Position overview

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

The Specimen Reception Department at Canberra Hospital is responsible for accurate and efficient entry of pathology requests, preparation and dispatch of patient samples and clinical trial samples, receipt and dispatch of referred test results and distribution of pathology results via telephone enquiries.

Under direction from Supervisors, Specimen Entry Operators play a key role in maintaining processes and procedures and are predominantly responsible for the registration of specimens into the laboratory information system (LIS), distribution of specimens to the required laboratory areas and answering phone queries regarding pathology samples or results. The role will require participation in a 24 hour/7-day rotating roster.

Key Responsibilities

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

1. Work effectively  as part of a team to ensure accurate and efficient pathology service and  provide a positive patient outcome.
2. In accordance with  accreditation standards and internal policy and procedures accurately enter  patient, Doctor and clinical details into the Pathology computer database.
3. In accordance with  accreditation standards and internal policy and procedures identify and handle  patient samples including prioritising urgent samples and understand specific  requirements of specialised pathology tests.
4. Provide high  quality, efficient customer focused service to medical professionals and  patients calling the ACT Pathology Results line.
5. Provide an enquiry  and test result service, liaising with various medical staff and clients.  Maintain privacy and confidentiality of patient and laboratory information.
6. Provide accurate  distribution of patient results via courier, mail, fax and electronic  download.
7. Perform COVID-19 testing as required on  GeneXpert. Basic troubleshooting and cleaning of machine.
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.

• Resolve consumer enquiries, provide information and options, and/or refer customers to the appropriate area of pathology
• Conduct data entry of pathology tests
• Develop and maintain relevant knowledge in relation to procedures and processes
• Apply professional/technical knowledge
• Have functional expertise that contributes to team goals.
• Have accountability for the completion of allocated tasks, making decisions without defines parameters relating to the area of responsibility
• Have a general understanding of the role and functions of the organisation, aware of issues that may impact allocated work tasks
• Understand and follow relevant legislation and procedures
• Work constructively as part of a team

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.
• The successful applicant will need to participate in a 24 hour/7-day roster.
• 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.
• Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in alignment to the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Experience

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

Essential

• No essential experience required

Desirable

• Pathology data entry experience
• Medical terminology experience
• Customer Service

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.
• 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 well developed oral and written communication skills, including ability to liaise with a broad range of clients via telephone, fax, and email.
2. Demonstrated ability to utilise computer programs including Microsoft Office, Word and Excel, familiarity with a laboratory information system (e.g. EPIC/Beaker) and possession of keyboard skills of a high level.
3. Proven ability to manage and prioritise workflow and perform consistently at a high-level regarding accuracy and attention to detail, including knowledge and understanding of privacy and confidentiality legislation as it pertains to health information.
4. Demonstrated ability to work effectively both individually and as a member of a team and commitment to rotate through all sections of specimen reception and participation in the out of hours rotating roster.
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.