JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
(NON-MANAGERIAL)
TITLE OF POSITION:
Specialist Clinical Pharmacist, Clinical Education
Southern Adelaide Health Service
Classification:
PO3
Health Unit: Flinders Medical Centre
Division: Pharmacy
Department / Section: Pharmacy
Full-Time Permanent
Position No: FM 3133
Position Created: October 2007
Job and Person Specification Approval
_________________________________________
CEO or Delegate
_____/_____/_____
Date
JOB SPECIFICATION
1. PREAMBLE
The Southern Adelaide Health Service (Southern Health) was established on 1 July 2004 and
brings together Flinders Medical Centre, Noarlunga Health Services and Drug and Alcohol
Services of SA. The Service also maintains a close affiliation with the Repatriation General
Hospital and other health services in the southern area.
With 330,000 people in the region, a budget of more than $350M and about 4,000 staff, Southern
Health is working towards coordination of services across the region and working cooperatively to
improve the health of the community and to reduce the demand on acute hospital services.
The Division of Pharmacy provides high quality cost effective pharmaceutical services to support
the patient care needs of Flinders Medical Centre to ensure that safe, rational and effective drug
therapy is a primary commitment. The Division of Pharmacy contributes to the educational
mission and the research activities of the Centre.
The Drug and Therapeutics Advisory Committee, in collaboration with the Medication Safety
Group and the Division of Pharmacy, seeks to improve the quality use of medicines across the
continuum of care between the hospital and the community. In particular, they are focused on
improving the patient's own medication management practices, knowledge and compliance.
The Dispensing Service contributes to the fulfilment of these objectives through the provision of
an individual inpatient dispensing service, including the review of patients' medication charts; the
provision of medications, counselling aids and support for patients on discharge; and a
comprehensive range of dispensing and counselling services for outpatients.
The role of the Clinical Pharmacy and Drug Information Service is to optimise therapeutic drug
use for patients while minimising adverse effects. This is achieved through a range of activities
including the provision of high level advice and recommendations on therapeutics, attendance on
ward rounds; review of patients' medication histories and monitoring of current medications, in
conjunction with laboratory results and other relevant clinical data; monitoring and reporting
adverse drug reactions; and counselling patients and carers about their medications. Provision of
relevant drug information to staff and education of patients is a critical function of this service.
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The Clinical Education Pharmacist will focus on the coordination and management of the clinical
mentoring program for the clinical pharmacy services of Flinders Medical Centre as well as the
provision of a clinical pharmacy service to a specified clinical unit or ward.
2. SUMMARY OF THE BROAD PURPOSE OF THE POSITION and its responsibilities/duties
The Specialist Clinical Pharmacist, Clinical Education is responsible for the provision of a
comprehensive range of clinical pharmacy services to promote quality drug use and outcomes
while minimising adverse effects for patients of Flinders Medical Centre. The Pharmacist
provides expert drug knowledge to medical, nursing, pharmacy and other professionals involved
in patient care, and to patients and their carers, in accordance with hospital and divisional policies
and procedures and professional standards and guidelines relating to clinical pharmacy practice.
The Pharmacist is responsible for the coordination and management of the clinical mentoring
program for the clinical pharmacy services which includes:
 Orientation of clinical pharmacists in liaison with the relevant Clinical Pharmacists
 Assisting the Senior Specialist Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacy and Drug Information
Services in the coordination of the pharmacy trainee program
 Coordination of annual clinical pharmacy education plan for external courses and
programs.
 Mentoring and performance management of pharmacy trainees, in assistance with the
Senior Specialist Pharmacist
 Provision of a clinical pharmacy service to a specified clinical unit or ward.
The Specialist Clinical Pharmacist accepts responsibility for providing orientation, training and
supervision in clinical pharmacy practice and drug therapy to pharmacy interns, pharmacy
students and other pharmacists assigned to work in the service. Educational services are also
provided to students and graduate trainees in medicine, nursing and other professional
disciplines. The Pharmacist contributes to the research mission of the Centre participating in,
and where appropriate, initiating research programs.
The Specialist Clinical Pharmacist also contributes to the preparation and revision of hospital
drug policy and pharmacy policy and procedures relating to the use of drugs through active
membership on committees and working parties.
