JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Position Title: Pharmaceutical Reforms Consultant
Division: Country Health SA
Branch: Service Development
Section:
Position Number:
Classification Code: PO4
Type of Appointment:
o
Temporary
Position Created: August 2009
Job & Person Specification Approval
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CE or delegate
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PREAMBLE:
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.
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JOB SPECIFICATION
1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to the organisation's goals:
The Pharmaceutical Reforms Consultant will lead the planning for implementation of
pharmaceutical reforms in Country Health SA, including the Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory
Council’s (APAC) guiding principles for continuity in medication management and the
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
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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).
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3.
Reports to the Chief Medical Advisor
Advises Country Health Executive on matters relevant to the role
Works closely with the Senior Allied Health Advisor
Works closely with pharmacy and medical groups within CHSA
Works closely with the Pharmaceutical Reforms Project Team at the Department of Health,
and other professional groups and stakeholders within CHSA.
Project work is conducted with professional independence
Special Conditions. (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, etc)
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The position is for six months
The appointee will be required to produce a satisfactory National Police Certificate/National
Police History Records Check prior to confirmation of appointment and every 3 years
thereafter from date of issue.
The incumbent will be required to enter into an annual performance agreement for the
achievement of (specific or service or program) outcomes.
Based at a Country Health location (negotiable).
Must be prepared to attend relevant meetings and staff development / education activities
as required.
A formal performance appraisal will be conducted annually.
Some out of hours work may be required.
Some intra/interstate travel may be required.
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4.
Statement of Key Outcomes and Activities
(group into major areas of responsibility/activity and list in
descending order of importance - continue on next page)
Lead the planning for implementation of Pharmaceutical Reforms in CHSA by:
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Reviewing clinical pharmacy services across country, confirming the FTE required,
identifying the relevant structures/services within each cluster and the model of pharmacy
service provision for country, including clinical supervision/support.
Developing an implementation plan for the introduction of the Australian Pharmaceutical
Advisory Council’s (APAC) guiding principles to achieve continuity in medication
management, in consultation with hospital stakeholders and the Department of Health
Pharmaceutical Reforms project team
Developing an implementation plan for the introduction of the Pharmaceutical Benefits
Scheme (PBS) for eligible patients
Establishing and coordinating a Country Health SA implementation committee, with working
groups to involve other stakeholders. These will include, but not be limited to, medical and
nursing staff, pharmacy, finance, admission, pre-admission and discharge, and information
and communication technology
Mapping the current process and planning the future process for patients who receive
chemotherapy as day-admitted patients, and medications at discharge, and as outpatients.
Developing and implementing communication and education strategies for stakeholders,
including educating medical and nursing staff, and providing information to consumers and
their carers about the Pharmaceutical Reforms and the impact on medication management
processes in CHSA hospitals
Developing/reviewing the CHSA drug formulary and non-formulary catalogue and the PBS
list, in consultation with the Drug and Therapeutics Committee and Functional Units within
CHSA
Ensuring the processes and resources for claiming reimbursement from Medicare Australia
are in place, including policies for collecting Medicare and concession numbers, staff
training and financial activity reporting
Developing a method for collecting patient co-payments, in consultation with the Finance
and Pharmacy departments
Liaising with the ICT and Pharmacy departments to determine and procure resources to
support implementation of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and the Chemotherapy
Pharmaceutical Access Scheme
Ensuring access to PBS Schedule for prescribers
Developing a business case for appropriate resources based on the modelling used by
metropolitan hospitals to implement the quality pharmaceutical reforms for introduction of
the PBS reforms to country health units
Lead the coordination and implementation of the project by:
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Preparing project documents and reports
Implementing an appropriate information, educational, promotion and marketing strategy
Coordinating and encouraging the efforts of various stakeholder groups
Providing regular status reports to CHSA executive and implementation committee
Ensure that continuous quality improvement programs and activities are in place and are
linked to the organisation’s strategic and corporate directions and targets by:
 Developing and establishing key performance indicators for all critical activities relevant to
area of responsibility in accordance with the quality evaluation program.
 Assisting in the identification, establishment and review of corporate and departmental
performance standards and outcomes.
