Job and Person Specification
Title of Role:
Manager Pathology
Remuneration Level:
PO5
Business Unit:
Forensic Science SA
Type of Appointment:
Ongoing
Division:
Legal, Legislative & Rights
Position Number:
AG2384
Protection Services
Job and Person Specification Approval
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DELEGATE
Primary Purpose
The primary purpose of the Manager Pathology is to ensure the provision of an efficient, timely and
effective routine autopsy, interpretive and advisory service in forensic pathology resulting in an
effective medical contribution to the operation of the justice system in South Australia.
Reporting Relationships
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Reports to the Director, Forensic Science SA
Line management responsibility for a team of Professional and Technical Officers within the
pathology, histology and mortuary groups.
Responsible for the operational output of 5.5. Pathologists in relation to operational matters.
Key Relationships/Interactions
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FSSA Executive Group and Managers
Officers of the Attorney-General’s Department
State Coroner’s Office
South Australia Police (SAPOL)
Science faculties/universities at state, national and international level
Key Challenges
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Management of various contracts for outsourced services
Monitoring of post mortem report output to meet client and public expectations
Maintaining a safe workplace in a challenging work environment
Special Conditions (Optional Insertion)
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Some out of hours work and interstate travel may be required
The incumbent must provide a saliva sample for DNA testing and placement on the DNA
Quality Assurance Register (QAR) to exclude the possibility of contamination.
AGD Conditions
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Participation in annual performance review and development;
Actively participate in all mandatory training requirements;
Abide by the standards in the Code of Ethics for the South Australian Public Sector (the Code);

Employment is dependent upon a National Police Certificate clearance that the AGD finds
satisfactory.
Flexible Working Arrangement Options (Optional Insertion)
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Flexitime arrangements are available in this role.
Part time working arrangements are available in this role.
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Responsibilities
This Job and Person Specification provides an indication of the type of duties you will be engaged to
perform. You may be lawfully directed to perform any duties that a person with your qualifications,
skills and abilities would reasonably be expected to perform. The Manager Pathology is responsible
for:
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Performance
Management
Specified Duties
Performance Indicator/Measurement
 Ensure the Mortuary and
Histology Laboratory operate
in an efficient manner in line
with departmental and quality
standards
 Outputs of each area are
monitored and reported on
monthly
 Provide leadership and
develop a culture in line with
the Public Sector values to
ensure that operational quality,
agency reputation and integrity
are maintained at the highest
possible level.
 Exercise managerial
delegations including the
application of contemporary
human resource principles to
manage staff performance,
development and training
 Ensure Pathology’s resources
are managed effectively with
revenue and expenditure
targets maintained within
allocated budgets and in
accordance with endorsed
business plans
 Utilise Key Performance
Indicators to monitor and
report on Group performance
 Ensure outsourced services
are provided effectively and inline with contractual
arrangements
 Contribute to the
management, professional
policy development and
strategic direction of Forensic
Science SA in line with
Government and AttorneyGeneral’s Department
directions
 Contracts are monitored,
contractual arrangements of both
parties are met and as applicable
re-negotiated or retendered
ahead of time
 Performance discussions are held
regularly with staff
 Agreed training requirements are
met
 KPIs for each area within
Pathology are met
 Staff understand and conduct
themselves in line with the Public
Sector values
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Quality Management
Customer Relationship
Management
Compliance
 Regularly review and improve
Pathology’s professional work
policies, practices and
procedures in accordance with
NATA/RCPA Medical Testing
accreditation, international
standards of best practice and
legislative requirements
 QRIs and method reviews are
addressed within agreed
timeframes
 Critical incidents are addressed at
a senior level in a timely manner
 Regular contact with the
Coroner’s Office ensuring
strategies and services match
current and projected needs
 Point of contact and liaison
with FSSA’s key clients and
stakeholders for matters
relating to the provision of
Pathology services
 Specialist advice to stakeholders
is provided
 Client’s expectations are
understood, KPI’s negotiated and
met
 Responsible and accountable
for adhering to the
requirements of the WHS Act
2012; relevant WHS
Regulations 2012; the Equal
Opportunity Act 1984; the PS
Act 2009; the Code of Ethics
for Public Sector employees;
the principles of diversity; and
the Department’s policies and
procedures;
 Keep accurate and complete
records of business activities
in accordance with the State
Records Act 1997.
