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 PGY7+ 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.

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.
• Provide competent and efficient clinical management of Eye patients of CHS under the supervision and direction of (a) Consultant Medical Practitioner(s). The clinical management includes acute admissions, Inpatient care, Outpatient clinics, inter-disciplinary consults, clinical handover and procedural intervention.
• Department as well as work within and support the multidisciplinary clinical team.
• Participate in and oversee the Eye Casualty and AMD Clinics as well as participating in the supervision, training and professional development of junior medical staff in the Department of Ophthalmology and main Emergency Department.
• Demonstrate progress in training in Ophthalmology, including participation in 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.
• Maintain adequate and legible medical records and ensure that the clinical team completes discharge summaries in a timely manner.
• 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
• Comply with the policies and requirements of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the policies of the CHS. This includes the promotion and application of workplace relations, workplace equity and diversity and workplace safety; 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 with a high degree of drive;
• Adaptability, flexibility and resilience to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet patients’ needs; and
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

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 seven years full time equivalent of clinical practice as a Medical Practitioner.
• Extensive previous clinical experience in Ophthalmology is essential

Desirable

• Relevant credentials such as International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) recognition.
• Retinal experience would be well regarded
• 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.