Role description
HSQ210542
Staff Specialist /
Senior Staff Specialist1
Classification
L18 - L24 & L25 – L27
Salary
$162,802 - $189,106 &
$194,686 - $206,416 per
annum plus entitlements
(See footnote)
Status
Permanent Full-time
(1.0 FTE)
Closing date
27 June 2016
Unit/Branch
Forensic and Scientific
Services, Community and
Scientific Support
Commercialised
Business Unit
HSQ
Contact name
Dr Lee Smythe
Managing Scientist,
Public and Environmental
Health Forensic and
Scientific Services
Location
Forensic and Scientific
Services and Central
Laboratories
Contact number
(07) 32749064
Job ad reference
Role title
If you have difficulties applying online, please contact HSQ Recruitment on (07) 3166 5106 or (07) 3166 5208.
Vision for the public service
To be a government of the 21st century, one government that is connected and working together to
deliver smarter, simpler outcomes that are responsive to the needs of Queenslanders now and for the
future. We will create opportunities in partnership that are all about positive outcomes rather than just
service delivery and regulation.
To enable this vision, the Queensland Public Service (QPS) is transforming from a compliance focus to a
more values-led way of working. The following five values statements underpin behaviours that will
support and enable better ways of working and result in better outcomes for Queenslanders.
 Customers first: Know your customers. Deliver what matters. Make decisions with empathy.
 Ideas into action: Challenge the norm and suggest solutions. Encourage and embrace new ideas.
Work across boundaries.
 Unleash potential: Expect greatness. Lead and set clear expectations. Seek, provide and act on
feedback.
1
The starting pay-point within the scale from L18 to L27 is determined by the years elapsed since specialist registration as a pathologist. The
four additional tiers of remuneration will be advised separately.
 Be courageous: Own your actions, successes and mistakes. Take calculated risks. Act with
transparency.
 Empower People: Lead, empower and trust. Play to everyone’s strengths. Develop yourself and
those around you.
Your opportunity
 To carry out the duties of a Clinical Microbiologist in both public health laboratory and clinical
laboratory settings, together with related teaching, research and administration, serving the people of
Queensland and promoting the welfare of patients and the general community.
Your role
 Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in accordance with QPS values as outlined above.
 Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in accordance with Queensland Public Service (QPS) values as
outlined above. The position reports to the Executive Director for specific duties at FSS
 The position reports to the State Director of Microbiology for specific duties at PQ.
Clinical Practice
Perform site-specific duties at Forensic and Scientific Services (FSS) as directed below :
 Support the provision of timely, efficient, cost effective diagnostic services.
 Collaborate with laboratory scientific and technical staff to ensure service excellence.
 Perform site-specific duties at Forensic and Scientific Services including:
–
Provide advice to support the validation of tests for existing and emergent pathogens.Review of all
reactive serology, detection of specific nucleic acid and typing of bacteria and viruses
– Review internal and external quality proficiency testing data.
– Liaison with scientific staff, clinicians and public health medical officers regarding interpretation of
results and the need for additional testing
 The position will be required for duties at PQ for one out of every eight weeks.
 Perform site-specific duties at the Pathology Queensland (PQ) Central Laboratory on the duty/on-call
consultant roster including:
– A daily laboratory round of serology, molecular diagnostic unit and bacteriology benches when
rostered
– Follow up of critical cases and provision of clinical advice when consulted
– Validation and/or review of significant culture reports and serology and molecular results
– Advice on susceptibility reporting and interpretation of results
– Ensuring urgent public health notification of conditions listed in Schedule 2 of the Public Health
Regulation 2005
 Provide advice on laboratory aspects of public health policies, testing protocols and interpretive
criteria for emerging infections including novel viral pathogens and on the efficient use of laboratory
resources including new technologies to support control of outbreaks of communicable diseases in
the community.
 Provide, maintain and support clinical excellence within the service.
- 2 of 6 -
 Participate in Discipline specific activities as relevant to the Department/Unit.
Clinical Governance
 Actively contribute to ensure that the service is fully accredited.
 Undertake clinical audits, review and evaluate test results and quality assurance results as directed.
 Comply with organisational controls to identify and manage risk.
 Participate in audit, teaching and research programs and projects as directed.
 Assist with implementation of diagnostic and scientific workload systems including a management
reporting module.
Education & Research
 Participate in the Continuous Professional Development Program on the Royal College of
Pathologists of Australasia or equivalent.
