing throughout the hospital.

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Attend, as required working groups and committees of the Hospital.

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Provide management reports as appropriate to the post and as required by the Chief Executive or Hospital Board.

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Represent the Hospital at meetings with external agencies/bodies/groups that are necessary for the proper discharge of the post.

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Coordinate any workforce/staff satisfaction surveys

Employee Relations 

Promote and foster positive Industrial Relations/Employee Relations (IR/ER) by implementing good IR/ER practices and develop open communication processes with trade union/staff representatives to ensure that open communications are clear and a partnership approach to problem-solving.

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Manage and co-ordinate operational IR/ER issues, which arise e.g. Discipline and grievance handling and provide relevant advice to Department Heads as required.

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Attend as required meetings with local and/or Trade Union Branch Officials regarding staff relations issues etc

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Prepare documentation/submissions and represent the Hospital at meetings with Third Parties. 5

Staff Management 

Participate in supervision and the professional development of HR staff.

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Continuously assess staff performance and to take appropriate action to maintain high standards of performance at all times.

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Develop and upgrade, as required, competencies for all grades of staff in the department; to facilitate staff in acquiring the competencies developed.

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To be available, as required, to staff of the HR department, to assist them in dealing with any difficulties they are having in managing their duties by offering support and guidance.

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Maintain records of staff attendance, sick leave, annual leave, training etc.

The extent of speed and change in the delivery of health care is such that adaptability is essential at this level of management. The post-holder will be required to maintain, develop and enhance the necessary professional knowledge, skills and aptitudes required to respond to a changing situation. This job description does not contain an exhaustive list of duties, and the post holder may be required to undertake additional responsibilities. It will be reviewed from time to time in order to adapt and develop the role, according to service needs and Hospital policies. I agree that this position description clearly outlines the specific responsibilities and duties that are to be carried out as part of this role. I also understand that these represent the minimum requirements to perform the duties at the current level.

To be signed by the post holder. Employee Name: _________________

Line Manager Name: ____________

Employee Signature: ______________

Manager’s Signature: ____________

Date: __________________________

Date: _________________________

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