Position Overview

The Head of Clinical School provides leadership and direction for the Cairns Clinical School and supports the academic environment of the health service district through advocacy and support of research and education. This position assumes shared leadership for the overall MBBS program across James Cook University sites in northern Queensland, ensuring high quality, patient and community centered medical education.

The Head of the Clinical School is the line manager of JCU employed clinical academic staff and contributes to decisions around JCU budgets, human and physical resources as required for delivery of the MBBS clinical teaching program. This role is responsible for MBBS teaching (academic and adjunct contributions) as well as curriculum and teaching renewal, timetabling, audit, review and feedback, supervisor engagement and support, course reports, accreditation and other academic activities.

The Head promotes a positive and professional learning environment for students and oversees management of academically at-risk students, student professionalism and behaviour, student welfare and pastoral support. The incumbent will be clinically active in an area that is complementary to needs in the Cairns region and will work closely with the Clinical Dean, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, to promote development of regionally-based specialist training and excellence in medical research and education.

James Cook University

The strategic intent of James Cook University is to create a brighter future for life in the tropics world-wide through graduates and discoveries that make a difference.

The Head of the Cairns Clinical School is a senior member of the Medicine academic group in the College of Medicine and Dentistry, part of the Division of Tropical Health and Medicine.

The College of Medicine and Dentistry seeks to promote health and strengthen healthcare for communities of tropical Australia and beyond through socially accountable health professional education, discoveries, partnerships, advocacy and leadership. The College is working to a future where people of the tropics, the wider region, rural and remote communities and Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders can be confident of good health and equitable access to high quality healthcare for themselves, their families and future generations

Principal Accountabilities

1. Provide leadership and direction in the continuing development and operation of the Cairns Clinical School to provide high quality training places and clinical education for medical students.
2. Contribute to the continuing development, management and delivery of the clinical components of Years 4, 5 and 6 of the MBBS including planning and placement of clinical rotations in liaison with year and rotation coordinators and provide support to the hospital and community-based clinical teachers involved in the delivery of the clinical rotations.
3. Oversee and personally contribute to the management of academically at-risk students, student professionalism and behaviour, student welfare and pastoral support and applications for leave from studies.
4. Foster positive and constructive relationships with leaders, managers and clinicians in hospitals and health services across the Cairns district.
5. Line manage clinical academic and research staff including annual performance development plans, management of leave entitlements and conference attendance.
6. Contribute to the management of budgets and use of human and physical resources including casual staffing, travel, team structures, external contractors, clinical school facilities and equipment.
7. Contribute to the research activity of the University through personal and collaborative research and the supervision of Higher Degree students.
8. Support the University's commitment to the principles of reconciliation, which exemplify respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.
9. Demonstrate a commitment to the University values.
10. Support the principles of the TropEco program and engage in commitment to JCU sustainability goals and objectives.

Generic Accountabilities

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.

1. The Head of Clinical School is required to observe the lawful and reasonable directions, policies and decisions of the University Council, understand and comply with the Enterprise Agreement, the Statutes and Rules of the University, the policies and decisions of the University Council and other appropriate University authorities, as in force from time to time.
2. The Head of Clinical School is required to demonstrate a personal commitment to ensure personal safety and the safety of others and contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance. This includes the effective implementation and compliance with James Cook University WHS policies, procedures and safe systems of work, together with all relevant legislation, duties and obligations. Contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance.
3. The Head of Clinical School is required to exercise proper discretion in all matters affecting the well-being of the University which involve public writing or speaking in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct.

Special Conditions

1. It is a requirement of this position to hold registration as a medical practitioner in Australia and Fellowship of a relevant Australian specialist College.
2. It is a requirement of this position to hold a Queensland driver’s license.
3. It is a requirement of this position to be able to travel throughout Queensland and nationally or internationally as required. This may include overnight stays and after hours work.

Selection Criteria

Selection and appointments will be assessed against selection criteria.

Essential

1. A post graduate qualification and significant experience in the delivery of clinical education and training in the Australian Health system or similar.
2. Demonstrated ability to shape strategic thinking, communicate with influence, negotiate persuasively and build alliances.
3. Extensive experience in an area of medical practice.
4. Substantial experience in teaching and assessment of undergraduate and/or postgraduate medical education.
5. A strong record of research, publications, and conference presentations.

To be appointable at ACAD E level, the following criteria will also apply:

1. Past or current national standing within academic medical education and/or medical specialist training in Australia.
2. A nationally recognised record of scholarship, research, publications and conference presentations in clinical practice, medicine or medical education.

Desirable

1. A PhD in a medical science or education field.
2. A well developed understanding of the Australian Health system and the role of medical education and training in contributing to the health workforce.