Download Title of Position

Title Position: Research Assistant
Organisation:
Central Northern Adelaide Health
Service
Classification Code: PO1/RN1
Discipline Code:
Type of Appointment:
o
Ongoing
o
Temporary
Directorate:
Section:
Position Number:
Position Created:
Mental Health Directorate
Rehabilitation Services
o
Other
Term
Job & Person Specification Approval
All excluding senior positions:
______________________________
CEO or delegate
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JOB SPECIFICATION
1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to the organisation's goals:
The Research Assistant is responsible to the Director, Rehabilitation Services for the delivery of high
standard research skill to conduct clinical drug trials in the area of psychiatry. The role encompasses
the recruitment, motivation and support of volunteers, planning of appointments according to the drug
trial protocol guidelines. Proficiency in documentation (particularly related to source documents and
case record files) is essential. Good clinical practice skills along with excellent communication skills
and the ability to liaise with departments and personnel involved in clinical drug trials is essential.
2.
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.)
The Research Assistant reports to the Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator and is accountable to
the Principal Investigator/Director of Rehabilitation Services. The Research Assistant also maintains
an effective working relationship with all staff employed by Central Northern Adelaide Health Service
as well as business associates and pharmaceutical representatives (clinical monitors and project
managers).
3.
Special Conditions
(Such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime, etc.)
The Research Assistant will be required to:
 Attend research meetings and other meetings as required.
 Travel interstate or internationally and work out of hours as required.
 Participate in an annual performance review process.
 Attend relevant education and training sessions as required.
 Transfer to positions of equivalent classification within Government units governed by the
Department of Human Services should the need arise.
 Promote a non-smoking environment on Glenside Campus.
4.
Statement of Key Outcomes and Associated Activities
(Group
into major
areas
responsibility/activity and list in descending order of importance)
The Research Assistant assists in the planning, implementation and conduct of clinical drug trials by:
 Providing input into recruitment strategies for volunteers to participate in trials.
 Implementing an appointment schedule in accordance with trial protocol guidelines.
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Research Assistant
Rehabilitation Services
 Providing a high standard of clinical practice and skill to ensure the criteria of the trial protocol is
followed.
 Ensuring discretion and confidential information relating to volunteers is safeguarded.
 Liaising with clinical research associates in relation to effective data collection and documentation.
 Maintaining open lines of communication within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
 Performing trial related procedures i.e., venipuncture and ECG’s.
 Maintaining source documents and case report folders for each trial.
 Submitting and coordinating with RAH Ethics Committee and other research committees.
 Providing health education to volunteers to supplement and enhance trial protocol guidelines to
ensure relevant information/education which allows informed decisions on health management to
be made by volunteers.
The position contributes to the effective operation of the Rehabilitation Service Research Unit by:
 Undertaking or coordinating all research requests which could include, general correspondence,
liaison meetings and management protocols.
 Maintaining an efficient and friendly research enquiry service.
 Ensuring telephone calls are answered effectively by providing an accurate and relevant
information service.
 Provision of photocopying and facsimile service to the unit.
 Ensuring that all correspondence is responded to in an accurate and timely manner.
 Ensuring the distribution of internal and external mail.
 Liaising with staff and management as the need dictates.
 Undertaking work with minimal supervision, prioritising workloads and meeting deadlines and
maintaining a highly organised work environment.
 Maintaining and operating locally based data entry systems and programs.
 Developing and maintaining a good working knowledge of Rehabilitation Services policies and
procedures.
 Proritising work to meet scheduled deadlines.
 Ensuring departmental development through adhering, promoting and practicing quality assurance.
Occupational Health, Safety & Injury Management (OHS&IM) Responsibility
To contribute toward the provision of a safe and healthy work environment for self and others by:
 Reporting all accidents, incidents and near misses;
 Complying with reasonable instructions or procedures aimed at protecting the health and safety of
themselves and others; and
 Carrying out responsibilities as detailed in occupational health, safety and injury management
policies and procedures and participating in appropriate programs.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
 Contribute to the maintenance of a healthy, safe and equitable working environment by maintaining
a knowledge of, and adhering, to the principles and standards of Equal Employment Opportunity
Legislation which ensures all employees in the workplace are treated in a fair and equitable
manner, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment.
Freedom of Information Clause
 Comply with the Principles of the Code of Fair Practice, adopted by the Department of Human
Services, which regulate the collection, use, disclosure, storage and transfer of all patient, staff
and/or hospital operations information within the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Acknowledged by Occupant .........................................
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Research Assistant
Rehabilitation Services
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
(Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary.)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications (include only those listed in the Health Services HR Manual, as an essential
qualification for the specified classification group)
 Registered Nurse (Level One) with current practicing certificate
 Professional Services Officer (Level One) with a degree level qualification in their chose field.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
(Related to the job description, and expressed in a way which allows objective
assessment.)
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Proven ability to liaise and communicate effectively (both in writing and verbally) with all levels of staff.
Demonstrate well developed organisational and decision making skills.
Proven ability to promote team spirit in staff and with volunteer participation.
Ability to work effectively within a small multidisciplinary team.
Maintain a standard of personal presentation which promotes professionalism.
Ability to produce work of a high standard and quality to a deadline.
Ability to coordinate and organise tasks and projects effectively and efficiently.
Experience
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(Including community experience)
Experience in the conduct and evaluation of projects
Experience in working with computerised information systems.
Experience in the use of Microsoft software applications.
Experience in face to face contact with mental health clients.
Knowledge
 A sound knowledge of Good Clinical Practice Guidelines (IH-GCP)
 A sound knowledge of medical terminology.
 A working knowledge of the organisational structure of Mental Health Services in South Australia.
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements).
Personal Abilities/Aptitude/Skills Experience
 Ability to perform venipuncture and electrocardiographs.
 Ability to counsel trial volunteers and carers re trial objectives and clinical care.
Experience
 Recent experience with clinical research projects.
 Experience in quality assurance procedures.
 Experience in the use of clinical rating scales.
Knowledge
 Knowledge of psychiatric health issues in a mental health or related environment.
 Knowledge of Central Northern Adelaide Health Service policies, procedures and organisational
structure.
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
(Considered to be useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position).
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Research Assistant
Rehabilitation Services
 Completion of or studying toward an accredited tertiary qualification in research or an associated
discipline.
Other Details
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