Healthcare Science Support Worker

Job overview

1 x 37.5 hours permanent

The Pathology Departments of both North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust are working collaboratively to develop a joint service from all hospital sites.

Under the direction of Microbiology Management, the post holder will be required to perform routine day to day operations within the Virology department, rotating between serology and molecular sections within the speciality following approved methodologies and procedures.

Main duties of the job

The post involves the pre-analysis preparation of samples with an emphasis on providing a quality service and ensuring that clinicians receive results in a timely manner to make treatment decisions that will give patients the best outcome. There will also be an element of processing specimens using automated, semi-automated and manual techniques.

Rotation through all sections within the department will provide candidates with a wide range of experience. The role involves assisting the laboratory to achieve daily workload targets therefore effective interpersonal and communication skills are crucial.

The post holder will be expected to have good IT skills and telephone manner. A flexible approach to working is required as the laboratory operates a shift system in an extended working day from 8am to 8pm weekdays and rotational weekend working will be expected following a suitable training period.

A high standard of patient confidentiality is required for this post. The postholder will be required to maintain accurate records and ensure that patient data is securely stored and to be able to retrieve data and stored patient samples where required.

Applications will not be considered from candidates holding a degree in Biomedical Science or from HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists.

Please note this post may close at sufficient applicants.

Working for our organisation

Leadership and Improvement Training

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust offers Novice leadership and improvement training to all new staff to the Trust.

This job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. If interested please apply for this post as soon as possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) attached for main responsibilities of the role.

Person specification

Knowledge

• Able to understand new technological advances
• Self-motivated
• Good communication skills
• Team worker
• Flexible approach to working hours

• Problem solving skills
• Familiar with LEAN procedures

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including:
• Mathematics (or equivalent e.g., Key Skills at level 2 in Numeracy)
• English Language (or equivalent e.g., Key Skills at level 2 in Literacy)
• A science subject.

Or Mathematics and English plus NVQ Level 2 or above in a relevant subject

• NVQ 2 - Clinical Laboratory Support or completed IBMS Cert Part 1.
• Experience of computer packages e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.

Experience

• Experience of electronic data input

• Experience of working in a laboratory, with clinical NHS experience as preferable.
• Experience of shift working or out of hours working
• Experience of Quality Management Systems Microsoft Office and other IT packages

Personal attributes

• Enthusiastic and forward looking
• Focused on best interests of patients
• Calm under pressure
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Positive attitude
• Conscientious and tidy

Disclosure and Barring Checks (DBS)

It is now the policy of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who are new to the Trust who require DBS clearance for the post they have been offered, are required to pay the cost of their DBS. The method of payment for this is via salary deduction from your first month's pay.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. We welcome applications from the Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network; LGBT+ Network; Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions Network, Faith Network, Childless not by Choice Network and the Menopause Support Group.

As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you.

If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at [email protected]

The Trust encourages and supports all applicants to be fully vaccinated against both COVID19 and influenza.

Please be aware, there are occasions where some vacancies may close prior to the closing date advertised. This will only happen where sufficient applications are received AND will be made evident on the job advert.

Please note if you are successfully shortlisted, we will contact you via the email address that you have applied from so please ensure you check your emails regularly.

Existing employees of South Tees NHS Foundation Trust currently on the Redeployment Register, who meet the essential criteria for this post, will be shortlisted and interviewed prior to all other applicants.

IMPORTANT - Please ensure you read the 'Guidance Notes for Applicants' document attached to this advert before you start to complete your application form.

This document provides detailed advice regarding the completion of your application form.

The guidance document also provides in detail what identification and certificates you must provide at interview should you be shortlisted.

Personal references and references from colleagues are not acceptable.

Unfortunately we are unable to respond to all applicants and those who are not contacted within six weeks of the closing date should assume that their application has been unsuccessful.