Position overview

ACT Pathology, is a division of Canberra Health Services (CHS), operates laboratory services at both Canberra and North Canberra Hospitals, providing 24/7 diagnostic support year-round. Pathology provides diagnostic and consultative services to medical specialists and general practitioners and their patients across hospital and community settings.

As the Sendaways Supervisor, you will lead the co-ordination of all off-site pathology specimen logistics. Reporting to the specimen reception manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the preparation, packaging, and receipt of specimens referred to external laboratories for analysis. You will serve as the primary liaison between ACT Pathology and key stakeholders, including ordering clinicians, referral laboratories, clinical directors, and laboratory managers.

Please note: This position requires participation in a rotating roster that spans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring continuous service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

1. Supervise and provide leadership to staff within Specimen Reception and plan, allocate and coordinate the work of the department in collaboration with the Specimen Reception Manager and other Team Supervisors.
2. Participate in the routine work of the department and maintain knowledge of specific requirements of specialised pathology tests with an emphasis on the coordination and dispatch of referred specimens.
3. Be responsible for the scheduling, supervision and completion of specimen reception staff competency requirements, professional development, and orientation.
4. Contribute to the development and review of policies and procedures for the provision of laboratory support services.
5. Liaise with clients and internal and external stakeholders for the provision of a successful pathology service.
6. Be responsible for the logistical transfer of pathology specimens to referral laboratories and to be available after-hours work and out-of-hours rosters as directed.
7. Possess understanding and knowledge of the requirements of the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC) guidelines and National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements for ACT Pathology as they relate to pre-analytical services and compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
8. 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.

• Demonstrates relevant skills and expertise.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a team.
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet clients’ needs in a time sensitive environment
• Supports productive working relationships.

Qualifications

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

Essential

• Relevant Degree/Diploma or equivalent qualification, or relevant experience and training which enables the officer to competently perform the duties appropriate to the office.
• 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.

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Essential

• Five years pathology data entry experience
• Medical terminology experience
• Customer Service experience
• The successful applicant will need to participate in a 24 hour/7-day roster.

Desirable

• Experience in working in a pathology sendaways department
• 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:

• 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.

1. Proven ability in the supervision and training of staff and high-level experience and knowledge of data entry, distribution of pathology results and specific requirements of complex pathology tests and specimens for referral.
2. Proven ability to manage and prioritise workflow and problem solve in order to meet established deadlines whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, including regarding complex pathology specimen requirements.
3. High level oral and written communication skills with experience and proven ability in communicating and liaising effectively with a wide range of people including medical and nursing staff, pathologists, laboratory staff, clients, and senior management
4. Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of the requirements of the NPAAC guidelines and pathology NATA accreditation process as it relates to pre-analytical pathology processes, including the need for privacy and confidentiality of health information.
5. 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.