Position overview
The Research Ethics and Governance Office (REGO) are responsible for research governance processes and management of the ACT Health Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and its sub-committees, including secretariat support, policy development and project management.
The Research Ethics Officer provides administrative support for the ethics functions of the REGO, including secretariat support the ACT Health HREC, records management, financial administration, database maintenance and stakeholder liaison. It is expected that the successful applicant will be able to demonstrate attention to detail, be familiar with the legislative and policy requirements of digital record keeping and management and have an understanding of the confidentiality requirements of the office.
Key Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Under general direction, provide high-level administrative support for the efficient management and operation of REGO’s human research ethics functions.
- Liaise with HREC members, researchers, research coordinators, and other internal and external stakeholders, ensuring the smooth functioning of research ethics processes.
- Provision of high-level secretariat and administrative support to meetings (including HREC meetings) and other forums as required, including the preparation of detailed agendas and development of minutes and correspondence for committee meetings.
- Assist with the maintenance of databases, electronic management systems, annual reports, and compilation of performance data under the data retention policies and procedures.
- Coordinate and manage financial functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, journaling and reconciliation of accounts.
- 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.
- Displays critical thinking skills and forms defensible conclusions based on evidence and sound judgement.
- Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet clients’ needs.
- High-level communication, facilitation, interpersonal and representational skills, and a proven ability to produce quality outcomes.
- Personal drive, ability to communicate with influence, and drive strategic improvements.
- Strong organizational skills with a strong work ethic.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a dynamic team.
- Excellent communicator who can relate to people of varied and diverse backgrounds.
Qualifications
Specific qualifications include, but are not limited to, the following.
Essential
- N/A
Desirable
- Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
- Have an understanding of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research is applies to this role.
Experience
Specific experience includes but is not limited to the following.
Essential
- N/A
Desirable
- Prior experience in office administration.
- Prior experience in a health research administration setting.
- Experience or knowledge of 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.
- Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
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.
Be available for weekend and/or after-hours work. 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 organizational and administrative skills, including secretariat experience, and the ability to exercise initiative and judgement.
- Communication and interpersonal skills of a high standard, both oral and written, including the ability to liaise with a diverse range of stakeholders using tact, discretion and confidentiality.
- Ability to prioritise, plan and organise workflow in order to meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience in managing information technology systems and data integrity, including developing and maintaining advances excel spreadsheets and analyzing diverse data sources.
- Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s 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 | Frequently |
| Graphical/analytical based | Frequently |
| Sitting at a desk | Frequently |
| Standing for long periods | Never |
| Psychosocial demands | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Distressed People e.g. Emergency or grief situations | Never |
| Aggressive & Uncooperative People e.g. drug / alcohol, dementia, mental illness | Never |
| Unpredictable People e.g. Dementia, mental illness, head injuries | Never |
| Restraining e.g. involvement in physical containment of clients/consumers | Never |
| Exposure to Distressing Situations e.g. Child abuse, viewing dead / mutilated bodies; verbal abuse; domestic violence; suicide | Never |
| Physical demands | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Distance walking (large buildings or inter-building transit) | Occasionally |
| Working outdoors | Never |
| Manual handling | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Lifting 0 - 9kg | Occasionally |
| Lifting 10 - 15kg | Never |
| Lifting 16kg+ | Never |
| Climbing | Never |
| Running | Never |
| Reaching | Never |
| Kneeling | Never |
| Foot and leg movement | Occasionally |
| Hand, arm and grasping movements | Occasionally |
| Bending/squatting | Occasionally |
| Bend/Lean Forward from Waist/Trunk twisting | Occasionally |
| Push/pull | Occasionally |
| Sequential repetitive movements in a short amount of time | Never |
| Travel | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Frequent travel – multiple work sites | Never |
| Frequent travel – driving | Never |
| Specific hazards | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Working at heights | Never |
| Exposure to extreme temperatures | Never |
| Operation of heavy machinery e.g. forklift | Never |
| Confined spaces | Never |
| Excessive noise | Never |
| Low lighting | Never |
| Handling of dangerous goods/equipment e.g. gases; liquids; biological. | Never |
| Slippery or uneven surfaces | Never |
Directorate: Canberra Health Services
Division: Division of Medical Services
Business Unit: Research Ethics and Governance Office
Position number: P62102
Position title: Research Ethics Officer
Classification: Administrative Service Officer Level 4
Location: Canberra Hospital, Garran ACT
Reporting relationships: Direct Manager: Senior Manager, REGO
Manager +1: Assistant Director, REGO
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