JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
(NON-MANAGERIAL)
TITLE OF POSITION:
Rotational Pharmacist
Adelaide Health Service
Classification:
AHP2
Health Unit: Flinders Medical Centre
Division: Pharmacy
Department / Section: Pharmacy
Permanent or Contract
Position No: FM0192
Position Updated: October 2007
Job and Person Specification Approval
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CEO or Delegate
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Date
JOB SPECIFICATION
1. PREAMBLE
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.
The Pharmacist will participate, on a rotational basis, in the provision of each of these services, with an
emphasis being placed on the provision of the Dispensing Services. On rotation through each service, the
Pharmacist will be responsible to the respective section's Senior Pharmacist for the provision of a
comprehensive and complex range of professional services, while developing their own personal skills with
reducing supervision. These services are to be provided in accordance with hospital and departmental
policies and procedures, Department of Human Services' guidelines, and State and Federal legislation.
2. SUMMARY OF THE BROAD PURPOSE OF THE POSITION and its responsibilities/duties
The Pharmacist is responsible to the Senior Pharmacist for the provision of a comprehensive, efficient and
complex range of professional, dispensing and counselling services for all inpatients and outpatients attending
the Centre as an individual or a member of a team. The Pharmacist also will participate on a rotational basis, in
the provision of production and clinical/drug information services.
These services are to be provided in accordance with hospital and departmental policies and procedures,
Health SA guidelines, and State and Federal legislation. The Pharmacist participates as a member of a team
of professional and non-professional staff who work together to promote the quality use of medicines through
the delivery of optimal pharmaceutical services.
The pharmacist is responsible for the optimisation of drug regimens that contribute to the health and welfare of
patients. This includes improving the prescribing, dispensing and compliance with drug therapy, providing
information to all staff, patients and general public and the accurate and safe dispensing of medications to
inpatients, outpatients, wards and departments.
The position is classified at the Professional Services level 2 by virtue of the requirements to:
 either as a senior member of a team or individually, applies professional judgement in the undertaking of
operations that involve problem definition, planning, execution, analysis, interpretation and reporting of
findings.
 within the limitations of the scope and objectives of a project, select and adapt methods best suited to the
project, undertake complex duties which may include the identification, development and application of new
techniques and methodologies resulting in the selection and adaptation of methods best suited to the
project.
 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.
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
On Rotation:
Senior Specialist Pharmacist Dispensing
Senior Specialist Pharmacist Production
Subject Position:
Rotational Pharmacist
Positions supervised:
Directly:
Indirectly:
N/A
Pharmacy Graduates, Assistants
Other Positions Reporting to Supervisor:
Senior Specialist Pharmacists
Specialist Pharmacists
Pharmacists
Senior Pharmacy Assistants
Pharmacy 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.
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May be required to work within other locations of the Adelaide Health Service.
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Some out of hours work may be required.
Support values consistent with the aims of the Region, including honesty, respect and integrity.
May be required to undertake a health assessment prior to commencement.
Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Offender History Check.
Rostered over 7 days eg. Monday to Sunday, including Public Holidays.
Frequency of weekend work ca. 1 in 5 - to be worked either in the Pharmacy Dispensing or Production
Services, or as required.
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 15.
Rostered to work weekends ca in 15.
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.
The Pharmacist will work in conjunction with the Medication Liaison Pharmacist in developing and
enhancing the medication liaison role to inpatients and patients being discharged from the Centre.
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.
5. STATEMENT OF KEY OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES
(group in to major
areas of responsibility / activity and list in descending order of importance).
The Pharmacist contributes to the provision of comprehensive, patient focused dispensing services
by:
 Exercising professional judgement and relative autonomy in the provision of dispensing services
 Applying professional knowledge and acquired skills to resolve straightforward professional practice
problems on a daily basis, to promote rational prescribing and administration of drugs and to assist identify
effects, desired and adverse, of prescribed therapy.
 Complying 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,
 Counselling patients to ensure they are understand the purposes of their treatments and can comply with
the treatment regimens to ensure safe and effective drug therapy with minimum adverse effect.
 Maintaining up to date knowledge of technical and professional developments, contributing to new
techniques, methodologies and policies.
 Understanding the Drug Formulary process and having a sound knowledge of therapeutics so those
suitable alternatives to the products requested by medical staff can be identified and recommended when
necessary.
 Knowing and understanding policies and procedures relating to the Dispensing Services and applying
these effectively, in day-to-day practices, and when communicating with and advising medical, nursing and
other staff.
 Assisting in the establishment, maintenance and other requirements of clinical drug trials
 Co-ordinating and checking the activities of pharmacy graduates in training and pharmacy assistants (and
students when allocated to the Service) who assist the pharmacist in dispensing drugs to inpatients and
outpatients, accepting responsibility for the standard of their work.
 Participating effectively in the on-site training of pharmacy assistants and graduate pharmacists ensuring
that they comply with their legal practice limitations and responsibilities.
