JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
(NON-MANAGERIAL)
TITLE OF POSITION:
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT:
Associate Clinical Services Coordinator
Southern Adelaide Health Service
Classification:
Health Unit: Flinders Medical Centre
Registered Nurse/Midwife Level 2
Division: Flinders Women & Children
Classification Reviewed:
Department / Section: Ward 4SMG/Gynae Oncology
Position No: FM3172
Position Created: March 2008
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.
2. SUMMARY OF THE BROAD PURPOSE OF THE POSITION and its responsibilities/duties
In the course of fulfilling the role of Clinical Nurse, the Associate Clinical Service Coordinator (ACSC)
role provides specific support to the Nursing/Midwifery Clinical Service Coordinator (CSC) role in the
leadership of nurses/midwives in the unit.
The ACSC is accountable to the CSC, Ward 4SMG for the efficient and effective management of the
gynaecological oncology area of nursing practice. He/She is responsible for ensuring optimal patient
care is provided by all nursing/midwifery staff. He/she is accountable for their own actions and
decisions in clinical practice, their professional development, in supporting FMC infrastructure and
the use of resources.
Utilising a case management approach he/she will be responsible for ensuring a seamless transition
between all areas of care provision, inpatient, outpatient and community care. The role will
encompass care provided to individual patients on the inpatient wards and a coordination of care in
the outpatient area and the community in conjunction with medical staff.
The role encompasses clinical practice and supervision; teaching: patient and staff; audit and
research.
The incumbent practices in accordance with policies and procedures and guidelines of Flinders
Medical Centre.
Associate Clinical Service Coordinators is appointed through a merit based selection process.
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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)
The Associate Clinical Service Coordinator:

Reports to the Nurse/Midwife Clinical Services Coordinator (Level 3) Ward 4SMG

Maintains a close working relationship with Nurse/Midwife Clinical Services Coordinator
(Level 3), Ambulatory Women’s Health Service (AWHS)

Maintains a close working relationship Clinical Nurse/Midwife (Level 2) Ward 4SMG &
AWHS.

Works within a multi-disciplinary team model, in close collaboration with the senior medical
consultant, Gynaecological Oncology and other medical and health care professionals to
ensure provision of a cost-effective service in Gynaecological Oncology

Supports and works collaboratively with less experienced members of the midwifery &
nursing team
4. SPECIAL CONDITIONS (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime, etc)

Job and Person Specifications are reviewed regularly as part of the ongoing Performance
Development process.
 Participate in FMC’s Individual Performance Review and Development program.
Performance will be assessed at three months and annually thereafter, or more frequently as
determined by the CSC/Nursing and Midwifery Director on the basis of outcomes outlined in
the Job Specification.
 May be required to work within other locations of the Southern Adelaide Health Service.
 Some overtime work may be required.
 Will be rostered over 5 days, Monday to Friday, working in outpatient clinics; and coordinating
the clinical management of women utilizing the gynaecological oncology services at FMC.
 May be required to take planned leave during periods of planned reduced activity
 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.
 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.
 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
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Supporting the role of the health and safety representative by keeping them informed
of any issues relating to health, safety and welfare in the workplace
- 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 Department of Health’s Code of Conduct for Public sector workers
-
5. STATEMENT OF KEY OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES
(group in to major areas
of responsibility / activity and list in descending order of importance).
5.1 Assists with the provision of professional high quality patient care within the Flinders
Women & Children (Division) (FW&C) aimed at improving patient health outcomes
through:
5.1.1 Improving nursing and patient care procedures and practices by;
 Providing proficient clinical nursing care and/or individual case management to women with
gynaecological needs with a focus on those within the gynaecological oncology service;
 Assessing patients/clients needs, planning, implementing and coordinating appropriate
service delivery options and communicating changes in condition and care;
 Providing health education, counselling and rehabilitation programs to improve the health
outcomes of individual patients/clients or groups especially those within the Gynae. oncology
service;
 Planning and coordinating services including those of other disciplines or agencies as
required to meet individual and/or group health care needs;
 Monitoring client care plans and participating in clinical auditing and/or evaluative research to
ensure appropriate patient care outcomes are achieved on a daily basis;
 Demonstrating and promoting a risk minimisation approach to practice and supporting
implementation and maintenance of systems to protect patients and staff;
 Integrating advanced theoretical knowledge, evidence from a range of sources and own
experience to devise and achieve agreed patient care outcomes;
 Working within and promoting a nursing model of client centred care
5.1.2 Contributing to the human resource management of the unit/service by.
 Acting to resolve local and/or immediate nursing care or service delivery problems;
 Supporting change management processes;
 Contributing to communication processes that effectively deal with challenging behaviours and
the resolution of conflicts;
 Participating in regular planning, implementing and monitoring the cost-effectiveness of the
allocation of resources;
 Contributing to an effective and regular staff performance system, which enhances staff
development and level of job satisfaction;
 Actively facilitating and evaluating the Orientation, Peer Support and teaching programs
 Managing the day-to-day staffing needs of the Unit in conjunction with the Clinical Services
Coordinator, Management Facilitator and Staffing Coordinator.
5.2 Contributes to the achievement of nursing best practice and where
relevant, facilitates the development and application of relevant research by;
 Working within a local nursing/midwifery leadership team to attain consistency of nursing
standards and local service outcomes;
 Participating in clinical teaching, overseeing learning experiences, and goal setting for
students, new staff and staff with less experience;
 Acting as a resource person within gynaecology & gynaecological oncology
 Actively participating in the setting of standards for nursing care within FW&C, with a focus on
gynaecological oncology.
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

