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.

The Chemical Pathology Department within ACT Pathology at Canberra Hospital is a busy general unit, providing public hospital services for the entire ACT, as well as substantial private and community outpatient services.

This position is for a period of 12 months. Appointment may be based on CV and references only.

The successful applicants will be expected to be able to develop appropriate knowledge and technical skills to fulfil the requirements of the RCPA for training in Chemical Pathology. The Department strongly supports the registrar in the development of their laboratory skills, and therefore provides significant rostered time in the laboratory. Trainees will gain training in general clinical chemistry, as required in a general tertiary and trauma hospital with opportunities to learn skills including those of molecular pathology. The laboratory has a particular interest in Endocrinology and the position would also be suited for a joint trainee in Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology or an Endocrine trainee seeking further clinical chemistry experience which may count towards a non-clinical year.  Opportunity exists for trainees to spend time on rotations to specialty laboratories, such as those serving large paediatric hospitals.

There is close involvement with the ANU Medical School and research, and teaching are encouraged.

Key responsibilities

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

• Develop expertise and skills in clinical chemistry, including automation, immunoassay, electrophoresis and molecular pathology, through experience in all areas of laboratory bench work.
• Provide clinical support and expertise to the scientific laboratory staff in clinical chemistry, immunoassay and molecular pathology.
• Liaise with hospital staff and general practitioners with respect to testing, interpretation of results and management advice for patients with suspected or proven disease.
• Participate in regular clinical services (1 - 2 defined sessions per week), the area to be negotiated with supervisor in Chemical Pathology and clinical area of interest.
• Participate in the supervision, training and professional development of junior medical staff and medical students.
• Demonstrate progress in training in the specialty including participation in the relevant teaching programs and activities, timely completion of assessments and involvement in research.
• Contribute to clinical audit and participate in changes that improve quality and safety of patient care.
• 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

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to liaise with various health care professionals
• High level of organisational skills
• Proven ability to work within a team environment
• Strong personal drive for continuing education
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful and kind.

Qualifications

Essential

• MBBS or equivalent
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
• Must be PGY5+ at the time of application

Desirable

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• 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, Clinical Governance Framework, Partnering for 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.

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. Demonstrated knowledge in general medicine and pathology with an interest in Clinical Chemistry.
2. High level of communication skills and demonstrated ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
3. Experience in and enthusiasm for teaching.
4. Commitment to self education and ongoing professional development.  Interest in research and quality assurance.
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.