JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
(NON-MANAGERIAL)
TITLE OF POSITION:
Specialist Clinical Pharmacist, ACE
Southern Adelaide Health Service
Classification:
PO3
Health Unit: Flinders Medical Centre
Division: Pharmacy
Department / Section: Pharmacy
Full-Time Permanent
Position No: FM 3315
Position Created: January 2009
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.
The Clinical Pharmacist will focus on the identification and development of processes that will
enhance the quality use of medicines to a specified clinical unit or ward.
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2. SUMMARY OF THE BROAD PURPOSE OF THE POSITION and its responsibilities/duties
The Specialist Clinical Pharmacist, ACE 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. These services will be provided to comply
with the specified clinical unit or ward policies and procedures. 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 Specialist Clinical Pharmacist, ACE 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, ACE 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 the specified clinical unit or ward 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 Pharmaceutical Reforms
The Specialist Clinical Pharmacist, ACE 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.
 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.
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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)
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, ACE
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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5. 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, ACE is responsible for the implementation of 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 in a specified clinical unit or ward:
 Providing clinical pharmacy services to the patients and staff of a discrete clinical unit
 Development of a program of advanced clinical practice
 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
 Reviewing all patients’ orders and confirming appropriateness of dose and treatment regimen for
the individual patient
 Confirming availability and coordinating the supply of all drugs, with a particular focus on;
 Pharmaceuticals requiring preparation by the Pharmacy’s production preparation service or
through externally contracted services
 High cost drugs requiring expenditure approval
 Oversight of stock control, imprest lists and monitoring of drug usage in the specified clinical
unit or ward and co-ordinating the timely supply of drugs
 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.
 Counselling all patients and their carers regarding the drug treatments and their effects, providing
written information and other aids to support verbal advice
 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
The Pharmacist collaborates with the Production pharmacists to ensure that they are provided with
the complete information to enable them to safely and accurately prepare prepare all treatments
prescribed therapies. This will involve the Specialist Clinical Pharmacist in:
 Providing the Production staff with details of approved treatment protocols – ensuring the
correctness of calculated doses
 Participating in the determination of appropriate formulations and delivery systems for the
preparation and presentation of the required therapies
 Determining the source of supply of selected prescribed therapies and ensuring that the drugs
are available to Production staff when the work is scheduled. This may require the Pharmacist to
interact with external services and also the pharmaceutical industry.
Participating in the education and training goals of both the specified clinical unit or ward and the
Pharmacy service is fundamental to the successful delivery of services. The Pharmacist 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 graduate 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 relevant matters to the Pharmacy
 Regular communication with the Division of Pharmacy on matters relating to the specified clinical
unit or ward and participation in the Pharmacy’s continuing education program
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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:
 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.
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.
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
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
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
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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