How To Become A Health And Welfare Services Manager?

Do you enjoy caring for people with disability and are interested in getting involved in the wellness industry? If yes, a Health and Welfare Services Manager career could be for you.

Health (Welfare) services managers plan, organise, direct, and coordinate health and welfare services and programs in healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and hospitals.

You need a VET or university qualification in health administration, business management, nursing, public health, or general medicine and relevant experience to work in this role. Certificate IV in Health Administration and a Diploma of Practice Management are the most sought qualifications.

Explore 'what is a health services manager,' their daily duties, related job titles, qualifications, courses, salary, steps to establish a career as a Health (Welfare) services manager in Australia and more.

1. What Is A Health & Welfare Service Manager?

Health services managers possess expert knowledge of the health care system and the laws concerning health care and safety regulations.

These professionals supervise the professional and managerial aspects of health and welfare programs and clinical services.

They are also responsible for managing the daily functioning of a health or welfare centre, facility, service, or organization.

2. Health And Welfare Services Manager Job Description

Health and welfare services managers are involved in an array of activities that includes:

• Prepare plans and policies to run childcare, welfare, health, and educational establishments 

• Set up and implement welfare services and programs to meet the client's needs 

• Direct and organize resource allocation 

• Coordinate with boards, community and academic institutions, and funding bodies to discuss areas of cooperation

• Supervise and control expenditure 

• Develop and manage the performance of medical personnel to ensure they provide quality service

• Prepare reports, forecasts, and budgets for the board of directors

• Represent the organization at conventions, seminars, public hearings, conferences, and forums

• Recruit, manage, and coach staff

• Direct a particular service, facility, governmental agency, organization, or centre

3. What Skills Do You Need To Be A Health Service Manager?

You need a combination of technical and interpersonal skills to succeed in this profession:

• A thorough understanding of the laws related to health care and safety regulations 

• Strong communication skills 

• Able to work well under pressure

• Administrative and clerical skills 

• Attention to detail

• Time Management and Organization

• Leadership skills

• Active listening skills 

• Analysis and Decision-Making

• Compassion

• Problem-Solving

• Excellent decision-making skills

4. What To Study To Become A Health Services Manager?

Those looking to enter this occupation should study for a bachelor's degree after high school.

Consider completing a degree in a related field such as healthcare management, public health, public administration, nursing, and business administration.

The qualification equips candidates with the skills and knowledge required for the role. Some of the areas covered in these degrees include:

• Research

• Healthcare information systems

• Analytics

• Ethics

• Legal issues, regulations, standards, and policies

• Financial management

5. Steps To Become A Health And Welfare Service Manager

To pursue this career, you need relevant experience and a formal qualification in health administration, general medicine, nursing, business management, or another related field.

Step 1: Get Qualified

Complete a Certificate IV in Health Administration. As potential employers seek candidates with at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, consider completing a degree in health administration, health care management, general medicine, or nursing.

A Bachelor of Public Health can be an excellent option to consider. The degree will help you develop an in-depth understanding of the healthcare systems, medical vocabulary, and ways to care for patients.

Step 2: Gain Experience

Consider gaining practical experience in clinical or administrative roles while studying or after graduation.

A Bachelor of Nursing offers work placements to students in hospitals and other medical settings. Alternatively, look for entry-level positions in healthcare facilities after graduation.

The technical skills, medical knowledge, and administrative skills you develop will help strengthen your resume and improve your employability for the role.

Some entry-level roles at a healthcare office you may consider:

• Medical receptionist

• Medical assistant

• Medical records technician

• Healthcare human resources assistant

• Patient services representative

• Administrative assistant

• Financial clerk

• Medical and health information technician

Step 3: Earn A Graduate Degree

Even though you enter a medical and health services position with a bachelor's degree, many health facilities seek candidates with a graduate degree, such as a Master's of Public Health Administration, a Master's of Health Administration, a Master of Health Services Management, etc.
 

You might also study for a master's in the area you wish to specialise in. Gaining higher education equips you with more knowledge and skills and displays your expertise for the role.
 

Step 4: Complete The Necessary Checks

Make sure you complete a Working With Children Check.

Step 5: Get Licensed

Specific work environments, like a nursing homes, may require specific licensure. So, the last step to becoming a health(welfare) services manager is to become a Certified Practice Manager.

For this, you need to study for a Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting at a certified provider and apply for an individual membership from the Australian Association of Practice Management.

Step 6: Apply For Jobs

Once you obtain the correct licensure according to your workplace and a few years of experience in a related position, you can apply for a job as a health and welfare services manager. 

Industry Bodies:

• The Health Information Management Association of Australia Limited 

• The Public Health Association of Australia Inc 

6. Where Do A Health (Welfare) Services Work?

Individuals with a healthcare management degree can work in various workplaces, some of these include:

• Home healthcare facility

• Assisted living facility

• Hospital (either the entire facility or a part of it)

• Consulting practice

• College or University

• Ambulatory health facility

• Government agency

• Healthcare association

• Health care clinic

• Emergency medical services facility

• Pharmaceutical company

• IT department or Hospital

• Health insurance company

• Nursing home

• Mental health facility

• Rehabilitation centre

• Laboratory or research setting

• Public health agency

• Physician's office

• Managed care company

• Small medical practices

7. Possible Health And Welfare Services Manager Jobs In Australia

Job titles for health (welfare) services manager roles may vary from one work setting to another, particularly in specialized facilities. Some of these include:

• Clinical Manager

• Healthcare Compliance Manager

• Nursing Home Administrator

• Nurse Manager

• Healthcare Consultant

• Health Information Manager

• Medical Technician

• Social and Community Service Managers

• Business Manager

• Medical scientist

8. Job Outlook For Health (Welfare) Services Managers In Australia

ANZSCO OCCUPATION GROUP: 1342 Health and Welfare Services Manager

A career in health care is among the most rewarding for those with a management, administration, or nursing background. It gives an opportunity to boost the economy, serve people, and perform innovative research while delivering healthcare services.

