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, seven 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.

Under broad direction from the Laboratory Manager / Chief Scientist, you will provide a key role in the day-to-day management of the Histology and Immunohistochemistry laboratories at The Canberra Hospital. This will include training and development of staff, management of resources, evaluation and implementation of new diagnostic platforms, overseeing NATA RCPA technical requirements, KPI monitoring, investigation of difficult cases, investigation of complex testing, quality control monitoring, maintaining manuals and other duties as directed.

There may be a requirement to work out of routine hours, occasional nights, weekends, public holidays and an on-call component.

Key Responsibilities

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

1. Co-ordinate the day-to-day bench level operations of the Histology and Immunohistochemistry laboratory including supervision of staff, rostering and allocation and co-ordination of duties to optimise an efficient workflow. Provide leadership in strategic planning and optimal operational management.
2. Participate in the work in Histology, particularly in the provision of guidance and expertise in the more complex investigations and/or technologies.
3. Be responsible for the review of laboratory protocols, technical procedures and automated equipment to reflect best practice and critically evaluate current developments in diagnostic testing related to Histology and contribute to new assay and technology evaluations and implementation in accordance with accreditation requirements.
4. Assist the Chief Scientist Anatomical Pathology in procurement and contract management for the department ensuring compliance with ACT Government procurement requirements.
5. Co-ordinate the Histology laboratory quality system, including internal and external technical quality assurance programs, and development and review of key performance indicators.
6. Be responsible for the training of staff, ensuring competencies are achieved, regularly reviewed and documentation completed. Engage in continuing education and professional development for staff within the Department.
7. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including involvement with continuous quality improvements and the provision of technical expertise.
8. Provide support to the Chief Scientist for human resource management, risk management policies and strategic planning. Engage in laboratory and hospital accreditation ensuring that the laboratory meets targets and assists the broader organisation to achieve all accreditation goals.
9. 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.

• Well-developed leadership skills with an emphasis on training and education.
• Strong organisational skills with strong attention to detail and a high degree of drive.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to liaise with a diverse range of clients.
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate and promote change with the ability to lead teams.
• Values-based leadership qualities, including the ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve departmental and divisional goals.

Qualifications

Essential

• A Medical Laboratory Science Degree or equivalent relevant degree.

Desirable

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience working in Anatomical Pathology laboratory with high level knowledge and understanding of Histology and Immunohistochemistry services.
• Relevant Post Graduate qualifications.
• Have an understanding of how the National Standards and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Have an understanding of National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements for this role.

Experience

Essential

• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience working professionally as a senior scientist in a clinical diagnostic Histology laboratory.

Desirable

• Ten (10) years of experience working in a clinical diagnostic Histology laboratory with specialist expertise in areas such as scientist cut up and /or immunohistochemistry.
• Experience as a technical assessor for NATA.
• 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:

• 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, Public Holidays 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. A high level of technical and scientific in-depth knowledge, skills and expertise in providing Histology diagnostic services including use and maintenance of diagnostic laboratory instrumentation, quality assurance practices and key performance indicators for a Histology laboratory. Proven ability in the implementation of new technologies and management of resources.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, accreditation and professional standards including Quality Management Systems, NPAAC requirements and NATA RCPA accreditation.
3. Proven ability to supervise a team, plan and coordinate the activities in a busy department with a capacity to foster a culture of continuous improvement and commitment to providing excellence in clinical service.
4. Experience and demonstrated ability in the assessment, training and co-ordination of staff to enhance performance and individual goals, and in the contribution to continuing education.
5. Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety 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.