Screening Technician
Job overview
We have an excellent opportunity for a part-time Screening Technician to cover East Sussex (excluding Brighton & Hove).
The primary purpose of this role is to undertake abdominal ultrasound scanning as part of the community AAA screening programme. The post holder will ensure abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with national standard operating procedures as identified by the National Screening Programme (NAAASP).
The post holder will reassure patients attending for community abdominal aortic aneurysm screening and explain the programme to them, especially where barriers to understanding exist. The post holder will ensure that members of the public attending clinics are informed and aware of the implications of AAA screening.
Special Conditions
It is a requirement of the role that the successful candidate will undertake the Health Screener Diploma which is equivalent to an NVQ 3. This needs to be completed within 18 months of commencement in post. This will involve practical assessment and a written portfolio which will need to be signed off before becoming an accredited technician.
No previous experience/qualifications in performing ultrasound scanning is required as full training will be given.
This role requires travelling to different venues in the East Sussex Area. Travel could be up to an hour.
Main duties of the job- Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with the current guidelines for scanning and programme protocols. This will be part of the training provided to the successful candidate.
- Ensure that scan results are recorded accurately onto the national screening database whilst in clinic. Download data electronically, inspect for abnormalities and flag / record as appropriate, decide on course of action from available options and send data to the screening office. Ensure that the screening office is notified as soon as possible about any results that are at variance with specified criteria or that are of concern.
- Prepare and distribute results to patients in clinic, giving further information and offering support.
- Deal with patient enquiries as appropriate, taking the initiative to prioritise work and bring to the attention of other staff any patient whose condition warrants it.
- Ensure own knowledge of AAA screening and reaccreditation is kept up to date.
- Handle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner, supporting other screening staff where appropriate.
- There is a requirement for frequent travel within the catchment area of the programme. This can be long distances and across the counties of East & West Sussex to support all areas of the screening service.
Working for our organisation
We are the main provider of NHS community services across East and West Sussex, with 6,000 staff serving 1.3 million people. We deliver essential care to adults and children, helping them manage their health, avoid hospital admissions, and reduce hospital stays.
Our Trust vision is to provide excellent care at the heart of the community. We offer opportunities across medical, clinical, support, and corporate services.
Why work for us?- