ADELAIDE HEALTH SERVICE
THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL
Directorate
POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Clinical Pharmacist
Classification: AHP2
Position No:
Reports To: Specialist Clinical Pharmacist and Clinical Pharmacy
Team Leader
NW0411
Type of Appointment: Ongoing / Temporary
Initial Location: The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Regional Office
Date Prepared: June 2009
Position Review Date:
CONTEXT AND PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Adelaide Health Service (AHS) was created as the first step in the long term reform of South Australia’s health system
towards creating a truly integrated health service focussed on the total health needs of local communities.
The Clinical Pharmacist’s role is to contribute to the appropriate, effective, safe and cost efficient use of medications for all clients
of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, both for inpatients and as the patient is transferred between episodes of care. This objective is
accomplished by working in a multidisciplinary team environment under the supervision of the Specialist Clinical Pharmacist
following the Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee (APAC) guiding principles to achieve continuity in medication
management. The role involves providing a clinical pharmacy service to a broad range of clinical areas including medical, surgical
and emergency services to reach the statewide Key Performance Indicators in support of the State/Commonwealth agreement
ensuring quality use of medicines.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
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Comply with SA Public Sector Code of Ethics and Code of Fair Information Practice within the workplace and in the public
domain
Behave consistently in accordance with AHS guiding principles workplace values and directions
Participate in any performance management system
Adhere to the provisions of relevant legislation, policies, procedures, instructions and guidelines
Comply with all Occupational Health and Safety provisions policies and strategies which result in a healthy and safe work
environment
Ensure learning and development relevant to this role remains current
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding any information regarding client/patient, personal staff information, human resource
and financial information and information of strategic importance to AHS and its health units
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POSITION SUMMARY
Explains why this position exists and adds value to AHS and its clients/patients.
Outcomes
Strategies
Create vision and create ownership
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Be part of the development of an inspiring, relevant vision for the
organisation and to share ownership of these goals in order to create an
effective work environment
Contribute to strategic policy development and service improvement
initiatives
Contribute to the pharmacy department’s achievement of state and
regional health policy
Plan strategically
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Support the planning process and improves the strategic performance to
ensure the organisation moves towards its vision
Develop people
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Develop people through empowering effective communication, motivating
and creating a work environment that promotes life long learning,
diversity, mutual trust and respect
Contribute to the training of other pharmacists, pre-registrant pharmacists
and students
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Promote and achieve quality customer
outcomes
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Contribute to a quality-focussed medication management environment
through promoting, delivery and evaluation of high quality customer
service, customer products and service standards
Be motivated and encourage team members to achieve excellence in
service provision to ensure the safe use of medications.
Ensure the maintenance of clients’ rights and responsibilities including
customer/client/family/advocate participation in decision making when
appropriate
Provide information and support to consumers and their carers to take
responsibility for their own medication management
Manage relationships
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Establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients,
customers, consumers, employees, families and other key stakeholders
within the public and private sectors and wider community through the use
of effective communication strategies
Increase self awareness and self
management
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Increase self awareness of own strengths and development needs and
act to improve ones performance based on this knowledge and through
life long learning.
Acts with integrity by being aware of own behaviour and managing it to
have the best possible impact on the behaviours of others
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Innovation
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Foster a creative and innovative work environment for the health service
Reconciliation and Cultural diversity
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Contributes to the improvement in health, well-being and positive
participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
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0
1-2
POSITION LEADERSHIP
Positions directly led
Positions technically led
Total Numbers of employees under span
of control
Approved operating Budget (current
financial year)
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Pre-registrant pharmacist, pharmacy
technician/assistant, pharmacy students
KEY CHALLENGES
Lists ongoing challenges not adhoc problems
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Understanding the requirements of this position in meeting AHS service objectives and broader health outcomes
Understanding and respecting diversity in culture, gender, social backgrounds and race within the workplace and in
the broader community
KEY RESULT AREA)
AHS Strategic Priorities
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PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE
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Coordinate medication management services
across metropolitan and country regions based
on patient needs
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Adopt and apply the strategic priorities
regarding medication management, such as the
APAC Guiding Principles and Society of
Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA)
standards of Practice for Clinical Pharmacy,
which support the strategic objectives of AHS
and the health reform agenda, working in
collaboration with other health professionals and
patients, improving patient health outcomes,
safety and quality and efficiency of hospital care
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Contribute to the achievement and
measurement of KPIs
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Participate in the hospital-wide implementation
and continuous improvement of patient
focussed, safe, efficient, cost effective
medication pathways across the continuum
Evidence of innovation and
continuous improvement exists.
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Assess and instigate the service required to
ensure best practice is achieved
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Build and maintain strong working relationships
with other health professionals within the region
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Work as a multidisciplinary team member with
other hospital staff such as pharmacists,
medical, nursing and allied health staff.
Feedback is responded to and a
smooth and safe patient transfer
from community to hospital and
back is measured and improved..
Cooperative and productive
outcomes between incumbent and
other health care staff eg
demonstrate understanding and
responsiveness to the needs of
community health providers.
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Facilitate a collaborative approach to continuity
of medication management involving a
multidisciplinary team by identifying key
stakeholders within the hospital and the
community setting including General
Practitioners, Community Pharmacists,
Residential Aged Care Facilities, other primary
health care providers and consumers.
The medication management
systems are accessible and
sustainable and responsive to
customer needs
Hospital
Services
Continuum of
Care
Collaboration
KEY PERFORMANCE
INDICATOR
Consistent, equitable clinical
pharmacy services are provided to
all clients within the hospital and for
the transition back to the
community setting
KPI’s determined by the
state/Commonwealth agreement
are met.
Collaborative relationships with
hospital and community health care
providers exist.
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Quality Use of
Medicines
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Ensure all points in the medication cycle are
optimised for the safety of patient and staff and
the best health outcomes are achieved within
existing resources
There is evidence of
knowledge/practice and
implementation of evidence based
practice.
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Teaching &
Mentoring
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Builds and maintains strong relationships with
health students and other health professionals
in order to participate in the sharing of
knowledge, building of knowledge, skills and
capacity.
Actively participates in the
Pharmacy teaching and mentoring
programmes.
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REPORTING/WORKING RELATIONSHIPS/INTERACTIONS
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Accountable to the Manager, Pharmacy Services and reports to the Clinical Pharmacy Team Leader through the
Specialist Clinical Pharmacist
Works as a member of a team of clinical pharmacists under the supervision/mentoring of the Specialist Clinical
Pharmacist working in the particular specialty area.
Directs the activities of the pre-registrant pharmacist, pharmacy students and pharmacy assistants/technicians when
required.
Liaise and work closely with other pharmacists, including dispensary, production and clinical trials pharmacists, as
well as other health professionals such as medical, nursing and allied health staff. Involvement with patients is a
regular feature of this position.
Establish working relations and interact with Health Units within AHS, the Department of Health and other
government and non-government stakeholders
OHS&W
Employees responsibility under OHS&W Act
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As an employee of this organisation, you are required to follow defined OHS&W policies and procedures related to
the work being undertaken in order to ensure own safety and that of others in the work place
Follow workplace OHS policies and procedures when performing tasks
Report all hazards, incidents, injuries and unsafe work practices in the workplace to your supervisor
Attending mandatory safety training programs
AUTHORITY TO ACT
Explains what matters can be acted on without referring to others
The occupant of this position is authorised within delegated authority to
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PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Describes the personal attributes to successfully perform this position
Attributes
Description
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Adaptability
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Maintains effectiveness when experiencing changes in
work tasks or the work environment: adjusts effectively
to work within work structures, processes,
requirements, or cultures
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Appropriate Person
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Has and maintains a personal
inappropriate or criminal activity
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Energy
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Consistently maintains high levels of activity or
productivity: sustaining long working hours when
necessary: operating with vigour, effectiveness and
determination over extended periods of time
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Stress tolerance
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Maintains stable performance handling work place
pressure in a manner which is acceptable to others and
the organisation
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Fitness for work
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Maintains level of physical and psychological fitness
appropriate to this role
record
free
of
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
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Required to rotate through different clinical specialty areas
Although initially based at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the incumbent may be required to work in any site of the
Adelaide Health Service
Some out of hours work may be required
Required to work a 7-day per week roster, including public holidays, working in other areas of the pharmacy on
weekends, including dispensary and production services.
Must be available for department on-call roster
A formal performance appraisal will be conducted annually
Must be prepared to attend relevant meetings and staff development/educational activities as required
You may be required to undergo a criminal history check
May be required to work in the dispensary, drug information, clinical trials or pharmacy production in times of staffing
shortages
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SECTION B: EMPLOYEE CAPABILITY PROFILE
This section outlines the performance criteria (behavioural and professional/technical) that enables the successful performance
of the duties of this position and reflects a commitment to AHS core values and capabilities.
BEHAVIOURAL CAPABILITIES
These capabilities and associated behavioural characteristics are essential in fulfilling the requirements of this
position.