 Active participation and
contribution in responsible and
safe work practices.
 Abides by the Acts, Regulations,
Policies and Procedures relevant
to employees of the Department;
 Documents and correspondence
filed according to States Records
Act, 1997.
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Technical Expertise
Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience relevant to the role
Technical
Expertise
(Essential)
Technical
Expertise
(Desirable)
 A Degree in science or medicine.
 Experience in the leadership and management of professional, technical and
support staff in a complex sensitive environment
 Experience in a multi-disciplined scientific/medical science environment.
 Experience in the management of scientific/medical science functions
 Experience in customer relationship management, client negotiation and provision
of high quality customer service
 Experience in developing, implementing and reviewing policies and procedures
relating to a scientific laboratory
 Ability to coordinate the implementation of contemporary and innovative
scientific/medical processes, procedures and concepts and to encourage their
application and acceptance by staff and clients.
 Knowledge of contemporary professional standards, service delivery requirements
and management techniques
 Knowledge and understanding of quality systems and national accreditation
programs
 Ability to negotiate and maintain Service Agreements with external suppliers
 A post graduate qualification in science
 Qualifications or training in management
 Experience in implementation of strategic planning processes associated with
improvement of scientific services and service delivery capabilities
 Management of a team of professionals and development of team approach to
achievement of goals
 Knowledge and understanding of national and international issues and trends in
forensic science and pathology
 Knowledge and understanding of national forensic science systems and
structures including the operation and functions of SMANZFL and NIFS
 Knowledge of the procedures and practices in the State Coroner’s Office, the SA
Police and the justice system
 Working knowledge of the Transplantation and Anatomy Act and the Criminal Law
(Forensic Procedures) Act
 Working knowledge of NATA Forensic Science and Medical Testing accreditation
requirements
 Awareness of emerging trends in the provision of autopsy services likely to impact
on client demands
 Knowledge of court procedures and the presentation of evidence
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Behavioural Capabilities
Descriptors below detail the behavioural capabilities required for performance in the Manager
Pathology role. KEY behaviours for this role are listed with the critical behaviours highlighted in bold.
These behaviours have been drawn from a larger number of relevant behaviours in AGD’s
Performance Matrix. This broader group of behaviours are applicable to your ongoing success in the
role.
Category and level
Behaviours
Strategic Focus
Tactical
 Anticipates risks and manages these accordingly
 Translates strategies and goals into achievable plans
 Drives effective change
 Promotes creative and innovative thinking
Results Orientation
Tactical
Service Delivery
Excellence
Strategic
Relationship
Management
Strategic
Professional
approach and drive
Tactical
 Holds self and others accountable for quality, timely and cost effective results
 Monitors performance and drives continuous improvement
 Develops plans with clear outcomes and supports others to achieve these
 Confidently makes decisions showing good judgement
 Anticipates and plans for future events, trends, problems and opportunities
 Builds and manages capability and expertise of the workforce to achieve
organisational goals
 Promotes continuous learning and the development of others to achieve maximum
individual and organisational potential.
 Provides clear, honest and timely feedback, including addressing non-performance
promptly and recognising high performance.
 Holds a clear understanding of the political context and acts accordingly
 Adopts and promotes a collaborative approach when working with internal or external
stakeholders
 Builds extensive effective working relationships, networks and partnerships
 Models and promotes sharing of information and knowledge
 Builds a culture of respect and high ethical standards
 Demonstrates and promotes professionalism and confidentiality when dealing
with sensitive issues
 Willing to put own views forward and challenges opposing views in a respectful
manner
 Seeks feedback on performance and engages in self reflection
 Remains positive and recovers quickly from setbacks
Acknowledged by
occupant
(Print name)
/
/
/
(Signature)
Acknowledged by line
manager
(Print name)
/
(Signature & title)
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