JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Adelaide Health Service
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
TITLE OF POSITION:
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT:
Clinical Practice Consultant, Upper GI Cancer
Adelaide Health Service
Classification: RN-3
Health Unit: Cancer Services
Classification Reviewed:
Division: Cancer Services
Position No:
Position Created: December 2009
Job & Person Specification Approval
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CE or delegate
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PREAMBLE:
As the state’s largest public healthcare service and employer, the Adelaide Health Service
(AHS) plays a crucial role in delivering on the State Government’s commitment to providing all
South Australians with the best possible health care.
Adelaide Health Service is the largest South Australian health region, employing more than
23,000 staff across more than 200 separate health units and services. The Adelaide Health
Service brings together all major acute hospitals across the metropolitan region (Royal
Adelaide, Lyell McEwin, The Queen Elizabeth, Modbury, Flinders, Repatriation, Noarlunga
Hospitals) along with significant mental health and primary health services.
Underpinning the Department of Health Strategic Directions are the agreed values that reflect
honesty, respect and integrity for every individual. These values drive how we conduct our
business and how we behave. We aim to make the values “live”. It is important that we
incorporate the values into our behaviour systems and processes.
The Department has a “Commitment to Workplace Values” attached to Job and Person
Specifications that all staff are required to uphold. (Please refer to the back of this document).
Australia has one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse populations in the world. Having
a diverse workforce (inclusive of bi-lingual, bi-cultural and employees who have a disability) can
enhance the department’s ability to negotiate with, and meet the needs of, the full range of its
clients and customers. Such employees also add to the diversity of the workforce, and give
added opportunities to fully capitalise on difference as a valuable asset in an increasingly
competitive environment.
Job & Person Specification –Page 1 of 8
JOB SPECIFICATION
1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to the organisation's goals:
The Clinical Practice Consultant, Upper GI Cancer uses his/her clinical knowledge and experience
to provide strategic and operational support to the Upper GI cancer multidisciplinary team in their
delivery of care in line with the upper GI cancer pathway.
The Clinical Practice Consultant, Upper GI Cancer will provide clinical nursing expertise for
patients/clients with or at increased risk of upper gastrointestinal (oesophageal and gastric) cancer.
This will include coordination of care, facilitation of referrals, communication and support to the
multidisciplinary team in upper GI cancer, monitoring and reporting of agreed outcomes in the area
of upper GI cancer and liaison with other upper GI cancer service providers across the state and
region.
2.
Reporting/Working Relationships
The Nurse Clinical Practice Consultant:
 Reports to Nursing Director, Cancer Directorate, Adelaide Health Services. In the absence
of the Nursing Director, Cancer Services, the Nurse Clinical Practice Consultant will report
to the Director, Cancer Directorate, Adelaide Health Services and for professional nursing
functions, to the Director of Nursing, Adelaide Health Service or delegate.
 On a day to day basis works under the supervision of the Lead clinician for Upper GI
cancer in the Adelaide Health Service
 Works closely with Upper GI Surgeons, Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists,
Palliative Care physicians, Allied Health workers, and other Nursing Staff engaged in the
delivery of care to patients with Upper GI Cancer within SAHS and with community
provides across the region.
 Maintains close collaborative working relationships with all Nurses, Medical and Allied
Health staff involved in the management of patients/clients with or at increased risk of
upper gastrointestinal (oesophageal and gastric) cancer.
o Maintains cooperative and productive working relationships within all members of
the health care team
o Supports and works collaboratively with less experienced members of the health
care team
3.
Special Conditions.
 The appointee may be subject to a Criminal History Check prior to confirmation of
appointment.
 The incumbent may be required to enter into an annual performance agreement for the
achievement of (specific or service or program) outcomes.
 Will be required to work at all sites within the Adelaide Health Service.
 Will be required work collaboratively with and support the Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer
Nurse Clinical Practice Consultant employed in the Adelaide Health Service.
 This will entail some ad hoc work within the Adelaide Health Service.
4.
Statement of Key Outcomes and Activities
Job & Person Specification –Page 2 of 8
4.1
Ensures high quality patient care for patients/clients with or at increased risk of upper
gastrointestinal (oesophageal and gastric) cancer aimed at improving patient health
outcomes.
 Facilitate the multidisciplinary management of specific patients/clients with upper
gastrointestinal cancer by:
o Facilitate referral and coordinated care of patients with or at risk of upper GI
malignancy
o Ensuring that all patients/clients with upper GI cancer are managed according to
best practice guidelines – specifically the Upper GI cancer pathway developed
and endorsed by the SA Cancer Clinical Network.
o Liase with clinicians and facilitate management of Upper GI cancer patients
o Coordinate assessment and multidisciplinary management across Upper GI
Surgery, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Palliative Care and Allied Health
disciplines
o Coordinate and facilitate the discussion of all Upper GI cancer cases at the Upper
GI Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting.
o Coordinate documentation of outcomes of MDT meeting, and communicate
outcomes to clinicians involved in the care of patients/clients discussed at the
MDT meeting.
o Facilitate communication of care plan and discharge planning to community
providers.
o Facilitate communication of MDT care plan to patients with Upper GI cancer.
o Facilitate clinical data collection for State-wide and regional clinical audit and
outcome reporting.
o Participate in pretreatment assessment and support of patients/clients with newly
diagnosed Upper GI cancer, support patients/clients through complex treatment
pathways, and participate in multidisciplinary post treatment follow-up.
o Coordinate the management and follow-up of patients at elevated risk of upper GI
cancer, including management of Barrett’s surveillance program.
o Ensure high quality outcomes for patients at elevated risk of upper GI cancer.
o In conjunction with other clinicians, develop and deliver patient information
packages for patients with upper GI cancer.
o Facilitate education for patients and community health providers regarding
prevention of upper GI malignancy
o Assist with development of clinical protocols for management of patients with or at
risk of upper GI malignancy
o Enhance the support of patients with upper GI cancer, including development of
patient led support groups.
o Under the direction and supervision of the Upper GI MDT, conduct Nurse led
assessment clinics for patients with upper GI cancer.
o Facilitate liaison with other upper GI cancer service providers across the state and
region.
o Work closely with the Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Nurse Clinical Practice
Consultant employed in the Adelaide Health Service as necessary to deliver a
coordinated State-wide service.