The position is classified at the Professional Services level 3 by virtue of the requirements to:
 undertake and be responsible for a range of complex duties, with limited or no professional
supervision.
 demonstrate professional independence and competence as a specialist team member
 manage multidisciplinary interdepartmental research projects
 resolve problems and influence organisational attitudes and professional development policy
within the framework of operational programs
 contribute to the development of operational policy directives through the promulgation of
critical information for Intensive & Critical Care Unit medication management and pharmacy
management
 provide a consultancy service to other corporate operations, the public and other employees.
 undertake project work on behalf of the Drug and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (DTAC),
Clinical Governance or other medication advisory committees
 participate with the Clinical Pharmacy/Drug Information Services in the implementation of
APAC guidelines for continuum of care according to the impending Pharmaceutical Reforms
The Specialist Clinical Pharmacist, Clinical Education, will:
 as a senior member of a team, or individually, apply professional judgment in the undertaking
of operations that involve problem definition, planning, execution, analysis, interpretation and
reporting of findings.
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accept professional responsibility for the standards of work undertaken, including the
supervision and training of other professional and non-professional staff within the discipline
as required to a level of completeness and adequacy.
progressively attain a greater knowledge and experience in the discipline with the view to
achieving higher level outcomes under reducing professional direction and to contribute to the
development of new or recognisably improved techniques and methodologies. Such
developments may be subject to publication.
3. 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)
For principle component of this position, the reporting arrangements are:
Supervisor Reports to:
Director, Division of Pharmacy
Supervisor's Position:
Senior Specialist Pharmacist
Clinical Pharmacy & Drug Information
Services
Subject Position:
Specialist Clinical Pharmacist, Clinical Education
Positions supervised:
Directly:
Indirectly:
Other Positions Reporting to Supervisor:
Financial:
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N/A
Pharmacists, Pharmacy
and Students
Graduates,
Senior Specialist Pharmacist
Specialist Pharmacists
Pharmacists
Senior Pharmacy Assistants
Pharmacy Assistants
No direct financial responsibility.
Assistants,
4. SPECIAL CONDITIONS (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime, etc)
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Job and Person Specifications are reviewed regularly as part of the ongoing Performance
Development process.
May be required to work within other locations of the Southern Adelaide Health Service.
Some out of hours work may be required.
Support values consistent with the aims of the Region, including honesty, respect and integrity.
Will be required to undertake a health assessment prior to commencement.
Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Offender History Check.
Rostered over 7 days.
Frequency of weekend work ca. 1 in 4 - to be worked either in the Pharmacy Dispensing or
Production Services.
Working hours may range from 0800 - 1800 hours, although some out of hours work may be
required.
Rostered to the Pharmacy on-call service for 1 week blocks ca. 1 week in 9.
Compliance with the Centre's policies relating to:
- DH and SHPA guidelines for the safe handling of cytotoxic products,
- Equal Opportunity
- and the prevention of Sexual Harassment.
The Pharmacist participates in and contributes to the quality assurance, peer review and other
audit processes, and performance appraisal activities of the Service and the Division to ensure
personal enhancement and continued improvement of the services delivered.
Responsible and accountable for taking reasonable care to protect own health, safety and welfare
and avoiding adversely affecting the health and safety of any other person at work through any
act or omission by:
- Complying with occupational health, safety and welfare policies and other written
arrangements for occupational health, safety and welfare at work;
- Participating in occupational health safety and welfare at work;
- Complying with any reasonable instruction and follow safe work practices in relation to
occupational health, safety and welfare at work;
- Using and taking care of any plant or equipment provided for occupational health, safety and
welfare purposes;
- Participating in training programs and on the job training programs for occupational health,
safety and welfare
- Reporting all incidents, accidents and observed hazards to a supervisor or manager as soon
as possible, and assist in the investigation process;
- Supporting the role of the health and safety representative by keeping them informed of any
issues ;
- Ensuring that they are not, by the consumption of alcohol or a drug, in such a state as to
endanger their own health or safety at work or the health and safety of any other person;
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 Department and throughout its funded service providers.
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4. STATEMENT OF KEY OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES
(group in to major areas
of responsibility / activity and list in descending order of importance).
