Position overview
The CHS Maternal Fetal Medicine Department provides care for women with complex or high-risk pregnancies who require specialised care for either them or their baby. The interdisciplinary team, which includes medical specialists, sonographers, midwives and administrative staff, work collaboratively to deliver exceptional care to patients in the ACT and surrounding NSW area. The Sonography service currently operates 5 days a week (Monday to Friday), however weekend work may become available as services expand.
We are seeking a suitably qualified and experienced sonographer to join a small team of sonographers in the Maternal Fetal Medicine Department. The successful applicant must have appropriate qualifications, obstetric and gynaecological imaging experience and have the ability to work independently within a team environment. This position requires a high level of communication skills and sensitive interaction in a high-risk environment.
The position holder will report to the Sonography Manager in the Maternal Fetal Medicine Department.
Key Responsibilities
Under limited direction of the Ultrasound Manager, you will deliver high level diagnostic sonographer services across a broad range of Obstetrics and Gynaecological ultrasound examinations. You will also:
- Provide clinical services within the Ultrasound modality, Maternal Fetal Medicine and Early Pregnancy unit at CHS.
- Exercise independent professional judgement to perform novel, critical and complex ultrasound examinations for inpatients and outpatients, including procedures.
- Contribute to the development of clinical practices, procedures and protocols that support the continuum of care engaging cross-discipline referencing where relevant.
- Participate in research and development programs.
- Participate in education training and other mentoring to existing and new staff including Sonographers, Registrars and other vising Health Professional students.
- Participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control programs.
- Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.
Competencies
Specific competencies include but are not limited to the following:
- Technical and Clinical Proficiency in Ultrasound: Demonstrated knowledge, competence, and experience in diagnostic sonography across multiple specialties, including routine and complex obstetric, early pregnancy, and gynaecological ultrasound. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current advancements and best practices.
- Instructional Skills: Ability to effectively teach and support students and healthcare professionals in diagnostic ultrasound practice.
- Clinical Expertise: Competently performs diagnostic sonography within departmental guidelines and protocols, working with a high degree of autonomy while recognising when to seek support.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey diagnostic findings to colleagues and stakeholders.
- Assessment and Feedback: Actively participates in clinical supervision frameworks, demonstrating the ability to work independently while engaging in feedback and continuous improvement.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Proven ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality ultrasound services.
- Continuous Professional Development: Strong commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth through continuing education, engagement with professional organisations, and participation in research to remain current in the field.
Qualifications
Specific qualifications and experience include, but are not limited to, the following.
Essential
- Tertiary qualifications or equivalent in Medical Sonography and eligibility for membership of the appropriate professional organisation.
- Be registered with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR).
Desirable
- Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
Experience
Specific experience include, but are not limited to, the following.
Essential
- Minimum Three years of experience in obstetric ultrasound; or previous experience in a Maternal Fetal Medicine Department.
Desirable
- Certification in the 11-14 week (NT certification), or completion of the theoretical course in working towards certification.
- Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in alignment to the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, and all other related frameworks.
Prior to commencement
Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:
- Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
- Current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.
- Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
- Comply with CHS credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for allied health professionals.
Important information
All employees are required to:
- Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
- Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
- Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
- May need to participate in weekend and/or afterhours roster, including on call.
CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.
What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)
These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.
- Demonstrated ability to perform high-risk obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound examinations, including tertiary-level obstetric/fetal medicine and early pregnancy scans. Applies advanced knowledge of anatomy and pathology to accurately interpret images and produce clear, comprehensive sonographer reports.
- Proven capability to analyse sonographic findings in conjunction with relevant clinical history, working within scope of practice, and communicating clinically significant findings to the appropriate medical practitioner in a timely and professional manner.
- Demonstrated commitment to maintaining ultrasound equipment and clinical environments in accordance with infection control policies and safety standards, ensuring optimal functionality and patient safety.
- Actively engages in continuing professional development and clinical supervision, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining and enhancing professional competence and evidence-based practice.
- Demonstrated flexibility and willingness to undertake additional duties appropriate to the classification level, contributing positively to team functioning and the overall effectiveness of the organisation.
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, including Work Health and Safety requirements, while delivering a positive patient experience. Displays behaviours consistent with CHS’ values of reliable, progressive, respectful and kind.
Work environment description
The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.
| Administrative | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Telephone use | Frequently |
| General computer use | Frequently |
| Extensive keying/data entry | Occasionally |
| Graphical/analytical based | Occasionally |
| Sitting at a desk | Occasionally |
| Standing for long periods | Frequently |
| Psychosocial demands | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Distressed People e.g. Emergency or grief situations | Frequently |
| Aggressive & Uncooperative People e.g. drug / alcohol, dementia, mental illness | Frequently |
| Unpredictable People e.g. Dementia, mental illness, head injuries | Frequently |
| Restraining e.g. involvement in physical containment of clients/consumers | Occasionally |
| Exposure to Distressing Situations e.g. Child abuse, viewing dead / mutilated bodies; verbal abuse; domestic violence; suicide | Occasionally |
| Physical demands | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Distance walking (large buildings or inter-building transit) | Frequently |
| Working outdoors | Never |
| Manual handling | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Lifting 0 - 9kg | Frequently |
| Lifting 10 - 15kg | Occasionally |
| Lifting 16kg+ | Occasionally |
| Climbing | Never |
| Running | Never |
| Reaching | Frequently |
| Kneeling | Occasionally |
| Foot and leg movement | Occasionally |
| Hand, arm and grasping movements | Frequently |
| Bending/squatting | Frequently |
| Bend/Lean Forward from Waist/Trunk twisting | Frequently |
| Push/pull | Frequently |
| Sequential repetitive movements in a short amount of time | Frequently |
| Travel | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Frequent travel – multiple work sites | Occasionally |
| Frequent travel – driving | Occasionally |
| Specific hazards | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Working at heights | Never |
| Exposure to extreme temperatures | Never |
| Operation of heavy machinery e.g. forklift | Never |
| Confined spaces | Occasionally |
| Excessive noise | Occasionally |
| Low lighting | Frequently |
| Handling of dangerous goods/equipment e.g. gases; liquids; biological. | Occasionally |
| Slippery or uneven surfaces | Never |
Directorate: Canberra Health Services
Division: Women Youth and Children
Business Unit: Maternal Fetal Medicine
Position number: P71072
Position title: Fetal Medicine and Early Pregnancy Sonographer
Classification: Medical Imaging Level 4
Location: The Canberra Hospital, Garran
Reporting relationships:
Direct Manager: Ultrasound Modality Manager
Manager +1: Maternal Fetal Medicine Medical Lead
Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person-centred care. We provide acute, sub-acute, primary and community‐based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. More information can be found on the CHS website.
Our Vision: creating exceptional health care together
Our Role: to be a health service that is trusted by our community
Our Values: Reliable, Progressive, Respectful and Kind