Position overview

ACT Pathology is a division of CHS 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 sites across Canberra. 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 within ACT Pathology 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 the direction of the Specimen Reception Manager and Specimen Reception Supervisors, you will play a key role in providing evening supervision of staff, assist with training and provide troubleshooting assistance for all enquiries from 12pm to 8pm. The role may require participation in a 24 hour/7-day rotating roster as operationally required.

Key Responsibilities

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

1. Provide leadership and assist in the training and supervision of staff in the correct handling and processing of pathology specimens ensuring adherence to policy and procedures, arriving at the Department, assist with completing staff competencies and performance evaluations.
2. Provide support in the completion of staff competencies and performance appraisals.
3. Perform routine work of the department and maintain knowledge of specific requirements of specialised pathology tests and sendaway samples with rotation through all sections of Department involving participation in shift work, after-hours work and out of hours rosters.
4. Work effectively as part of a team encouraging and displaying the values of CHS enabling a positive workplace culture and high-quality patient outcomes.
5. Contribute to the development of new and modifications of existing policies and procedures for the provision of laboratory support services.
6. Ensure compliance to 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.
7. Liaise with clients and internal and external stakeholders for the provision of a successful pathology service, including supporting the Specimen Reception Team Leaders as required.
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:

• Possess technical skills, knowledge and experience to maintain, monitor and troubleshoot specimen procedures and processes.
• Knowledge of out-of-hours procedures.
• Maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure priorities are met.
• Possess the professional judgement to seek and utilise specialist advice when required.
• Resolve consumer enquiries, provide information and options, and/or refer customers to the appropriate area of pathology.
• Understand and follow relevant legislation and procedures.
• Possess functional expertise that contributes to departmental goals.
• Have a developed understanding of the role and functions of the organisation and be aware of issues that may impact allocated work tasks.

Qualifications

Essential

• N/A

Desirable

• Tertiary qualifications in Medical Laboratory Science or other relevant science related field.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a clinical diagnostic service.
• Experience in working with the DHR.

Desirable

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

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. Experience and proven ability in the day‑to‑day procedures of a pathology specimen reception service including knowledge and understanding of specific requirements of routine and complex pathology tests and specimens for referral.
2. Demonstrated ability in the supervision and training of staff with the ability to prioritise and delegate tasks in a busy working environment.
3. Well-developed communication skills and the ability to liaise with a variety of stakeholders.
4. Knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the NPAAC guidelines and pathology NATA accreditation process as it relates to pre-analytical pathology processes.
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.