Position overview

ACT Pathology is a division of 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.

The Microbiology Department is based at the Canberra Hospital laboratory and provides a broad range of clinical diagnostic microbiology services, including bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology and parasitology. The Department actively promotes diagnostic stewardship and utilizes a range of diagnostic methods to optimize the clinical management of patients and support ACT public health, antimicrobial stewardship and hospital infection prevention and control.

The successful applicant will be working in the Microbiology laboratory based at The Canberra Hospital.

Under direction, they will be required to process patient samples for microbiological examination, run and maintain laboratory instrumentation, run quality control materials, temperature monitoring, stock control and use the laboratory information systems to complete associated tasks. The laboratory currently operates an extended-hour service 7 days a week and the successful applicant will be required to participate in the out-of-hour roster.

Key Responsibilities

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

1. Perform the day-to-day duties of your rostered work area such as receipting and sorting specimens taking into consideration urgency of test request and sample type.
2. Process samples for microbiological examination including, preparation of specimens by prescribed techniques for examination, in different sections of the microbiology laboratory.
3. Perform diagnostic and other technical tests and procedures of an established nature in your rostered work area,
4. Prepare reagents, calibrators, controls, and maintain laboratory instrumentation as required.
5. Perform routine and general laboratory duties as required, including equipment cleaning and maintenance, daily temperature checks, ordering of reagents and consumables, filing of slides and paperwork.
6. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation, including a commitment to participation in the out of hours rosters.
7. Ensure the maintenance of a clean and safe working environment in accordance with Workplace Health and Safety regulations.
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.

• Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment with a high-level of attention to detail.
• Self-motivated.
• Good written and oral communication skills and the ability to liaise with a diverse range of clients.
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet clients’ needs.

Qualifications

Essential

• An associate diploma or degree in Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent.

Desirable

• Have an understanding of National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Essential

• N/A

Desirable

• Experience in processing samples for microbiological examination in a diagnostic laboratory would be an advantage

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.
• Be available for evening, 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 and must be addressed in your application:

1. Proficiency in, or ability to acquire, handling of pathology specimens as well as performing general laboratory procedures and tasks. Experience in the use of simple laboratory equipment.
2. Proven ability to manage and prioritise workflow and perform consistently at a high-level regarding accuracy and attention to detail as pertains to the use of a pathology information system.
3. Proven ability to work as part of a team and perform a range of technical and clerical duties in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
4. Ability and commitment to participate in the rotating roster, participation in the out of hours roster and own personal development with a potential for future and ongoing development.
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.