Position overview

ACT Pathology is a division of Canberra Health Services with laboratories located at both the Canberra Hospital and Calvary Public Hospital operating 24 hours, 7 days a week all year round and Collection Centers located at eight other sites. Pathology provides diagnostic and consultative services to medical specialists and general practitioners and their patients in hospital and in the community.
The Molecular Pathology and Infectious Serology Laboratory is a tertiary facility performing highly complex time-consuming investigations in the areas of Molecular Microbiology and infectious serology.
The successful applicant will be required to work in the evening, on public holidays and/or overnight and weekends.

Key Responsibilities

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

1. Sort specimens taking into consideration urgency of test request and sample type.
2. Prepare reagents, calibrators, controls, and maintain laboratory instrumentation as required.
3. Take part in the application of approved quality control procedures as directed.
4. Prepare specimens for analysis and perform simple laboratory procedures.
5. Organise and monitor the schedule for external quality assurance (EQA) specimens, ensuring timely analysis and tracking of results for submission.
6. Perform routine and general laboratory duties as required including recording of temperatures, maintenance tasks, storage and disposal of specimens and maintenance of consumable stock levels.
7. Ensure the maintenance of a clean and safe working environment in accordance with Workplace Health and Safety regulations.
8. Commitment to participation in the out of hours rosters as required.
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.

• Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change while delivering responsive services to meet client needs.
• Self-motivated with strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to liaise effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a dynamic environment.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Strong attention to detail; reliable and punctual.
• Proficient in the use of computer systems, including Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software as required.

Qualifications

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

Essential

• Certificate III/IV in Laboratory Techniques, or

Diploma in Laboratory Technology, or a relevant science degree.

Desirable

• Relevant Medical Laboratory Science Bachelor or equivalent qualifications.
• 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

• Experience in a diagnostic pathology laboratory/ Molecular Pathology / Infectious serology or related field.

Desirable

• Prior experience in molecular pathology and/or infectious serology services is highly 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.
• Supply minimum of two referees willing to be contacted.
• Supply certified copy of qualifications.

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 ability to work as part of a team and perform a range of technical and clerical duties in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
2. Proven ability to perform consistently at a high level in regard to accuracy and attention to detail including storage system, following up on QAP, QC, temperature monitoring and use of a pathology information system.
3. Experience in handling pathology specimens as well as performing general laboratory procedures and tasks. Experience in the use of simple laboratory equipment.
4. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, teamwork skills, and situational management.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence 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.