Position overview

The Infrastructure and Health Support Services Division is responsible for facilities and asset management, delivery of capital and minor projects, and infrastructure services, support, and operations. The Sterilising Services section is embedded within this Division.

Sterilising Services provides Sterilising Services to Canberra Hospital (CHS), including the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, North Canberra Hospital (NCH), and some private clinics within the ACT and surrounding areas of NSW by cleaning, disinfecting and Sterilising Reusable Medical Devices (RMDs). Sterilising Services provides reprocessing of RMD, purchasing, instrument repairs and maintenance.

Sterilising Services is organised into the following functional areas:

• Sterilising Services Unit at CHS, including management and administration
• Sterilising Unit at NCH
• Central Reprocessing Unit (CRU) at the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit at CHS

Sterilising Services HSO positions are broad banded. Upon successful completion of a Certificate III in Sterilising (HLT37015) and a minimum of three years working in a Sterilising unit. HSO Level 3 employees will progress to HSO Level 4. Upon successful completion of a Certificate 4 in Sterilising (HTL47015) or Certificate 4 Leadership and Management BSB40215), and relevant performance competency assessments, HSO Level 4 employees will be progressed to HSO Level 5.

Key Responsibilities

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

1. Under limited direction of the Team Leaders, you will participate in performing the reprocessing of RMD. You will:
2. Decontaminate, inspect, pack, and sterilise RMDs in accordance with AS/NZS 5369:2023 sterilising requirements, the National Safety and Quality in Health Care Standard and infection control guidelines, including performing environmental cleaning, instrument laser marking, quality assurance tests and driving the truck between Sterilising Services sites.
3. Use a computerised tracking system for all stages of processing, including troubleshooting issues, add/update instrument sets, manually add items to the washer or steriliser batch and approve/disapprove items or load via the Admin Module, fill customer orders and answer enquiries regarding location of instruments and other tasks within T-DOC as required.
4. Conduct audits, including analysing and documenting results. Complete and maintain accurate up to date documentation for all areas of Sterilising Services.
5. Identify report and recommend appropriate remedial action on any deficiencies in operation of production area including incident reporting and any deficiencies in quality standards to the Team Leaders.
6. Participate in education and training, including completing on the job competencies and Performance Management Plan and conduct on-the-job training and in-servicing for all staff as required, including conducting competency assessments, and completing associated documentation.
7. Promote and contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives throughout the workplace. Assist to review Sterilising Services policies and procedures in the Quality Management System (QMS).
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.

• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet clients’ needs.
• Strong organisational skills with a high degree of drive.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

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

Essential

• HSO 4 – Certificate III in Sterilising (HLT37015) and a minimum three years working in a sterilising unit are mandatory to be employed at this level.
• HSO 5 - Certificate III in Sterilising (HLT37015) and IV in Sterilising Services (HTL47015), or Certificate III in Sterilising (HLT37015) and Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (BSB40215); and a minimum of five years working in a sterilising unit are mandatory to be employed at this level.

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

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

Essential

• A current C class driver’s license is mandatory as this position may include the requirement to drive vehicles up to a max 4.5 tonnes Gross.
• Experience working in a Sterilising Unit

Desirable

• 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 competency standards.
• This position involves participating in a rotating roster. The rotating shift roster will require the employee to work all shifts within a 24 hour/7 days per week roster. This position also involves working across all Sterilising Services’ sites (Canberra Hospital including the Central Reprocessing Unit and North Canberra Hospital.

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 knowledge of AS/NZS 5369:2023, National Safety and Quality in Health Care Standard, Infection Control guidelines, Gastroenterological Nurses College of Australia Guidelines, and other relevant standards.
2. Demonstrated experience in, reusable medical device (RMD) reprocessing and auditing processes, including cleaning, disinfection, inspection, and functionality testing, packing and sterilisation of standard RMDs, flexible endoscopes and orthopaedic loan RMDs.
3. Demonstrated effective organisational and communication skills, both written and oral, with demonstrated ability to effectively liaise with stakeholders.
4. Demonstrated ability to provide on-the-job education and training to staff, including conducting competency assessments and completing relevant documentation with a proven ability to mentor staff, work independently and demonstrate leadership within a team working environment whilst promoting a positive working culture.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays’ behaviors 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.