Position overview

ACT Pathology is a division of the Canberra Health Services with laboratories located at both the Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital operating 24 hours, 7 days a week all year round and Collection Centres located at seven other sites. Pathology provides diagnostic and consultative services to medical specialists and general practitioners and their patients in hospital and in the community.

Under direction of the Chief Scientist of Chemical Pathology and Immunopathology and Supervising Scientist Chemical Pathology the successful applicant will be responsible for the supervision of the Routine Chemistry section of the Chemical Pathology Department and the management of the Abbott Alinity c and I module analysers, the GLP track and other instrumentation.  The successful applicant will liaise with the leadership team (Clinical Directors, Directors, Chief Scientists and Supervising Scientists) to provide leadership, strategic planning and optimal operational management at the Canberra and North Canberra Hospitals.

There may also be a requirement to work on-call, weekends and public holidays.

Key Responsibilities

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

1. Under the direction of the Chief Scientist of Chemical Pathology and Immunopathology and Supervising Scientist Chemical Pathology be responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the Routine Chemistry subsection, providing leadership in strategic planning and optimal operation management.
2. Assist in formulating and implementing operational policies and procedures for the Routine Chemistry subsection on technical matters, service delivery and safety issues, ensuring consistency and conformity with ACT Pathology’s overall policies.
3. As directed by the Chief Scientist and Supervising Scientist monitor quality control procedures, maintain laboratory equipment and laboratory manuals to accreditation standards, motivate and train staff.
4. Participate in the work of the laboratory, particularly in the performance of more complex investigations.
5. Advise clinicians on the provision and interpretations of tests where required.
6. As directed by the Supervising Scientist monitor, review and evaluate quality and performance indicators for the section.
7. Commitment to own personal development and continuous quality improvement.
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.

To be successful in this position, it is expected that the successful candidate will have the following attributes:

• Adaptability and Flexibility to accommodate and lead change
• High level evaluation and analysis skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work as an individual and as part of a team

Qualifications

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

Essential

• A Science Degree or equivalent relevant qualification

Desirable

• Relevant Post Graduate or professional qualification would be an advantage.

Experience

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

Essential

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a Diagnostic Laboratory
• 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

• Experience as a senior scientist in Chemical Pathology
• Well-developed leadership skills with an emphasis on training and education.
• Strong organisational skills with a high degree of drive.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Please note prior to commencement successful candidates will be required to:

• 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 the 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.

Your statement of claims against the selection criteria should summarise how your skills and experiences would enable you to fulfil the responsibilities of the position.  It is therefore in the interests of candidates to present their application in a way that demonstrates significant outcomes associated with each of the criteria, as well as the capabilities and behaviours that underpin them.

(Please note it is not necessary to address the capabilities and behaviours individually)

1. Demonstrated ability to manage the day-to-day operations of a Diagnostic Laboratory, with an ability to plan, allocate, co-ordinate and lead staff.
2. Knowledge of and recent experience in the performance of Routine Chemistry and/or Endocrinology tests including complex investigations, the use and maintenance of Diagnostic Laboratory instrumentation and techniques and quality control procedures.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of accreditation requirements relevant to a clinical Diagnostic Laboratory.
4. Demonstrated ability to train staff, provide leadership and communicate as a team player.  Commitment to your own personal development and an ability to support research projects.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) 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.