Position overview

The Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine (DRSM) provides both inpatient and outpatient services to the ACT and surrounding region. The department manages approximately 1,300 in-patient admissions annually. The department receives around 2,000 referrals per year for outpatient medical clinics. Our service includes the full range of care including respiratory and sleep diagnostic investigations and therapeutic interventions, interventional bronchoscopy (including EBUS) and specialised services for sleep disorders, TB, cystic fibrosis, severe asthma, interstitial lung disease and respiratory infections. The laboratories perform approximately 2,500 tests per annum.

The Sleep Disorders Unit (SDU) provides 24-hour clinical services to adult patients for the assessment and management of sleep disorders. The SDU provides clinical services to adult (inpatients and outpatients) for the assessment and management of sleep disorders. The SDU provides a suite of services, including Level 1 and Level 2 polysomnography, vigilance testing, and positive airways pressure therapy initiation and management.

An exciting opportunity exists for a suitably qualified Sleep Scientist to join the Department’s Allied Health team, working a combination of day, evening and overnight shifts. This position requires subject matter expertise and the ability to work autonomously to conduct routine, and assist in complex, polysomnography and positive airway pressure therapy management according to procedures and published standards. The role includes supporting management of the service, involvement in the provision of education and training to staff and students. The role requires participation in, and contribution to, continual professional development of the Sleep Scientist group.

Within CHS, the sleep science profession is part of the Clinical Measurement Science (CMS) disciplines. The CMS disciplines are cardiac, neurophysiology, respiratory and sleep sciences. Scientific staff employed across CMS work under a collective vision Clinical Measurement Science professionals deliver compassionate service through collaboration and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Senior Sleep Scientist, you will perform a key role within the multidisciplinary DRSM team in the delivery of a clinical sleep service. You will:

1. Independently conduct routine and assist in complex polysomnography, and positive airways pressure therapy management according to procedures and standards for adult populations.
2. Conduct research/quality management and change management projects that have a positive impact on patient outcomes.
3. Maintain and develop evidence-based, and patient-centred clinical practice, including continuing professional development (CPD) programs within the sleep scientist group and support the development of clinical guidelines and procedures.
4. Provide clinical supervision and education to staff and students.
5. Proactively develop your own knowledge and expertise required to perform the functions of the role.
6. 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 high-level interpersonal, emotional intelligence and communication skills with ability to supervise where appropriate and foster effective professional relationships.
• Demonstrates ability to apply specialist knowledge and technical skills.
• Strong organisational skills with a high degree of drive and resilience.
• Displays adaptability and the flexibility necessary to accommodate change and provide a service which is responsive to client’s needs.
• Be accountable for monitoring emerging issues, identifying their impact on tasks, and identifying and mitigating risks that will impact on personal and team outcomes.
• Liaising with a range of stakeholders in relation to difficult or sensitive issues, and on moderately complex to complex policy, project, or operational issues.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, with a high level of verbal and written communication skills.
• Displays and advocates staff to have behaviours consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.
• A commitment to upholding patient privacy, confidentiality and ethical standards.

Qualifications

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

Essential

• Bachelor of Science/Applied Science, or equivalent.
• The successful applicant will need to be available for regular after-hours rostered shifts and work independently (based on achieving competencies) up to 12 hours overnight including weekends when required.

Desirable

• Be eligible for membership with Australia and New Zealand Sleep Science Association (ANZSSA).
• Be eligible for accreditation with the Australian Council for Clinical Physiologists (ACCP).
• Tertiary qualifications that include subjects with a focus on polysomnography and positive airways pressure therapy management or equivalent.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Specific experience includes but is not limited to the following.

Essential

• Minimum of 12 months post-qualification laboratory experience.

Desirable

• Prior laboratory experience in conducting in-laboratory polysomnography and positive airway pressure titration will be highly desirable.
• Knowledge and understanding of related principles, techniques, and practices necessary to perform the role requirements.
• Experience or knowledge of the ASA/NATA Sleep Disorders Services Accreditation Program.
• 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.
• Comply with CHS credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for allied health professionals.
• Current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.

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 understanding and experience in the theoretical, technical application and analysis involved in polysomnography and positive airways pressure therapy management.
2. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide service delivery and promote a positive team culture.
3. High level communication and interpersonal skills when liaising with all stakeholders.
4. Demonstrated commitment to continuing professional development and education, for self and others.
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.