POSITION DESCRIPTION

Medical Laboratory Assistant – Pathology

Specimen Reception

Organisation NSW Health

Local Health District / Agency NSW Health Pathology
Position Classification Tech Assist Gde 2
State Award Health Employees (State) Award
Category Pathology | Technical Assistant | Pathology Assistant
Vaccination Category Category A
ANZSCO Code 311213 Medical Laboratory Technician
Website www.pathology.health.nsw.gov.au

PRIMARY PURPOSE
Perform a range of laboratory support and/or specimen reception services and/or collection services, and provide
assistance to laboratory staff, under supervision, to deliver a patient focused service.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• National criminal record check

• Service check register
• Pre-employment health assessment
• Occupational Screening and Vaccination compliance

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
The role and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the values,
strategic priorities, performance goals, delegations, policies, procedures and operations of NSW Health Pathology
(NSWHP) and in line with the NSW Health Code of Conduct and the Capabilities required to perform this role
competently. The incumbent may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this
description, may be required to perform duties on a 24/7 roster and/or on call, and may be required to travel to
different sites across the organisation with appropriate notice as per the award.

• Assist in general laboratory activities including: stock control, storage, cleaning, equipment and laboratory
maintenance, testing and general administrative tasks

• Assist in specimen reception services as required including: ensuring accuracy in activites such as
specimen identification and labelling, data entry, aliquot, storage and distribution to ensure a high quality
pathology service and commitment to patient care and safety

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 POSITION DESCRIPTION

Medical Laboratory Assistant – Pathology

Specimen Reception

• Perform data entry into information management systems and laboratory information systems ensuring a
high degree of accuracy in accordance with documented protocols, processes and procedures to ensure
tracking and labelling of pathology information and patient data

• Liaise with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders including: customers, patients, clinicians
and medical practitioners to provide a proactive customer service that supports NSWHP operations

• Assist with the provision of test results and pathology reports to support timely responses to requests in
accordance with documented protocols, processes and procedures

KEY CHALLENGES

• Delivering work effectively and in a timely manner whilst maintaining a standard of quality and accuracy
of pathology related information and data
• Working effectively as part of a team in a busy environment to ensure efficient accurate and timely
pathology services
• Maintaining confidentiality and adherence to relevant legislation whilst balancing the need to provide
prompt responses to stakeholders.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Who Why

Supervisor Provide advice, information and status updates on the progress

of work. Seek guidance, mentoring and direction. Escalate
issues outside of scope of role.

Medical Laboratory Technicians Report findings to, assist with laboratory tests

Medical Laboratory Scientists, Pathologists, Provide support, assistance and general administration
Laboratory Manager

Other laboratories Enquiries from other laboratories

SELECTION CRITERIA
1. A working knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to learn, all aspects of the laboratory environment
relevant to the Department
2. Demonstrated ability to maintain high quality work output while managing competing priorities
3. Demonstrated customer service experience and skills, preferably in a laboratory environment, including
the ability to communicate effectively with customers, patients and clinical staff
4. Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills combined with the ability to investigate and resolve
general issues within the laboratory environment
5. Excellent data entry skills including high attention to detail and data accuracy
6. Awareness of legislation, policies and requirements relevant to a laboratory setting
7. Ability and willingness to work shifts, on a 24-7 rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays

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 POSITION DESCRIPTION

Medical Laboratory Assistant – Pathology

Specimen Reception
8. Demonstrated experience in a centralised specimen reception of a pathology service

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