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 Department of Dermatology manages patients of all ages with a wide range of skin diseases often in association with multiple active co-morbidities. The unit provides inpatient services and outpatient consultation services.

Applicants should have had training and experience in Dermatology with an AMC accredited postgraduate qualification in Dermatology; and current AHPRA Specialist Registration.

The successful applicant will work in a multidisciplinary clinical environment with a team of nursing and medical staff, including Australian College of Dermatologists Trainees. The successful applicant will be expected to take a role in teaching and assessment within the Australian National University (ANU) Medical School and will be involved in education and training of medical students and junior medical staff (including physician trainees). There are significant opportunities to undertake research and quality assurance projects.

Key responsibilities

Under limited direction of the Unit Director, you will perform the role of a staff specialist to provide care for patients including paediatric patients with dermatological conditions. You will:

• Provide competent and efficient clinical management of Dermatology inpatients and provide a clinical consultative service to other CHS disciplines and clinical areas
• Conduct Paediatric and Adult Dermatology outpatient clinics.
• Contribute to Dermatology Unit quality assurance, research and postgraduate teaching activities as required.
• Attend and contribute to clinical and business meetings and contribute to the clinical governance of Dermatology by undertaking clinical audit activities, clinical pathway development and demonstrating an active commitment to best clinical practice.
• Undertaking other duties as directed, within the approved scope of clinical practice ensuring the delivery of high-quality person and family centred, safe and high-quality 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

• Strong organisational skills with a high degree of drive.
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet clients’ needs.
• A commitment to practicing holistic medicine that considers and is sensitive to a patient’s unique psychological, spiritual and socioeconomic background.
• Ability to liaise effectively with staff at all levels and across disciplines.

Qualifications

Essential

• Be registered as a Specialist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Hold a Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Australasian College of Dermatologists. Or an equivalent higher specialist qualification

Desirable

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

Experience

Desirable

• Several years’ work experience in a similar role and role environment
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

For Senior Specialist we will also expect that you:

1. Have demonstrated advanced clinical experience outlined in a CV that clearly and comprehensively outlines the applicant’s professional history.
2. Have been employed at the equivalent of a Specialist Band 5 for a period of at least three years.
3. Have demonstrated their advanced ability to provide leadership to their colleagues through either clinical or administrative means.
4. Have gained demonstrable advanced experience and attained such ability in the relevant speciality that is acceptable to CHS, to justify a recommendation for advancement to Senior Specialist by the Review Panel.
5. Be able to demonstrate their ability to undertake duties and responsibilities deemed by CHS as those expected of a Senior Specialist.
6. Be able to demonstrate that they are performing at a level consistent with this competency framework.

Please note prior to commencement successful candidates will be required to:

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances.

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Obtain and maintain Canberra Health Services Credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for medical professionals.

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. - Requirements for fractional on-call will be subject to clinical operational requirements and will be negotiated at the time of appointment on an individual basis.
• Approval for second job will need to be submitted annually. Commitment to second job must not impact on the agreed clinical duties of the specialist at Canberra Hospital.
• 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 and experience.

1. Proven clinical experience, skills and attributes that will complement those of the Department of Dermatology specialist team to meet the needs of Dermatology patients and Canberra Health Services.
2. Demonstrated high level interpersonal skills as well as the ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment to foster a culture of open communication.
3. Demonstrated commitment to teaching, training and research at all levels and for all staff including Medical Officers, Nursing, Allied Health and the public.
4. Demonstrated commitment to clinical governance relevant to the practice of acute hospital medicine including but not limited to audits, research, education and training.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful and kind.

Where possible include specific examples of your work.

For consideration at the Senior Specialist level, you will require the above and:

1. Clinical: Show advanced clinical expertise in their speciality area, which may include the ability to work without supervision, as recognised by their peers.
2. Safety and Quality: Provide leadership through:
   1. a demonstrated ability to be effective in leading safety and quality activities, including experience relevant to specialist college accreditation
   2. providing senior medical input to the safety and quality activities of the medical unit and clinical division, and
   3. participating actively in specialist college accreditation, as overseen by the Australian Medical Council.
3. Teaching: Provide senior input using demonstrated experience in the development and provision of teaching and training at CHS and services in the surrounding region.
4. Research: Undertake speciality-specific research and/or have relevant publications of research in a respected health or medical journal.
5. Administrative functions: Support the medical unit director in the administration of the unit and provide senior medical input to the development of policies and practices of the unit.

Senior Specialist applicants must also provide two detailed supporting statements from referees including:

1. A supporting statement from the relevant medical unit director or equivalent, attesting to:
   1. the applicant’s ability to work at a senior level in the relevant unit or department,
   2. compliance with CHS policy and guidance documents, and
   3. behaviour consistent with CHS’ values
2. A supporting statement from a second referee who is a Senior Specialist.

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.