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 the 2027 clinical year, commencing February 2027 for a period of 12 months, with possible extension. To be eligible to apply for this position, you must be PGY3+ by February 2027.

The Canberra Hospital’s Neurosurgical Department deals with the full range of adult Neurosurgical conditions. The faculty currently includes six consultant Neurosurgeons, two SET trainees, three unaccredited registrars / senior resident medical officers and three JMOs. There is a dedicated Neurosurgical ward (which includes a high dependency area). Approximately 600 surgical cases are performed annually.

In addition to dealing with the full range of elective and acute clinical Neurosurgery, there is an excellent teaching program. Many former unaccredited Neurosurgical registrars have been successful in entering formal vocational SET training. There is opportunity to gain experience in operative surgery.

Key responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following, under the supervision of senior clinicians:

• Provide competent and efficient clinical management of patients of Canberra Health Services under the supervision and direction of Consultant Medical Practitioners. The clinical management includes acute admissions, in-patient care, outpatient clinics, inter -disciplinary consults and clinical handover
• Participate in the supervision, training and professional development of junior medical staff.
• Demonstrate progress in training in the specialty including participation in the relevant teaching program and activities, timely completion of assessments and involvement in research
• Demonstrates a commitment to learning by teaching, supervision and participation in assessments of medical students, junior doctors, nursing staff and allied health staff both in our department and associated areas
• 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
• Contribute to clinical audit and participate in changes that improve quality and safety of patient care;
• Maintain adequate and legible medical record and ensure that the clinical team completes discharge summaries and other written documentation such as referral letters and outpatient clinic letters in a timely manner
• Integrates and applies surgical knowledge, clinical skills and professional behaviour in the provision of patient care. Demonstrates cultural competence and cultural safety, accepting that unprofessional conduct affects patient care and outcomes.
  • demonstrates medical skills and expertise
  • monitors and evaluates patient care
  • demonstrates a patient centered approach to quality, risk and safety
• Maintain co-operative relationship throughout the team and with other departments including the Emergency Department, Anaesthetics and Rehabilitation teams to name a few; and
• 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

• Strong organisational skills incorporating collaboration and teamwork
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills
• Health advocacy with capacity to identify and respond to the health needs and expectations of patients, families, carers and members of the health team
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and demonstrate sound judgement and clinical decision making to provide excellent patient care
• Demonstrate cultural competence and safety
• Leading, providing direction, promoting high standards, matching resources to demand for services, and showing respect for all members of staff. Encourages leadership across all levels of the team
• Demonstrates high level of professionalism

Qualifications

Essential

• MBBS or equivalent
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
• Has completed the equivalent of at least two years of relevant full time clinical experience

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. Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to liaise effectively with other health professionals.
2. Demonstrated ability to ensure timely completion of assessments, learning and professional development requirements and completion of research commitments.
3. 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.