Assistant Head of Department, Senior Services

The Assistant Head of Department (AHoD) is responsible for overseeing and providing efficient administrative functions and operational support to the eldercare services under the Singapore Red Cross. This role primarily focuses on developing strategies to enhance and expand the programmes in order to deepen our engagement for isolated seniors in Singapore. These include establishment of community partnerships as well as staff and volunteers development and empowerment.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMMES

Home Monitoring and Eldercare (HoME+) is a monitoring system using sensors placed around the home. When inactivity is detected or when the user activates the panic button, the Red Cross' call center is notified immediately. Depending on the situation, community responders or the SCDF (for emergencies) will be dispatched to provide assistance.

The Community Befriending Programme (ElderAid) aims to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience of isolated seniors via four key elements: Home Visits, Social Outings, Customised Care Packs and Referrals to various assistance schemes.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Programme Development, Innovation and Implementation

1. Ideate, develop, and test new programme elements in consultation with Management to engage seniors to meet their needs.
2. Spearhead landscape analysis to identify unique value proposition of both programmes offering.
3. Conduct data gathering to assess needs of seniors.
4. Regularly recommend expansion and enhancement strategies to increase outreach to more isolated seniors in the community.
5. Ensure timely update of reports for various stakeholders when required.

Operation Support

1. Responsible for day-to-day operations and ensure smooth execution of the programmes.
2. Coordinate, execute and enhance the programme elements to increase brand awareness.
3. Position the programmes to strategically further the objective and cause of both programmes.
4. Provide support and guidance in volunteer recruitment and engagement activities, fostering a positive and collaborative relationship with volunteers to enhance program effectiveness.

Administration Support

1. Address general program inquiries promptly.
2. Accurately and promptly update clients' biographical data.

Stakeholders Management

1. Oversee and provide guidance to the ElderAid and HoME+ Operations Teams.
2. Liaise and build professional relationships with clients, caregivers and other stakeholders.
3. Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to advocate the programmes and ensure programme continuity.
4. Attend meetings and maintain good relationships with corporate and community partners.
5. Offer the organisation’s suite of services to community partners with senior beneficiaries who may be in need.
6. Manage communications with the senior beneficiaries and their next-of-kin, if any, confidently and professionally.

Other Duties

1. Undertake or participate in department and society events or activities, contributing to the overall cohesion and success of collective initiatives.
2. Attend to HoME+ activation when needed, ensuring the seamless integration and functionality of the program as part of regular duties.
3. Any other duties assigned by the Management.

JOB SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

1. Possess minimally a Diploma from a recognised institution.
2. Minimum 5 years of relevant experience.
3. Prior leadership management experience preferred.
4. Prior working experience in the social service sector and/or working with volunteers preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

1. Good communication skills both spoken and written English.
2. Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to relate well to people of all levels.
3. Independent as well as good team player.
4. Computer literate.
5. Ability to speak a few languages or dialects would be an added advantage.
6. Meticulous mindset.
7. Resourceful and innovative.
8. Good planning and organisational skills.
9. High initiative.
10. Good knowledge and understanding of local and international community health programmes and services.
11. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills in the eldercare sector.

Desired Behaviour

1. Ability to work independently while maintaining strong interpersonal skills to relate effectively to individuals at all levels within and outside the organization.
2. A strong focus on tasks and outcomes, demonstrating a results-oriented approach to work assignments.
3. Proactively demonstrates initiative and a collaborative spirit, contributing to teamwork and going beyond the defined job scope to achieve common goals.
4. Adaptable to changing needs on the ground, displaying flexibility in response to evolving situations and requirements.