This will be achieved through:
 Integrating contemporary information and evidence with personal experience to support
the decision making, innovative thinking and objective analysis at this level;
 Contributing specific expertise to nursing practice through clinical protocol and standards
development;
 Applying and sharing expert clinical knowledge to improve patient/client care;
 Providing expert clinical nursing care and interventions and/or individual case
management to the defined population of patients/clients;
 Contributing expert nursing assessment and advice to local clinical teams to achieve
integrated nursing care within a risk management framework;
Job & Person Specification –Page 3 of 8
4.2
Contributes to clinical leadership and support in the area of upper GI cancer by:
 Leading nursing clinical practice in the the professional practice framework established by
the Director of Nursing, and under the Direction of the of Upper GI Cancer clinicians in
SAHS;
 Maintaining productive working relationships and managing conflict resolution;
 Contributing specific expertise to monitoring and evaluative research activities in order to
improve nursing practice and service delivery.
 Undertaking the nursing care role with a significant degree of independent clinical decision
making in the area of personal expertise;
 Contributing to the development and sustainability of nursing skills for the needs of the
specific population group using systems of resource and standards promulgation;
4.3
Contributes to the achievement of professional expertise through personal
professional development/continuing education and teaching by :
 Contributing clinical expertise in upper GI cancer and related fields to learning
environments, which may include individual/team capability development, mentorship
and/or post registration clinical teaching;
 Holding a contemporary professional practice portfolio containing evidence of
postgraduate qualifications, learning and practice experience that underpin a
demonstrable application of knowledge and skills commensurate with the level and type of
practice expected of the role.
4.4
Promotes and implements the development and maintenance of a safe environment by
coordinating activities relating to:
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4.5
Accident prevention.
Occupational health and safety.
Infection control.
Prevention of sexual harassment.
Prevention of negatively discriminating behaviour.
Cultural awareness.
Supporting a pro-active approach to risk management.
Ensures that staff and other persons in their work areas are safe from risks to health
and safety by:
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Carrying out responsibilities as detailed in organisational occupational health, safety and
injury management (OHSM&IM) policies and procedures;
Implementing and monitoring relevant OHS&IM policies and procedures within their work
area;
Identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing, monitoring and maintaining
hazard control measures in consultation with staff and relevant committees;
Participating in OHS&IM planning;
Providing staff with the necessary information, instruction, training and supervision to
effectively and safely carry out their work;
Maintaining relevant OHS&IM documentation; and
Consulting with health and safety representative, committees and staff on changes to the
workplace with have the potential to impact on health and safety.
Job & Person Specification –Page 4 of 8
4.
Statement of Key Outcomes and Activities (continued)
4.6
Contributes toward the provision of a healthy, safe and equitable working environment
by adhering to the principles and standards of Equal Employment Opportunity
Legislation, which:
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Ensures all employees in the workplace are treated in a fair and equitable manner; and
Identifies and eliminates discrimination, bullying and harassment in the workplace.
Approved by Line Manager:
Acknowledged by Occupant:
_________________________
_________________________
Job & Person Specification –Page 5 of 8
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
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Registered with the Nurses’ Board of South Australia and holds a current practicing certificate.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills:
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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.
Demonstrated ability to foster a workplace environment that develops staff potential.
Proven ability for flexibility, innovation and creativity with in the whole of service setting.
Effective leadership skills including highly developed skills in communication, problem solving,
conflict resolution and negotiation.
Demonstrated ability in facilitating change management
Experience
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Registered Nurse/Midwife with at least 3 years post registration experience
Demonstrated competence in the relevant area of nursing practice in accordance with the
appropriate standards of practice.
Experience in the supervision of student nurses, enrolled nurses and less experienced
registered nurses.
Experience in management and leadership roles
Knowledge
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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 and 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 Improvement Systems as applied to a healthcare setting.
Knowledge of contemporary professional nursing and health care issues.
Job & Person Specification –Page 6 of 8
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
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Qualifications relevant to practice setting.
Tertiary qualifications in nursing or human services related discipline.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills:
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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.
Ability to analyse complex data.
Ability to undertake presentations to community and professional groups.
Ability to deliver high quality outcomes for cancer patients and patients at elevated risk of
cancer.
Experience
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Experience with quality improvement activities.
Experience in evaluating the results of nursing research and integrating, where relevant, the
results into nursing practice.
Experience with the management and treatment of patients/clients with upper
gastrointestinal cancer.
Experience with the multidisciplinary management of Upper GI cancer patients.
Experience with the process of Cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings.
Experience with surveillance programs for patients at elevated risk of cancer.
Experience with the development and delivery of information to cancer patients.
Experience with supporting patients with cancer
Knowledge
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Knowledge of the South Australian Public Health System.
Knowledge of an area of nursing relevant to areas relevant to the management of Upper GI
Cancer
Job & Person Specification –Page 7 of 8
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;
 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!
Job & Person Specification –Page 8 of 8