The Specialist Clinical Pharmacist, Clinical Education is responsible for the coordination and
management of the clinical mentoring program for Clinical Pharmacy Services according to
SHPA Standards of Practice. The Specialist Clinical Pharmacist promotes the quality use of
medicines and optimises pharmaceutical care for patients by:
 Providing clinical pharmacy services to the patients and staff of a discrete clinical unit through
activities such as, but not limited to:
 Participating in ward rounds, meetings, clinical reviews, case presentations and journal club
 Participating in the design, application and accuracy of drug treatment protocols
 Interviewing patients or their caregivers to obtain pertinent information regarding their drug
histories
 Ensuring that medical and nursing staff have adequate knowledge regarding the effects of the
prescribed treatments so that these may be safely administered and the patient duly
monitored.
 Development of a program of introductory and advanced clinical practice; with ongoing review of
such a program
 Assessment of performance management in consultation with the senior specialist pharmacist
 Conduct clinical orientation and training of clinical pharmacists in consultation with the senior
specialist pharmacist
 Establishment and coordination of annual clinical pharmacy education plan for external courses
and programs, including identification of such education activities
 Dissemination of information relating to clinical education plans for clinical pharmacists
 Assist the senior specialist pharmacist to coordinate the graduate pharmacists’ training and
education programs
 Assist in various university undergraduate and postgraduate experiential placement programs
 Coordinate and prepare key performance indicator summaries for all areas of responsibility
Participation in the education and training goals of the Pharmacy Service is fundamental to the
successful delivery of services. The Pharmacist further contributes to these goals by:
 Developing and maintaining expertise in the specialist area through participation in post-graduate
training programs and attendance at conferences, seminars and training sessions
 Organising and participating in the delivery of structured education programs for nurses,
pharmacists and medical staff
 Supervising and training pharmacy students, intern pharmacists and base grade pharmacists on
rotation in the Clinical Pharmacy Service
 Contributing to formal undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programs conducted through the
School of Pharmaceutical, Molecular and Biochemical Sciences - University of SA.
 Contributing to the overall management of the Pharmacy through active participation as a
member of senior management and providing expert advice on clinical matters to the Pharmacy.
 Regular communication with the Division of Pharmacy on matters relating to staff training, and
participation in the Pharmacy’s continuing education program
 Present and publish advances in practice at appropriate pharmacy and medication forums and in
peer reviewed journals.
The Pharmacist contributes to clinical and pharmaceutical research by:
 Initiating and participating in service development and research projects
 Participating in drug audits
 Liaising with the Clinical Trials Pharmacist to assist in the preparation and conduct of clinical trials
and drug development studies related to their clinical units.
The Pharmacist undertakes a range of administrative activities relating to the management and
development of service including:
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Preparation and maintenance of policies and procedures relating to the safe delivery of clinical
pharmacy services. This will require close collaboration with the Senior Specialist Pharmacist
and the Occupational Health Unit staff and input into selected hospital committees
Documentation of adverse drug reactions in the patients' notes and reporting to the DTAC,
ADRAC and, where appropriate, the manufacturer
Liaising with the pharmaceutical industry regarding new information about marketed products and
regimens and information about new products (both marketed and non-marketed)
In conjunction with the relevant Unit Head and the Business Managers for Pharmacy the clinical
unit, review the financial aspects relating to prescribed treatments and promoting options to more
effectively manage the allocated funds to achieve the desired therapeutic goals of the respective
Units
Contribute to the strategic plan for pharmacy services which addresses hospital priorities,
emerging pharmaceutical trends, technological change and patient care objectives.
The Pharmacist assists the Drug Information Service in the absence of the Specialist Drug
Information Pharmacist or Pharmacist (on rotation) to provide cover for this Service.
The Pharmacist participates in and contributes to the quality assurance peer review and other audit
processes, and the performance appraisal activities of the Clinical Pharmacy and Drug Information
Service to ensure that personnel and service objectives are achieved.
The pharmacist contributes to the provision of a comprehensive, patient focused dispensing service,
exercising professional judgment and relative autonomy in the provision of these services and in
compliance with established policies and procedures to ensure that all drug orders are reviewed, for
appropriateness of dose, drug interactions and allergies, and patient's diagnosis. The pharmacist will
understand the Drug Formulary process and have a sound knowledge of therapeutics so those
suitable alternatives to the products requested by medical staff can be identified and recommended
when necessary.
