Position overview

Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person-centred care. We provide acute, sub-acute, primary and community‐based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. More information can be found on the CHS website.

Applications are sought for a February 2027 commencement for a period of 12 months, with possible extension. To be eligible for this position you must be PGY4+ from February 2027.

This role is based in the Department of Ophthalmology at CHS, a 560 bed, tertiary-referral and trauma centre, with a full range of medical and surgical services. The Department serves 600,000 people from the ACT and regional NSW. The consultant staff comprises of six VMO's and five Staff Specialists. There are two rotating accredited Registrars, as well as an unaccredited Registrar level four, two Junior Registrars and an RMO.

Please note, accommodation is not provided as part of this position.

Key responsibilities

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

• Principal responsibilities will be the care of patients in the pathology-rich Eye Casualty, and on the wards. Opportunities exist for exposure to both outpatient and inpatient General ophthalmology.
• Research opportunities exist within The Australian National University (ANU), which conducts world-class research in the visual sciences.
• There is a 1-in-5 on-call requirement, which may be 1-in-3 at times.
• Protected teaching time is provided on a weekly basis.
• You will be independent in retinopexy and intraocular injection.
• Provide competent and efficient clinical management of the Eye patients of CHS, under the supervision and direction of (a) Consultant Medical Practitioner(s).  The clinical management includes acute admissions, in-patient care, outpatient clinics, inter-disciplinary consults and clinical handover.
• Maintain a co-operative relationship with the Emergency Department
• Maintain adequate and legible medical records, and complete discharge summaries in a timely manner.
• Contribute to clinical audit and participate in changes that improve quality and safety of patient care.
• Demonstrate commitment to training and continuing professional development including participation in relevant teaching programs, activities, and feedback opportunities, involvement in research, and teaching of junior medical staff and/or medical students
• Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation

About you

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply.

Competencies

• Performs well under stress
• Communicates well and empathises with patients
• Detail oriented and well organised; and
• Good hand-eye coordination.

Qualifications

Essential

• MBBS or equivalent
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
• Currency in Basic Life Support to be attained within three months of commencement.
• A minimum of three years full time equivalent of clinical practice as a Medical Practitioner.
• A demonstrated commitment to Ophthalmology is mandatory, and previous clinical experience in Ophthalmology is essential.

Desirable

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

1. Proven clinical experience in Ophthalmology, detailing relevant procedural skills within a Health environment. With commitment to qualifying in Ophthalmology.
2. Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, provide leadership, and work in a multidisciplinary environment.
3. A commitment to the importance and provision of teaching at all levels, including medical, nursing, scientific and allied health professional staff, both postgraduate and undergraduate.
4. 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.