Job and Person Specifications
Title of Position:
Administrative Unit:
Classification Code: MeS-3
Directorate: Genetics and Molecular Pathology
Discipline Code:
Site: WCH
Type of Appointment
Section: Antenatal Screening
X Permanent
Position Number: IM3123
 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)




2.
To provide high level scientific and statistical input to the analysis of serum hormones and markers of
abnormal pregnancies in order to detect fetal and maternal abnormalities through provision of accurate risk
determinations.
To assist the Head, Biochemical Genetics in the management, marketing and delivery of services provided
by the South Australian Maternal Serum Antenatal Screening Programme.
Maintaining a system of audit of the performance of the South Australian Maternal Serum Antenatal
Programme to ensure results and procedures are appropriate, timely, effective and of the highest standard.
Responsibility for the safety, security, confidentiality and fidelity of the South Australian Maternal Serum
Screening Programme’s database
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)


Responsible to the Head, Biochemical Genetics
Responsible for the general supervision and work allocation of all staff and others working in the South
Australian Maternal Serum Antenatal Screening Programme
 Responsible, under the supervision of the Genetic Pathologist, for liaison and collaboration with general
practitioners, obstetricians, midwives and ultrasonography practices and antenatal clinics who are the
users of the programmes.
 Responsible, under the supervision of the Genetic Pathologist, for maintaining good relationships with
consumer groups who have a special interest in antenatal screening practices, such as the Down
syndrome and Spina Bifida societies and associations.
3. Special Conditions
(such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime etc)



Page 1 of 4
The incumbent may be required to attend to his/her duties out of normal working hours and be available for
consulting out of normal working hours.
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.
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.
SAPath 013/j
4.
Statement of Key Outcomes and Associated Activities
(Group into major areas of responsibility/activity and list in descending order of importance)
a) Services and Management
 Assisting with the budgetary, staff and scientific management of the South Australian Maternal Serum
Antenatal Screening Programme
 Ensuring that the South Australian Maternal Serum Antenatal Screening Programme maintains
processes, procedures and methods at the standard required for NATA/RCPA accreditation as a
provider of pathology services.
 Ensuring that the results of analytical testing performed by the South Australian Maternal Serum
Antenatal Screening Programme is of the highest analytical fidelity and issued in a timely manner and
that the procedures for dealing with abnormal or special interest results are followed.
 Assisting the Head, Biochemical Genetics to manage the information and support services provided
by the Programme to general, obstetric, midwifery practices and antenatal clinics, including the
Programme’s news sheets, patient and professional support literature and websites
 Maintaining a current awareness of knowledge and developments in the areas of antenatal screening
pertinent to the work of the Programme.
 Maintaining a system of audit of the performance of the South Australian Maternal Serum Antenatal
Programme to ensure results and procedures are appropriate, timely, effective and of the highest
standard
b) Planning and coordination
 Formulate and manage the programme’s budget to ensure responsible stewardship and the most
efficient service within the available resources.
 Reviewing and maintaining staff resources at levels consistent with the workloads being met by the
programme.
 Maintaining a current awareness of knowledge and developments in the areas of antenatal screening
pertinent to the work of the Programme, to facilitate the planning and development of the
Programme’s services within the framework of SA Pathology policies.
 Formulate and direct the implementation of new antenatal screening strategies, including upgrading of
existing methods and the introduction of agreed new services and procedures.
 Planning for the replacement and purchase of equipment required for service provision and all
aspects of acquisition and introduction of such equipment.
 Maintaining an awareness of current best practices relevant to the work of the Programme to facilitate
the planning and development of the Programmes’ services within the framework of SA Pathology
policies.
c) Research and Teaching
 Maintaining a program of developmental research whose objective is the continuous improvement of
the South Australian Maternal Serum Antenatal Screening Programme
 Collaborating with other individuals, units, departments and institutions necessary to achieve the
Programme’s aims.
 Maintain and coordinate the distribution of information maintained by the South Australian Maternal
Serum Antenatal Screening Programme as part of its public information responsibilities.
 Manage a continuing program of training for the staff of South Australian Maternal Serum Antenatal
Screening Programme to ensure development and maintenance of skill levels.
 Participation in a continuing program of information and training for general practitioners,
obstetricians, midwives, ultrasonography practices and antenatal clinics who are users of the services
provided by the South Australian Maternal Serum Antenatal Screening Programme.
a)
b)
c)
Page 2 of 4
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 Ethics for South Australian Public Sector Employees, SA
Pathology Code of Ethics 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
SAPath 013/J
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)
B. Sc or equivalent
Personal Abilities / Aptitudes / Skills



An ability to plan, organise and implement complex services and procedures
Outstanding communication skills and an ability to teach less experienced staff
Advanced computer literacy
Experience


(Related to the job description and expressed in a way which allows objective assessment)
(Including community experience)
Experience in performing clinical chemistry analytical procedures
Experience in contributing to the management of a clinical chemistry laboratory
Knowledge





Page 3 of 4
Current understanding of screening practices and an understanding of related professional disciplines
A thorough understanding of quality control and quality management principles and procedures as applied
to diagnostic pathology services
A working knowledge of statistics and their application to biological systems
A knowledge of the requirements for NATA/ RCPA/ ISO laboratory accreditation
A knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety principles operating in a diagnostic service pathology
laboratory
SAPath 013/J
Desirable Characteristics
(To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements)
Personal Abilities / Aptitudes / Skills
Demonstrated ability to deal with members of the public on health issues
Experience
Experience in implementation of new diagnostic tests
Proven experience in managing a laboratory
Experience in the design and implementation of research and development projects
Experience in the management of a complex database
Knowledge
Knowledge of public screening procedures
A sound knowledge of statistics and their application to population screening
Educational /Vocational Qualifications
(Considered to be useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position)
Membership of an appropriate professional organisation
Other Details
Page 4 of 4
SAPath 013/J