Classification Code: TGO 0/1
Discipline Code: Surgical Pathology
Type of Appointment
 Permanent
 Temporary
 Other
Term
Term
Directorate: Surgical Pathology, FMC; SA Pathology
Site: Flinders Medical Centre
Section
Surgical Pathology, FMC
All excluding Executive Positions
CEO/Delegate
Executive Positions
Date
Commissioner for Public Employment
Date
1. Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to organisation goals
(Its expected outcome and how it is achieved

To perform routine diagnostic laboratory functions in all areas of the discipline of Surgical Pathology including: specimen reception; the preparation and analysis of specimens using a range of standardised techniques; the dispatch of specimens; the maintenance of laboratory chemicals and supplies.

Assist in more specialised laboratory procedures.

Attend clinical procedures for collection of specimens.

Participate in the provision of mortuary and autopsy services.
2. Reporting/Working Relationship
(To whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is responsible and other significant connections and Working relationships within the organization)
Supervisor Reports to:
Supervisor’s Position:
Subject Position:
Positions Supervised:
Laboratory Manager, Surgical Pathology FMC
Relevant laboratory supervisor, Surgical Pathology
Technical Officer, Surgical Pathology
Directly:
Indirectly:
None
None
Other Positions Reporting to the Supervisor:
One or more Technical Officers and/or scientists depending on location.
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3. Special Conditions
(To whom the person reports, and to whom the person is responsible and other significant connections and working Relationships within the organization)

Depending on work requirements the appointee may be transferred to other locations within the
Institute to perform work of a similar nature appropriate to the classification either on a permanent or temporary basis.

The incumbent is initially required to work a five (5) day roster in the department of Surgical
Pathology located at the Flinders Medical Centre. However, subject to operational requirements and service delivery needs the incumbent may be required to work other rosters, including a seven (7) day 24 hour rotating shift roster, with full and split shifts.

Some out-of-hours work will be required at short notice, and willingness to participate in an on-call roster subject to operational requirements. Willingness to cover staff absences at short notice.

The incumbent will be required to undertake a health assessment prior to commencement and employment will be subject to this assessment. The successful incumbent will be required to participate in an Individual Performance Review and Development program.

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Report obtained through the Screening and
Licensing Branch, Dept Families & Communities, to be renewed every three years thereafter from date of issue.
4. Statement of Key Outcomes and Associated Activities
(Group into major areas of responsibility/activity and list in descending order of importance)
As directed by the relevant Laboratory Supervisor, participate in a rostered system of duties that require the incumbent, depending on training and experience, to undertake a range of routine laboratory functions, including:

Receive and prepare specimens for diagnostic examination, according to standard procedures.

Operate, monitor and maintain laboratory instruments, including arranging for minor repairs.

Prepare reagents and ensure that supplies of reagents and consumables are always available.

Attend clinical procedures for collection of specimens.

Perform specimen reception duties.

Perform duties in the Department of Surgical Pathology on a rotational basis.

Participate in the provision of mortuary and autopsy services.

Ensure that a high standard of technical performance is achieved and maintained.

Provide technical verification of test results.

Ensure the confidentiality of laboratory results.

Participate in quality control programmes and meetings.

Undertake routine laboratory housekeeping duties.

Assist with the training of staff and students.

Develop multidisciplinary skills as required through rotation between laboratories.

Assist with approved research and development.

Ensure that all work is performed in accordance with current Occupational Health and
Safety Legislation, Hospital and Departmental procedures and NATA requirements. a) b) c)
Contribute to Occupational Health and Safety within SA Pathology by taking reasonable care to protect personal health and safety of other staff, wear protective clothing and use safety equipment as directed.
Provide services for the South Australian community consistent with the policies of the elected
Government by complying with the Code of Conduct for South Australian Public Sector Employees,
SA Pathology Code of Conduct and with all other policies contained in SA Pathology Corporate
Manual.
Comply with the Principles of the Code of Fair Information Practice, adopted by the Department of
Health, which regulate the collection, use, disclosure storage and transfer of all personal patient/client information within the Organisation and throughout its funded service providers.
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Acknowledgement by Occupant
Date
Essential Minimum Requirements
(Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary)
Educational / Vocational Qualifications
(Include only those listed in the Department of Health, Human Resource Manual 3.1 as an essential
Qualification for the specific classification group)

A certificate or diploma in Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent is required for appointment at the TGO-1 level.
Personal Abilities / Aptitudes / Skills
(Related to the job description and expressed in a way which allows objective assessment)

Able to competently perform routine techniques in Surgical Pathology, including assisting at specimen cut-up, embedding, sectioning and staining of tissue samples.

Have a high standard of basic laboratory skills and competencies relevant to diagnostic Surgical
Pathology.

Demonstrate an ability to focus on tasks and attend to detail.

Demonstrate an ability to organize work, prioritize tasks and work effectively to deadlines.

Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with professional and non-professional staff at all levels, from both internal and external sources.

Able to work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment and without supervision.

Able to implement routine instructions and procedures and work with general direction.

Demonstrate good keyboard skills.

Able to handle confidential and sensitive information in a professional manner.
Experience (Including community experience)
Current working experience in a Surgical Pathology laboratory or related area.
Knowledge
Knowledge of laboratory procedures in Surgical Pathology
Other Details

Need to work with human body fluids and tissues (and low level radioactivity).

Attend clinical procedures for collection of specimens.

Familiar with Standard Precautions for the safe handling of biological materials.

Capacity to implement current quality assurance, Occupational Health and Safety and NATA requirements.
Desirable Characteristics
(To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements)
Personal Abilities / Aptitudes / Skills

Demonstrated initiative and motivation
Experience

Experience in a range of areas within the discipline of diagnostic Surgical Pathology.

Experience in mortuary / autopsy duties
Knowledge
Educational / Vocational Qualifications
(considered to be useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position)
Other Details
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