 Establishing and maintaining recording systems to accurately reflect the activity of the
project, which will enable evaluation of performance leading to improvement and
achievement of best practice standards.
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 Liaising with Pharmaceutical Reform Project Officers in other SA hospitals and the
Department of Health Pharmaceutical Reforms project team to ensure a consistency of
implementation across the State
Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare
All staff are expected to ensure they comply with Country Health SA Management Standard 2 –
Responsibilities.
Country Health SA (CHSA) has a responsibility to maintain a duty of care under both the
Occupational Health Safety and Welfare (OHS&W) Act 1986 and the Rehabilitation and Workers
Compensation Act 1986, towards all persons in the workplace, including patients, visitors,
volunteers, sub contractors, labour hire staff and CHSA employees
Employees and Volunteers are accountable to ensure:
 They comply with any written policy, Management Standard, procedure and/ore reasonable
instruction pertaining to OHS&W and Injury Management (IM)
 They demonstrate appropriate behaviour to protect their own health and safety at work and
that of others, including patients, visitors, volunteers, sub contractors, labour hire staff and
fellow employees or volunteers
 They attend and participate in mandatory training and relevant training that is provided. Whilst
volunteers are encouraged to attend training, the need to attend specific training should be
determined in consultation with the individual to ensure a suitable compromise is achieved that
meets the needs of the individual and the organisation
 Active participation in OHS&W and IM initiatives and consultative processes
 Any incidents and hazards are immediately reported to ensure risks to themselves or other
persons can be minimised or eliminated
 They do not attend work under the influence of alcohol or a drug and in such a state that
compromises personal safety and the safety of others
 Personal protective equipment and other equipment or aids provided by the organisation, are
correctly used and maintained, and that any malfunctions or faults are reported
Approved by Line Manager:
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Acknowledged by Occupant:
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
(Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
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Degree in Pharmacy (or equivalent), giving eligibility for registration with the Pharmacy
Board of South Australia.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
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Proven strategic thinking and planning skills and the ability to implement, coordinate and
achieve successful project outcomes within set timeframes
Proven ability to work independently and as an effective member of a multidisciplinary
team
Proven ability to provide leadership and to communicate and negotiate successful
outcomes at a range of levels in the organisation
Proven ability to create and manage change and operate effectively in an environment
of uncertainty and change
Highly developed oral and written communication skills including the ability to
communicate, negotiate and network effectively with a broad range of health service
stakeholders
Proven ability to set and meet goals and objectives
Experience
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Significant experience in a range of project and planning work involving both teamwork
and individual effort and encompassing interpretation and analysis
Extensive experience in health/hospital units and thorough knowledge of health care
systems, practices and interactions of health professionals in their various environments
Experience in consulting with health care consumers, and other relevant stakeholders
Experience in leading and managing change
Knowledge
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Demonstrated knowledge of the Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council’s guiding
principles for continuity of medication management and Quality Use of Medicine
principles
Demonstrated knowledge of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and the
Chemotherapy Pharmaceutical Access Scheme
Demonstrated knowledge of pharmaceutical funding, approval and supply systems
Demonstrated knowledge of hospital and health care systems
Demonstrated knowledge of Pharmacy related Acts and Regulations
Understanding of Quality Management principles and procedures
Pharmacy and inventory management, including databases to support.
Knowledge and understanding of project design and strategic planning
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DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS
(To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
 Post-graduate qualification in health or business related discipline.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
 Demonstrated ability to engage in autonomous decision-making when necessary and a
multi-disciplinary approach to service delivery.
 A visionary approach to health service delivery.
Experience
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Demonstrated health service experience at management or policy level
Experience in computerised prescribing/dispensing systems (community or hospital)
Experience in providing staff training
Experience in software programs for project management
Proven experience in basic computing skills, including email and word processing
Experience in organisational strategic planning.
Knowledge
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Demonstrated knowledge of drug distribution systems within hospitals, and pharmacy
stock and inventory control
Demonstrated knowledge of the role of clinical pharmacists in medication management
Demonstrated knowledge of hospital governance
Other Details:
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