Contributing to the ongoing analysis of current practice and the impact of new directions on
the gynaecological oncology service.
Initiating, conducting and disseminating findings of own or others research in the specialty of
gynaecological oncology.
5.3 Contributes to the achievement of professional expertise through the maintenance of
ongoing personal professional development/continuing education by :
 Managing own professional development activities and portfolio, support the development of
others and contribute to learning in the work area.
 Assuming responsibility for own professional development through further studies appropriate
to the position.
 Forming collaborative internal & external nursing networks within the field of oncology and
gynaecological oncology
5.4 Contributes to the leadership of the unit/service through undertaking an Associate
Coordinator portfolio in gynaecological oncology by:
 Promoting continuity and consistency of care in collaboration with other Associate Clinical
Service Coordinators and the Clinical Service Coordinator of the ward/unit;
 Assisting the Nursing/Midwifery Clinical Service Coordinator in ongoing communication and
implementation of practice changes as they relate to gynaecological oncology;
 Assisting the Nursing/Midwifery Clinical Service Coordinator to maintain and record
monitoring and evaluative research activities in the ward/unit;
 Assisting the Nursing/Midwifery Clinical Service Coordinator and Nursing/Midwifery Educators
to maintain a learning culture by encouraging reflection and professional development and
assisting others to maintain portfolios/records of learning,
 Assisting Clinical Service Coordinator in identifying and implementing the learning needs of
staff, including gynaecological oncology clinically specific education needs.
 Implementing and evaluating staff development programs as they relate to gynaecological
oncology.
 Developing significant education resources with a focus on gynaecological oncology for
nurses & midwives.
 Ensuring effectiveness in patient/family education by providing and evaluating appropriate
accurate information, advice and educational material.
5.5 Contributes to professional nursing/midwifery practice through:
 A commitment to the Nursing & Midwifery Professional Practice Model;
 Contributing 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

Registered with the Nurses’ Board of South Australia and holds a current practicing certificate.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills

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
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Effective communication, problem solving, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to prioritise workload and meet set timelines, whilst working under minimal supervision.
Ability to be creative, innovative and flexible when approaching issues within the healthcare
setting.
Competency and proficiency in clinical and counselling skills appropriate to gynaecological and
oncological nursing care
Computer literacy in the current nursing information systems
Proven commitment to the principles and practise of:
 EEO, Ethical Conduct, diversity and OHS&W;
 Quality management and client oriented service;
 Risk management.
Experience




Registered Nurse with at least 3 years post registration experience
Experience in patient counselling in a health setting
Experience in the supervision of student nurses, enrolled nurses and less experienced registered
nurses.
Experience in management and leadership roles
Knowledge
 Comprehensive knowledge of gynaecology and gynaecological oncology services
 Evidence of active professional nursing involvement
 Demonstrates knowledge of data collection and analysis methods
 Understanding of the requirements of the Nurses Act 1999.
 Comprehensive understanding of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) National
Competencies for the Registered and Enrolled Nurse and Midwifes in Recommended Domains.
 Knowledge and understanding of the ANMC Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses/Midwifes in
Australia (2003) and the Commissioner for Public Employment Code of Conduct for Public
Employees.
 Knowledge and understanding of legislative responsibilities for OHS&W, Workers Compensation
and Rehabilitation and Equal Opportunity.
 Knowledge of Quality Management principles and procedures and Quality Improvement Systems
as applied to a hospital setting.
 Knowledge of contemporary professional nursing/midwifery and health care issues.
 Understanding of Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare principles and procedures
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2. DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (to distinguish between applicants who meet all essential requirements)
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
 Ability to work within a team framework that fosters an environment that develops staff potential.
 Skills in using computers and software relevant to the area of practice.
Experience
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
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Recent gynaecological oncology clinical experience
Recent gynaecological nursing experience
Recent experience in research
Participation on state and national working parties relevant to women’s health
Knowledge
 Knowledge of the South Australian Public Health System.
 Knowledge of contemporary professional nursing/midwifery issues.
Educational/Vocational Qualifications (considered useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position)
 Bachelor of Nursing
 Post Graduate nursing qualifications in Oncology/Gynaecology/Women’s Health
 Post Graduate qualifications in health counselling
Other details
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INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for considering applying for a position with the Southern 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;
 A 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.
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!
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