The Pharmacist advises the Senior Specialist Pharmacist and Director of Pharmacy on matters
relating to development and education of clinical pharmacy practice within the Centre.
Contribute to a safe and healthy work environment, free from discrimination and harassment by
working in accordance with legislative requirements, the Code of Conduct and departmental human
resource policies, including the OHS&W requirements.
Acknowledged by Occupant: ______________________________ Date:_____/_____/_____
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
1.
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (those characteristics considered absolutely necessary)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
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Degree in Pharmacy (or equivalent - eligible for registration with Pharmacy Board of South
Australia)
Registered with the Pharmacy Board of South Australia Registered with the Pharmacy Board of
South Australia.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
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Ability to provide leadership in investigating, implementing and developing strategies for
improving service delivery
Ability to influence and change practice relating to medication management
Ability to be innovative and enterprising in relation to problem solving and planning
Demonstrate effective and courteous written and oral communication skills
Ability to work independently or under broad guidelines and self direct
Demonstrate ability to work as an effective team member of a multi-disciplinary team
Well developed interpersonal skills with a capacity to win trust, respect and confidence of staff at
all levels
Attention to detail and accuracy and meet tight deadlines within a complex environment
High level research and analytical skills
Demonstrated high level technical/manipulative skills
Highly motivated and have a keen interest in critical care clinical pharmacy
Experience
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Experience in both hospital and community pharmacy practice
Experience in project design, coordination and management
Experience in policy development
Professionally and technically competent in all aspects of drug dispensing, patient counselling
and education
Experience in working with a multi-disciplinary team
Knowledge
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Clinical drug use and therapeutics.
Pharmacy Acts and Regulations.
Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia Practice Guidelines
Quality Use of Medicines principles and APAC guidelines for the continuum of care
Code of Ethics of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia
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2. DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (to distinguish between applicants who meet all essential requirements)
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
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Demonstrated ability to mentor colleagues
Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and continuos quality improvement
Experience
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Employment as a registered pharmacist in a hospital or community pharmacy for a minimum of
three years
Worked as a member of a team of professional and non-professional staff
Coordinated activities of staff - non-professional and professional
Supervised students, pharmacy graduates and pharmacists
Recent experience in multidisciplinary projects
Publication in peer reviewed journals
Knowledge
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Hospital drug distribution systems
Pharmacy stock and inventory control
Computerised drug prescribing/dispensing systems (community or hospital).
Hospital wide governance
Pertinent issues surrounding Primary health care
Educational/Vocational Qualifications (considered useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position)
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Post graduate Qualification in a relevant field eg: Graduate Diploma in Pharmacy, Honours,
Masters, in Pharmacy or a related discipline; computer studies.
Accreditation with either the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy and/or Certified
Geriatric Diploma through the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia
Other details
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INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
INTRODUCTION
Recruitment and Selection undertaken at Flinders Medical Centre reflects best practice and a
commitment to a selection on merit. The following information is provided to assist you in
demonstrating your merit in relation to the position you are applying for.
MAKE THE PANEL’S JOB EASIER
A well laid out, easy to read application will allow the panel to assess the information they need from
your application. We suggest the following format:
 A covering letter
 A response to the Person Specification
(which demonstrates how you meet each essential minimal
requirement and desirable requirements if applicable)
 A Curriculum Vitae that provides details to the panel such
as:
Name and address
Education Details
Employment History
Relevant experience/studies
Referees (address & telephone numbers)
THE JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
To maximise your chances of being considered further, you need to demonstrate in your application
that:
 You meet all the essential requirements of the person specification, (please note – it is in your best
interest to address the desirable requirements if applicable)
 You are capable of carrying out the duties of the position concerned
How do you do this?
You need to do this by addressing each requirement and include examples of experience that
illustrates your merit. Don't forget the transferability of skills, knowledge, experience and abilities
that you have gained from outside the workplace. For example fund raising for voluntary agencies or
chairing a management committee.
REFEREES
You should advise your referees of the position you are applying for and seek their opinion of your
capability to perform the requirements of the position, prior to submitting your application.
Please remember to quote the job number from the advertisement in your application and forward an
original application plus three copies, including the name, address and contact number of three
current referees.
We take this opportunity to wish you success with your application!
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