 Complying with all appropriate policies, procedures and legal requirements for the documentation, filing and
reporting of the various dispensing records pertaining to the range of drugs dispensed (marketed and non-
marketed), so that complete and accurate data files may be maintained and accessed as required to obtain
and/or check information.
The pharmacist participates in the rotation program for pharmacists, contributing to these services and
further developing knowledge and skills in the respective areas of practice through:
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Clinical Pharmacy and Drug Information Service:
Providing clinical pharmacy and drug information services to an identified patient care area
Reviewing and interpreting medication charts and case records, providing advice to medical and nursing
staff and counselling to patients, so that prescribed therapy is optimised while adverse effects are
minimised
Consulting and advising medical staff in the prevention and/or detection of adverse drug reactions, and
reporting these to ADRAC
Providing in-service education and professional direction to nursing staff on therapeutic matters and the
drug distribution system.
Providing assistance and support for the clinical teaching programs of the pharmacy undergraduates of the
University of South Australia, and assisting with postgraduate students as well as students of other
disciplines of Flinders University of South Australia.
Support and follow the APAC guiding principles to achieve continuity in medication management.
Production Service
Participating in the day to day activities of the parenteral nutrition and cytotoxic services and, once
experienced in local procedures, providing these services to meet individual patient needs
Participating in the formulation and preparation of a range of other sterile and non-sterile products in
accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices requirements and local standards and guidelines.
Checking the activities of pharmacy graduates in training and pharmacy assistants who assist the
pharmacist in preparing drugs, accepting responsibility for the standard of their work.
The pharmacist should provide leadership and demonstrate administration skills through the submission of
regular reports, reviews and statistical analyses as required for the contribution of continual improvements to
pharmaceutical services of patients to 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:_____/_____/_____
PERSON SPECIFICATION
1.
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (those characteristics considered absolutely necessary)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
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Bachelor of Pharmacy or Diploma of Pharmacy.
Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
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Good written and oral communication skills
Ability to work in a team
Ability to accept supervision
Attention to detail and accuracy
Good technical/manipulative skills
Experience
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Completion of pre-registration training in a hospital or community training program
Professionally and technically competent in all aspects of drug dispensing, patient counselling and general
dispensary procedures
Knowledge
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Clinical drug use and therapeutics.
Pharmacy Acts and Regulations.
Occupational Health and Safety Act - principles and practices.
2. DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (to distinguish between applicants who meet all essential requirements)
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
Experience
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Employment as a registered pharmacist in a hospital or community pharmacy
Worked as a member of a team of professional and non-professional staff
Coordinated activities of staff - non-professional and professional
Supervised students and pharmacy graduates
Knowledge
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Hospital drug distribution systems
Pharmacy stock and inventory control
Computerised drug prescribing/dispensing systems (community or hospital).
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 the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy (AACP) or similar.
Other details
INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for considering applying for a position with the Adelaide Health Service (Southern Health).
Recruitment and Selection processes at Southern Health reflect best practice and a commitment to a
selection based on merit. This means treating all applications in a fair and equitable manner that
aims to choose the best person for the position.
The following information is provided to assist you when applying for a position with Southern Health.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST IMPRESSION
A well presented, easy to read application will allow the panel to assess the information they need
from your application. To give yourself the best opportunity to reach interview, the application should
clearly and concisely demonstrate to the selection panel that you are suitably equipped to perform
the role, and that you possess all of the stated minimum essential skills, abilities, knowledge,
experience and educational qualifications (where required).
We suggest the following format:
 A covering letter of up to 2 pages introducing yourself to the selection panel and describing your skills,
abilities, knowledge, qualifications and experience in relation to the position. The covering letter should
clearly state the job vacancy number, position title, your name and your contact details;
 Curriculum vitae that includes your personal details, relevant employment history, education, training
courses, qualifications and professional memberships. Your CV should also include your nominated
referees, their position and their contact details.
THE JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Selection for interview will be based on an assessment of your application against the requirements
of the position as outlined in the Job Specification, and against the criterion detailed in the
accompanying Person Specification. It is recommended that you carefully read the Job and Person
Specification to understand what the position entails before proceeding to apply for the position, and
ensure that your written application reflects your suitability for the position.
Note for Nursing/Midwifery applicants: Applicants applying for positions at the Clinical Nurse (level 2)
classification are required to demonstrate by way of example/evidence that each of the criteria contained in the
statement of key outcomes and activities of the Job Specification are met in their application.
Please ensure that your written application includes sufficient information for the panel to make an
informed determination.
REFEREES
It is recommended that you advise your referees of the position you are applying for as the panel
may seek their opinion of your capability to perform the requirements of the position. At least one
referee should be your immediate supervisor/manager in your current position, able to provide
current feedback about you to the selection panel.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT DECLARATION (PED)
Please ensure that you complete and submit this from with your application.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
It is generally preferable that applications are not bound or in folders, and that the requested number
of applications be provided when posting. Please ensure that applications are addressed as
indicated in the job advertisement, and that you allow sufficient time for your application to reach us
by the closing date/time specified. Late applications may not be considered.
We take this opportunity to wish you success with your application!