Assistant / Head of Department, Senior Services

About the Programme

Home Monitoring and Eldercare (HoME+)

Home Monitoring and Eldercare (HoME+) is a technology-enabled monitoring system that uses sensors placed around the home to detect inactivity and provide timely assistance to seniors living independently. When inactivity is detected or when the user activates the panic button, the Singapore Red Cross' call centre is notified immediately. Depending on the situation, community responders or the SCDF (for emergencies) will be dispatched to provide assistance.

ElderAid

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

Job Purpose

The Head of Department (HoD) provides strategic leadership and overall direction for the HoME+ and ElderAid programmes, ensuring that both programmes remain relevant, impactful and sustainable in meeting the evolving needs of isolated seniors in Singapore.

The HoD is responsible for shaping the future direction, growth strategy and positioning of both programmes, translating organisational priorities into clear programme strategies and measurable targets. This includes identifying opportunities for programme expansion, innovation and service development; strengthening community and strategic partnerships; optimising resources; and developing the capabilities of staff and volunteers.

The HoD will lead the teams towards achieving planned outreach and programme targets while ensuring strong operational governance, service quality, stakeholder confidence and alignment with the mission and objectives of Singapore Red Cross.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Programme Development and Growth
● Provide strategic leadership in defining the long-term direction, positioning and growth strategy for HoME+ and ElderAid.
● Develop and implement strategic plans, priorities and initiatives to achieve the organisation’s planned programme targets and desired social impact.
● Regularly review the programmes’ relevance, effectiveness and sustainability in response to demographic, social, technological and community trends.
● Conduct landscape and competitor analysis to identify the programmes’ unique value propositions, opportunities for differentiation and potential areas for growth that address emerging needs of seniors and caregivers.
● Develop strategies to strengthen the long-term sustainability of both programmes, including opportunities for resource mobilisation and strategic collaboration.
● Regularly assess programme performance against strategic and operational targets and recommend corrective actions or new strategies where required.
● Identify strategic partnership opportunities that can contribute resources, expertise, technology, funding, volunteers or access to senior beneficiaries.
● Position HoME+ and ElderAid as relevant and valuable community solutions for ageing-in-place and support for isolated seniors.

Programme Operations and Governance
● Provide oversight of the day-to-day operations of HoME+ and ElderAid, ensuring programmes are delivered effectively, efficiently and in accordance with established standards and policies.
● Ensure appropriate processes, systems and resources are in place to support programme expansion while maintaining service quality.
● Monitor operational performance and ensure timely resolution of issues that may affect programme delivery or beneficiary experience.
● Ensure timely preparation and submission of programme reports, performance updates and other information required by Management and stakeholders.
● Review and enhance operational processes to improve efficiency, service quality and scalability.
● Ensure appropriate risk management, governance and compliance practices are in place across both programmes.

Stakeholders Management
● Oversee and provide guidance to the ElderAid and HoME+ Operations Teams in managing beneficiary and stakeholder relationships.
● Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with seniors, caregivers, families, volunteers, community partners and other key stakeholders.
● Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to advocate for the programmes, strengthen programme visibility and ensure service continuity.
● Identify opportunities to connect beneficiaries with the wider suite of Singapore Red Cross services and relevant external assistance schemes.
● Address escalated beneficiary or stakeholder matters appropriately and ensure timely follow-up.

Job Specifications

Qualifications and Experience
● Possess minimally a Degree from a recognised institution
● Minimum 5 years of relevant experience
● Prior leadership management experience preferred.
● Prior working experience in the social service sector and/or working with volunteers preferred

Additional Skills and Knowledge
● Good communication skills both spoken and written English
● Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to relate well to people of all levels
● Independent as well as good team player
● Computer literate
● Ability to speak a few languages or dialects would be an added advantage
● Meticulous mindset
● Resourceful and innovative
● Good planning and organisational skills
● High initiative
● Good knowledge and understanding of local and international community health programmes and services
● Demonstrate the knowledge and skills in the eldercare sector

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