Capabilities
Behavioural Characteristics
Results Focus
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Professional Accountability
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Communication and Interpersonal
Relationship
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Client Service Focus
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Team Focus
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Continuous Improvement
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Has clear goals and expectations in accordance with organisational
directions and achieves performance objectives
Reviews performance, maintains alignment with organisational priorities
Problem solves effectively by gathering and analysing appropriate
information and assisting in achieving satisfactory solutions
An effective role model, demonstrating integrity, ethical standards, and work
performance that is consistently of the highest standard
Accepts professional and personal accountability for own actions and
behaviours and how this impacts on others
Actions and decisions are transparent and consistent
Uses organisational resources effectively and efficiently
Aware of impact of self on others, manages own emotions and assist others
to do the same, especially in times of change
Displays personal energy and enthusiasm and maintains a positive outlook
even when faced with difficult situations or environments
Consistently demonstrates a ‘can-do’ attitude
Presents information both verbally and in writing in a clear and professional
manner
Persuades others and sells the benefits of ideas and projects by effectively
overcoming objections and influencing at the appropriate level
Understand different roles and perspectives within the organisation
Respects people, understanding cultural difference, is sensitive and values
differences and builds a positive relationship with all stakeholders
Resolves interpersonal differences constructively and professionally to
ensure no adverse consequences to the quality of internal and external
client service or the working relationship
Builds effective relationships with other employees
Utilises effective questioning skills and a consultative approach to accurately
interpret the needs of customer’s (internal and external to the organisation)
and demonstrates effective problem solving skills to provide a flexible
service that meets these needs
Understanding customer requirements and delivers services at a high
standard in a responsive and timely manner
Demonstrates empathy and understanding of clients from diverse, cultural,
ethnic and social backgrounds
Becomes part of, and promotes a team environment by showing respect,
and acknowledging and validating other team members
Enhances team’s effectiveness by taking ownership of team issues and
goals
Actively builds trust, rapport and motivates team members to achieve goals
Contributes and shares knowledge and skills with others
Consistently demonstrates best practice and a commitment to quality
standards, proactively identifying needs for improvement and showing
initiative in meeting these improvement needs
Defines standards and values and embeds continuous improvement into
areas of responsibility
Seeks feedback and acts on opportunities for continuous personal and
professional development
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PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Knowledge required to fulfil the requirements of this position
Qualifications
Essential:
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Pharmacy Degree or diploma from an accredited School of Pharmacy
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Registered, or be eligible for registration, with the Pharmacy Board of South Australia
Desirable:
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Post graduate qualification in pharmacy or other discipline relevant to clinical pharmacy practice.
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Accreditation to perform Home Medicines Reviews and Residential Medication Management Reviews
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
Essential
Skills:
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High-level written and verbal communication skills to ensure effective and appropriate communication with a
broad range of people, including the general public
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Interpersonal skills which facilitate interaction and cooperation with relevant personnel and negotiation of
deadlines
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Demonstrated ability to work well within a multi-disciplinary team
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Demonstrated ability to work independently under broad direction and to identify performance outcomes, plan
activities and set priorities to achieve objectives within deadlines
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Demonstrated use of initiative, decision making skills and the ability to effect change
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Documented interest and participation in professional development
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Proficient in the use of computer application packages
Experience:
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Clinical Pharmacy experience
Knowledge:
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Of drug products, including their pharmacology, therapeutic applications and adverse effects
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Knowledge of standard drug information texts and electronic databases
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Demonstrated knowledge in general medical and infectious disease therapeutics
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Knowledge of quality improvement principles
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A detailed knowledge of the Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council Guiding principles to achieve continuity
in medication management
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Broad knowledge of standards for clinical Pharmacy practice
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Demonstrated knowledge of safe and quality use of medicines
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A detailed knowledge of the Pharmaceutical Act and accompanying regulations
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A detailed knowledge of Therapeutic Goods and administration Acts and Regulations including the Therapeutic
Devices Acts and Regulations, as well as the Controlled Substances Act and Regulations
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Be cognoscente of the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with medication and medication information
supply
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Knowledge of Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare policies and procedures and their application in the
workplace
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
Desirable
Skills:
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Demonstrated ability to obtain, select, analyse and apply medical literature information to the local situation
Experience:
 Familiarity with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
 Experience in hospital pharmacy practice including clinical pharmacy services
 Proven experience in instigating, implementing and analysing quality improvement practices
 Experience in providing both Home Medication Reviews and Residential Medication Management Reviews
 Worked as a member of a team of professional and non-professional staff
 Coordinated activities of staff - non-professional and professional
 Recent experience in multidisciplinary projects
 Membership and participation in Committee(s) of hospital or professional organisations
 Pharmacy research experience
 Contribution to medical literature through publication in books and/or journals
 Use of computerised dispensing systems
 Training and supervision of undergraduates, graduates and non-professional staff
 Supporting clinical trials including investigational drugs
 Experience in pharmacy production and drug information
Knowledge:
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Demonstrated knowledge of drug utilisation review/evaluation concepts and practice
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Demonstrated knowledge of applied pharmacokinetics in research and clinical management of patients
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Knowledge of performance management principles
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(Print Name)
Agreed By
Position
Incumbent
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(Date)
(Signature)
Approved By
Executive Director
(Print Name)
(Signature)
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(Date)