The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Job and Person Specification
DIRECTORATE:
Acute and Specialist Services – The Queen Elizabeth
Hospital
DIVISION:
Medicine
DEPARTMENT:
Endocrinology
TITLE OF POSITION:
Professional Officer/Medical Scientist/Registered Nurse
(Bone Density)
POSITION NUMBER:
NW1154
CLASSIFICATION:
PO1/MeS1/RN1
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:
Permanent 
PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT:
From
/
Temporary X
/
To
/
Casual 
/
Job and Person Specification Approval
All excluding senior positions.
…………………………….
GM or delegate
…../…./….
Date
…………………………….
Occupant
…../…./….
Date
JOB SPECIFICATION
1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to the organisation's goals (its
expected outcome and how it is achieved).
The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of routine and specialised bone density testing
and the development and implementation of new tests as required.
2.
Reporting/Working Relationships (to whom the person reports, staff for whom the
person is responsible, and other significant connections and working relationships
within the organisation).
The incumbent is accountable to the Director, Endocrine and Diabetes and reports on a daily basis to
the Senior Medical Scientist of the Bone Density Centre.
Q:\HR Human Resources\J&P\Div Medicine\Endocrinology\687314170
Page 1 of 5
3.
Special Conditions (Such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent
overtime etc.)

Although initially based at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the incumbent may be required to work
in any site of the Central Northern Adelaide Health Service.
You may be required to undergo a criminal history check.
Must be prepared to attend relevant meetings and staff development / education activities as
required.
A formal performance appraisal will be conducted annually.
Some out of hours work may be required.




4.
Statement of Key Responsibilities/Duties (group into major areas of responsibility/
activity and list in descending order of importance)
Ensure the provision of high quality bone density testing by:






Performing routine and specialised bone density tests based on dual-energy x-ray
absorptiometry and derivative techniques
Explaining the significance of patients’ dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry results to referring
medical staff and other Health Care professionals, with respect to the present international
consensus definitions of osteoporosis and osteopenia, as well as the Medicare Benefits
Schedules
Designing, and evaluating and adapting new methodology related to bone density testing, and in
particular ultrasonometry at peripheral skeletal sites
Participating actively in, and contributing to, clinical trials and department research programs
where bone density testing is involved.
Assisting in the training of appropriately qualified new staff to operate a dual-energy x-ray
absorptiometer.
Ensuring the calibration and ongoing quality assurance of bone density testing.
Ensure that continuous quality improvement programs and activities are in place and are
linked to the organisation’s strategic and corporate directions and targets by:
 Assisting with the developing and establishing key performance indicators for all critical
activities relevant to area of responsibility in accordance with the quality evaluation program.
 Assisting in the identification, establishment and review of corporate and departmental
performance standards and outcomes.
 Establishing and maintaining recording systems to accurately reflect the activity of the various
aspects of the department, which will enable evaluation of performance leading to improvement
and achievement of best practice standards.
Contribute to the promotion and implementation of the General Public Sector Management
Aims, personnel management standards and employee conduct standards and in particular Equal
Opportunity and Occupational Health Safety and Welfare by adhering to the provisions of
relevant legislative requirements such as:



Delegations of Authority
Disability Discrimination Act
Privacy Act 1988
Q:\HR Human Resources\J&P\Div Medicine\Endocrinology\687314170
Page 2 of 5
 Freedom of Information Act
 SA Information Privacy Principles
 Code of Conduct for Public Sector Employees
 Code of Fair Information Practice
 Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act
 Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act
 Equal Opportunity Act
 SA Health Care Act
Ensure a safe working environment at all times by:





Maintaining effective work practices.
Adopting procedures and practices which comply with the OHS&W Act.
Making proper use of all safeguards, safety devices and personal protective equipment (as
required in undertaking the duties of the position).
Taking reasonable care to protect the health and safety of self and others.
Attending mandatory safety training programs.
Contribute to the well being of people in South Australia through participation in Counter Disaster
activities, including attendance as required at training programs and exercises to develop the
necessary skills required to participate in responses in the event of a disaster and / or major
disaster.
Q:\HR Human Resources\J&P\Div Medicine\Endocrinology\687314170
Page 3 of 5
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (those characteristics considered absolutely
necessary)
1.
Education/Vocational Qualifications etc.
A Bachelor in Medical Radiation
or
A Bachelor of Science, Applied Science or Nursing and a License to operate a dual-energy x-ray
absorptiometer from the Radiation Section of the Department of Human Services.
2.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills (related to the job description and expressed in a way
which allows objective assessment)








3.
Experience (including community experience)


4.
Experienced in the practical day-to-day operation of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometers, and in
particular the Lunar DPXplus instrument.
Detailed knowledge of the reporting and filing mechanisms associated with current bone
densitometry scanning
Knowledge

5.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a range of people from different
backgrounds, particularly elderly citizens.
Ability to work on projects with minimal supervision.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a small team.
Ability to use initiative and work independently.
Excellent problem solving skills.
Good organisational skills.
Good interpersonal skills.
Good presentation and teaching skills.
Knowledge of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare policies and procedures and their
application in the workplace.
Other details
Q:\HR Human Resources\J&P\Div Medicine\Endocrinology\687314170
Page 4 of 5
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS (to distinguish between applicants who have met all essential
requirements)
1.
Education/ Vocational Qualifications (Considered to be useful in carrying out the
responsibilities of the position)
2.
Personal Abilities / Aptitudes / Skills
3.
Experience
4.
Knowledge
5.
Other details
Q:\HR Human Resources\J&P\Div Medicine\Endocrinology\687314170
Page 5 of 5