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 an immediate commencement for a period of six to 18 months with possible extension. To be eligible to apply, you must be PGY4+.

The Department of Paediatrics and Child Health is the principal centre for children’s medical and surgical services in the ACT. There is a large and energetic inpatient department for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine and Paediatric Surgery. The outpatient department has been developed to reflect current out-patient models of care and gives trainees broad exposure to a range of general and subspecialty paediatric surgery, including paediatric urology, paediatric neonatal surgery, paediatric thoracic surgery, and paediatric general surgery. The department also provides an innovative teaching program for students from the Australian National University Medical School. The department is staffed by one Staff Specialist and four Visiting Medical Specialists. There is currently one Registrar who is accredited for training by RACS.

The successful applicant will support the specialists and the accredited registrar in provision of a safe and efficient service by participating in ward rounds, outpatient clinics, education, and audit meetings. Whilst priority will be given to the accredited registrar for access to the operating theatres as part of the training requirements, the successful candidate will also be given opportunities to participate in operating theatre sessions from time to time as required.

The on-call commitment is expected to be one in four, with prospective cover for Paediatric Surgery, with registrars from the General Surgery pool contributing to the on-call roster.  There is no expectation to provide cover for the General Surgery on call roster.

Key responsibilities

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

• Maintain co-operative relationships with the Neonatal, Paediatric and Emergency Departments
• Participate in the supervision, training and professional development of junior medical staff and medical students.
• Work within and support the multidisciplinary clinical team.  Participate in the after-hours roster.
• Demonstrate progress in training in the specialty including participation in relevant teaching programs and activities, and timely completion of assessments.
• Demonstrate commitment to training and continuing professional development including participation in relevant teaching programs, activities, and feedback opportunities,
• 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.
• 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 and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet clients’ need

Qualifications

Essential

• MBBS or equivalent
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
• Advanced Paediatric Life Support or equivalent
• Have completed the equivalent of at least three 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.
• 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.
• 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 advanced clinical abilities and commitment in Paediatric Surgery.
2. Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to liaise effectively with other health professionals. Basic computer skills.
3. Demonstrated enthusiasm for and abilities in teaching
4. Demonstrated commitment to further education and professional development.
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.