 Foster and participate in research and development activities in keeping with the aims of the service
 Participate in teaching activities that directly support defined objectives of the service and professional
wellbeing of staff.
 Support education and training programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
 Provide registrars and others working in the Department/Unit with appropriate training and instruction
in accordance with professional standards.
Professional Behaviour & Communication
 Develop and maintain professional working relationship with clients, stakeholders and staff through
effective communication.
 Deliver, promote and maintain patient and customer focussed services.
 Role model professional values including the five Queensland Health Core Values.
 Maintain stable performance and a calm attitude under pressure.

Mandatory qualifications/professional registration/other requirements
 Appointment to this position requires proof of qualification and/or registration with the appropriate
registration authority, including any necessary endorsements, to be provided to the employing service
prior to the commencement of service.
Mandatory qualification
 The applicant must be a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia or equivalent and
be eligible for registration as a Medical Specialist in Microbiology with the Australian Health
Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Desirable qualifications
 Subspecialisation in virology and/or a post-graduate qualification in public health.
- 3 of 6 -
How you will be assessed?
You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate the following key capabilities, knowledge and
experience. Within the context of the responsibilities described above under ‘Your role’, the ideal
applicant will be someone who can demonstrate the following:
 Demonstrated contemporary knowledge, skills and ability in Microbiology and high level of
professionalism required in the position, especially objectivity.
 Demonstrated high level interpersonal and communication skills necessary for all aspects of the
position.
 Demonstrated skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to conduct relevant training, teaching,
research, investigation, analysis and management.
Your application
Please provide the following information to the panel to assess your suitability:
 Your current CV or resume, including the names and contact details of two referees. Referees
should have a thorough knowledge of your capabilities, work performance and conduct within the
previous two years, and it is preferable to include your current/immediate/past supervisor
 A short statement (maximum 2 pages) on how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal
qualities are relevant for the role, taking into account the key responsibilities and attributes noted in
the ‘How you will be assessed?’ section.
Your employer— Health Support Queensland
Health Support Queensland (HSQ) is an organisational Division of the Department of Health and delivers
a range of support services to enable the delivery of frontline health services. HSQ provides services to
all Queensland Hospital and Health Services (HHSs), to other government agencies and to commercial
clients.
The current services provided by HSQ include: pathology services , procurement and logistics for health
related equipment, products and services, biomedical technology services, forensic and scientific
services, linen and laundry services, medicines management, 13HEALTH , radiology support and
payroll.
HSQ has a staff complement of approximately 4,000 full-time equivalents (FTEs) and has an operating
budget of approximately $900 million for the financial year 14/15. HSQ handles the procurement of
approximately $1 billion worth of goods on behalf of the Queensland public health system.
The Chief Executive is accountable for the day-to-day operation and performance of HSQ. The HSQ
Advisory Board has been established to assist the Chief Executive and the Director-General,
Department of Health in setting the strategic direction of HSQ.
Additional information
 Permanent and temporary vacancies longer than 12 months remain current for 12 months OR
Temporary vacancies less than 12 months remain current for vacancy duration
 Future vacancies of a temporary, full-time and part-time nature may also be filled through this
recruitment process.
- 4 of 6 -
 Pre-employment screening, including criminal history and discipline history checks, may be
undertaken on persons recommended for employment. Roles providing health, counselling and
support services mainly to children will require a blue card, unless otherwise exempt.
 Employees who are permanently appointed to Queensland Health may be required to undertake a
period of probation appropriate to the appointment.
 All relevant health professionals, who in the course of their duties formulate a reasonable suspicion
that a child or youth has been abused or neglected in their home/community environment, have a
legislative and a duty of care obligation to immediately report such concerns to Child safety services,
Department of Communities.
 Applicants will be required to give a statement of their employment as a lobbyist
(http://www.psc.qld.gov.au/publications/assets/policies/lobbyist-disclosure-policy.pdf) within one month of
taking up the appointment.
 Applicants may be required to disclose any current pre-existing illness or injury which may impact on
their ability to perform the role. Details are available in section 571 of the Workers’ Compensation and
Rehabilitation Act 2003 (http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/fair-and-safe-work/workers-compensation-andrehabilitation/workers-compensation-and-rehabilitation-legislation/workers-compensation-and-rehabilitation-act2003).
 Employees of Health Support Queensland are to actively participate in a working environment
supporting quality human resource management practices including employment equity, antidiscrimination, occupational health and safety and ethical behaviour.
- 5 of 6 -
Organisational Chart
- 6 of 6 -