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, 7 days a week all year round and Collection Centres located at seven other sites. Pathology provides diagnostic and consultative services to medical specialists and general practitioners and their patients in hospital and in the community.

Under direction, this technical role is responsible for the provision of specimen reception duties and some general laboratory technical tasks and the section of Haematology, Coagulation, and Clinical Chemistry. This technical position is required to work 24/7 shifts including evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays.

Key Responsibilities

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

Under limited direction of the Laboratory Manager, you will be required to perform procedures and other diagnostic tests in the various sections of the NCH Laboratory. You will:

1. In accordance with relevant procedures and National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) standards, sort and register all specimens received taking into consideration urgency of test request and sample type.
2. Maintain and update patient information in the laboratory information system.
3. Prepare specimens for analysis and perform simple laboratory procedures.
4. Provide an enquiry service, liaise with various medical staff and clients.
5. An understanding and commitment to continuous quality improvement and customer focus.
6. Commitment to rotation through all sections of the laboratory and mandatory participation in the out of hour’s rosters (operations include 24/7 shift rosters). Note: This includes weekends, evenings, and overnight shifts.
7. 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.

• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet clients’ needs.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Qualifications

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

Essential

• Relevant Tertiary qualification in Medical Laboratory Science and/or equivalent qualifications and a minimum of one (1) years’ experience working professionally in a pathology laboratory is preferred.

Desirable

• Highly Desirable – An associate diploma and/or certificate in Medical Laboratory Science which would enable registration or be eligible for registration with the Australian Council for the Certification of the Medical Laboratory Scientific Workforce (ACCMLSW).

Experience

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

Essential

• Relevant Tertiary qualification in Medical Laboratory Science and/or equivalent qualifications and a minimum of one (1) years’ experience working professionally in a pathology laboratory is preferred.

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.
• Have an understanding of National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements.
• The successful applicant will need to be available for weekend and after-hours work.

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 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 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.

1. Proven experience in the use of pathology computer databases and possession of keyboard skills of a high degree, including an understanding of the need for privacy and confidentiality of health information and NATA requirements as they pertain to Pathology.
2. Experience in handling pathology specimens as well as performing general laboratory procedures and tasks in a busy environment with competing demands.
3. Demonstrated communication, interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
4. Commitment to own professional 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.