Job and Person Specifications
Title of Position: TECHNICAL OFFICER
Administrative Unit:
Classification Code: TGO-0/1
Directorate: Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Discipline Code:
Site: Lyell McEwin Hospital
Type of Appointment
Section:
 Permanent
Position Number: IM 1105
 Temporary
Term
 Other
Term
Incumbent:
Job and Person Specification Approval
All excluding Executive positions
Executive Positions
Date
CEO/Delegate
Date
Commissioner for Public Employment
Job Specification
1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to organisation goals
(Its expected outcome and how it is achieved)
The position is classified at the TGO-0/1 level by virtue of the overall level of job demand and responsibility, and
particularly contains the requirement to:
 Apply standard practices and procedures in a technical environment;
 Exercise knowledge and theory of a technical discipline;
 Apply technical expertise, experience and judgement within SA Pathology Diagnostic
Laboratories.
The technical officer is required to perform routine diagnostic laboratory functions in the Microbiology Laboratory,
including specimen reception, processing of diagnostic samples (automated and manual), preliminary evaluation
and reporting of associated results and data processing associated with diagnostic tests, dispatch of specimens
and maintenance of laboratory supplies.
The incumbent will rotate through several work areas of the laboratory and other laboratory sites in SA Pathology in
order to acquire and maintain expertise.
2.
Reporting/Working Relationship
(To whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is responsible for and other significant connections and working relationships within the organisation)
The incumbent reports to the Laboratory Manager or Section Head through the Section Supervisor of the rostered
section or workgroup.
The incumbent is required to work in conjunction with the appropriate section supervisor in the day-to-day
operations of the assigned Section.
Supervisor Reports to:
Section Head / Laboratory Manager
Supervisor’s Position:
Section Supervisor
Subject Position:
Technical Officer (TGO-0/1)
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3.
Special Conditions
(such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime etc)
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The incumbent is required to fully participate in the laboratory Roster which may require participation in a 24hour / 7 day Roster which includes a shift roster. With experience and competency as assessed by a
competency training program a TGO-1 may participate on an on-call roster. Some out-of-hours work and
covering roster vacancies may be required at short notice.
Depending on work requirements the appointee may be transferred to other locations within SA Pathology to
perform work of a similar nature appropriate to the classification either on a permanent or temporary basis.
The incumbent is required to handle and process infectious samples.
As required the incumbent will rotate through a range of laboratory sub-speciality work areas.
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
Employees are directly responsible and accountable for their occupational health, safety and welfare performance
to their manager and supervisors. They will take reasonable care to protect their own health, safety and welfare
and avoid adversely affecting the health and safety of any other person at work through any act or omission.
 Comply with occupational health, safety and welfare policies and other written arrangements for occupational
health, safety and welfare at work;
 Participate in all occupational health, safety and welfare programs;
 Comply with any reasonable instruction and follow safe work practices in relation to occupational health, safety
and welfare at work;
 Use and care for any plant provided for occupational health, safety and welfare purposes;
 Participate in training programs and on the job training programs for occupational health, safety and welfare;
 Report all incidents, accidents and observed hazards to their supervisor or manager as soon as possible, and
assist in the investigation process;
 Support the role of the health and safety representative by keeping them informed of any issues relating to
health, safety and welfare in the workplace, and;
 Ensure 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, and;
 Participate in appraisals to evaluate their Occupational Health and Safety performance.
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 Section Head or Section Supervisor, to participate in a rostered system of duties that
require the incumbent, depending on training and experience and assigned Section, to undertake a range of
routine laboratory functions, e.g.:
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Receive and prepare specimens for analysis and carry out diagnostic tests according to
standard procedures, in the diagnostic laboratories as required.
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Operate and maintain laboratory instruments, including arranging for minor repairs.
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Enter request form and specimen details and laboratory results into data processing
equipment and verify entered information.
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Prepare analytical reagents and controls and ensure that supplies of reagents and
consumables are always available.
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Ensure that a high standard of analytical performance is achieved and maintained.
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Validate and report routine and urgent results within specified turnaround times.
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Ensure the confidentiality of laboratory results.
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Participate in quality control programmes and meetings.
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To undertake routine laboratory housekeeping duties.
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Stock maintenance.
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Develop multidisciplinary skills as required.
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Assist with approved research and development.
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Participate in training programs and staff meetings.
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Assist as required, in the training of new staff in established methodologies.
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Assist as required, in the assessment of new techniques.
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Ensure that all work is performed in accordance Departmental procedures and NATA
requirements and to ensure the confidentiality of laboratory results and patient
information
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.
Acknowledgement by Occupant
Date
Person Specification
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)
For appointment at the TGO-1 level a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a relevant technical discipline.
For appointment at the TGO-0 level educational standards required for entry to an appropriate Technical study
course.
Note that employees without the required qualifications who are already working in such positions, at
the TGO1 level are eligible to apply and compete for this position.
Personal Abilities / Aptitudes / Skills
(Related to the job description and expressed in a way which allows objective assessment)
 A desire to work in a laboratory environment or as a TGO-1 demonstrate competency in the performance
of routine tests undertaken in Microbiology or other medical laboratories - depending training and
experience
 Demonstrable technical skills, including manual dexterity and technical precision/accuracy.
 Need to work with human body fluids, faeces and tissues.
 Good interpersonal skills.
 Numerical and keyboard skills.
 Good oral and written communication skills.
 Ability to prioritise work to ensure efficient and effective performance.
 Ability to use initiative to solve problems.
 Able to work effectively both in a team environment and without supervision when required.
 Aptitude for 'out-of-hours' work.
 Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information in a professional manner.
 Punctuality – must be ready to commence work on time as indicated by rosters.
 Proactive – must show initiative, especially alerting senior staff to potential problems.
 Ability to speak and write English fluently.
Experience (Including community experience)
TGO-1:
Recent working experience in a Diagnostic Microbiology Laboratory.
TGO-0:
A demonstrable interest in diagnostic laboratory work
Knowledge
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Knowledge of legislation, policies and guidelines relating to equal employment opportunity and diversity
within public employment.
Knowledge of legislation, policies and guidelines relating privacy.
Knowledge of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare legislation.
Desirable Characteristics
(To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements)
Personal Abilities / Aptitudes / Skills
 Motivated and demonstrated initiative and attention to detail being flexible and dependable.
 Proven ability to communicate effectively with staff and management.
 An ability to assess workloads and assign priorities
Experience
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Previous experience in a Clinical Microbiology laboratory.
Knowledge
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Computer/word processing skills with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Access
Educational /Vocational Qualifications
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(Considered to be useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position)
Evidence of desire for self improvement - attendance at seminars, courses, etc
Other Details
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