Position overview

ACT Pathology is a division of the Canberra Hospital and Health Service offering a diagnostic Pathology service to the ACT and surrounding region.

The laboratory operates 24 hours, seven days a week, offering a wide range of testing procedures over two campuses. The main laboratory is located at the Canberra Hospital and branch laboratory is located at the North Canberra Hospital.

An additional ACT Pathology Allowance, if applicable as defined in the ACT Public Sector Health Professional Enterprise Agreement, Section C.

Key Responsibilities

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

1. Assist the Quality Manager in the monitoring and maintenance of a Quality Management System, relevant Australian Standards or regulations, other Canberra Health Services policies, and internal policies to ACT Pathology.
2. Perform, coordinate and monitor an internal audit schedule which meets the requirements of the Quality Management System.
3. Provide assistance to all departments within ACT Pathology in the management of nonconformities, incidents, risks, quality improvement activities and review of processes and operations.
4. Support the Quality Manager to maintain a document control system including review, activation and distribution of documentation.
5. Under the direction of the Quality Manger, assist with the supervision and training of junior members of the quality team, and provide training to other ACT Pathology staff in the use of the Quality Management System and Document Control procedures.
6. Provide support to the Quality Manager and departmental managers in ongoing ACT Pathology accreditation NATA/RCPA activities and for activities required to support Canberra Health Services accreditation.
7. Monitor, review and evaluate quality and performance indicators, maintain records and submit data to management and relevant external authorities.
8. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.

• Strong organisational skills with a high degree of drive.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to liaise with a diverse range of clients.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet client needs.

Qualifications

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications (or equivalent) in Medical Laboratory Science or a health-related field
• Have an understanding of National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• 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

• Not applicable

Experience

Essential

• Experience working within Quality Management in Pathology or a health-related field

Desirable

• 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.

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 and must be addressed in your application:

1. Demonstration of comprehensive knowledge and application of quality management systems and quality improvement programs to improve service delivery in the context of contemporary health service policy issues as relates to pathology laboratories.
2. Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of current standards, regulations and guidelines against which NATA/RCPA accreditation is carried out as applying to pathology laboratories, and Commonwealth and jurisdictional legislative requirements for diagnostic pathology laboratories.
3. Demonstrated use of software including laboratory information systems, quality management software, document control software and Microsoft Office to compile reports, investigate incidents and non-conformances and monitor key performance indicators.
4. High level of organisational skills and self-motivation with the ability to prioritise tasks to meet required deadlines and goals. Excellent communication skills both oral and written to all levels of an organization, including drafting and reviewing policies, procedures, reports and recommendations. Ability to work effectively both individually and as a member of a team.
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.