The job outlook for health services managers is bright. The country will need more healthcare services as the baby boomer generation ages. It will lead to a rise in the number of healthcare amenities and healthcare personnel, resulting in a greater demand for health(welfare) services managers.

The government expects future job opportunities to grow very strongly. It is likely to increase from 35,800 in 2021 to 45,300 by 2026.

Working Arrangements

Around 85% of Health (Welfare) Services Managers work full-time in hospitals or private medical centres for an average of 44 hours a week.

Main Industries

• Health care and social assistance: 84.1%

• Public administration and safety: 9.3%

• Administrative and support services: 2.1%

• Wholesale trade: 1.2%

• Other industries: 2.7%

Employment Across Australia

Around 41% of Health and Welfare Services Managers live outside capital cities. The following regions have the largest share of workers:

• Melbourne - Inner

• Melbourne - Outer East

• Melbourne - West

• Melbourne - North East

• Melbourne - South East

State-wise percentage employment of health (welfare) services managers:

• NSW- 33.4%

• VIC - 25.1%

• QLD - 19.6%

• SA - 7.6%

• WA - 8.8%

• TAS - 2.3%

• NT - 1.4%

• ACT - 1.7%

Worker's Profile

The average age of Health and Welfare Services Managers is 48 years which is higher than the average of all other jobs, i.e., 40 years.Most workers are between the age group of 45 to 54 years. 

Females make up 74% of the workforce which is 26 percentage points more than the average of all other jobs, i.e., 48%.

Health Services Manager Specialisations

Considering the diverse responsibilities that health care managers undertake, they can specialize in various areas they want to work in. These include:

• Nursing homes

• Physician group practices

• Local, federal, or state agencies

• Academics

• Hospitals

• Research

9. What Is The Work Environment For A Health Services Manager?

Health services managers primarily work alongside nurses, doctors, and other healthcare personnel in public or private healthcare settings.

While some stay on the phone, computer, or in meetings with providers, patients, and insurance agents, others directly interact with patients to offer superior care.

Health services managers might have to work after standard work hours and at weekends in nursing homes and hospitals. They may also be required on standby in emergencies.

10. How To Immigrate To Australia As A Health And Welfare Services Manager?

Australia deems Health and Welfare Services Manager as a profession that the nation requires. Due to this, qualified Health and Welfare Services Managers can immigrate to Australia and get Permanent Residency residency in Australia.

The Australian Skills Assessment body for ANZSCO Code 134299 - Health and Welfare Services Managers is VETASSESS, and the Level of Skill is '1'. Occupations at this skill level have a level of skill proportionate to a bachelor's degree or higher qualification. 

Candidates without a formal qualification must have at least five years of relevant experience to be considered for this role. Sometimes, you need related experience, on-the-job training, and formal qualification.

Having satisfied ANZSCO skill level and calculated at least 65 immigration points, now is the time to carry out the steps to apply for immigration:

• Step 1: Check their eligibility for immigration 

• Step 2: Obtain their health and welfare services managers' skill assessment 

• Step 3: Submit their Expression Of Interest

• Step 4: Receive their Invitation to Apply

• Step 5: Complete Medicals and Police Checks

• Step 6: Obtain Visa or Permanent Residency for Australia

The Skills Assessment is an essential part of the Australia migration process. Without performing it, you can't proceed to other application stages. The number you are granted on your Skills Assessment certificate must be submitted for the next level.

It includes training and employment checks, wherein candidates must submit the following role-specific documents to evidence and validate their skills, qualifications, training, and experience:

• Your Qualifications

• Your Resume

• Copy of your Passport

• A paycheck from each of your employers

• References for each role you have held

• ID Documentation

Once you receive a positive Skills Assessment, you can lodge an Expression of Interest to migrate to Australia as a Health and Welfare Services Manager. Shortlisted candidates will receive an invitation to apply for immigration.

The final step is to submit a formal application to the Department of Home Affairs that requires police checks and medicals. If selected, you will receive the main skilled visa classes 189 and 190 or a Permanent residency visa to live and work in Australia as a Health and Welfare Services Manager.

11. How Much Does A Health Services Manager Earn In Australia?

According to Payscale, the average health and welfare services manager's salary in Australia is AUD 90,000 annually. The pay varies based on the company and your location. Those with good experience or higher education earn relatively more than the national average.

• Early career Health Services Manager (1-4 years of experience) - AU$90,000

• Employees in their late career (20 years and higher) - AU$105,362.

12. Conclusion

Health (Welfare) services managers are crucial to the overall execution of healthcare settings.

The outlook for these professionals is quite promising and will only improve in the coming years. If you are passionate about helping people and communities, follow the steps above to realize your aspirations.

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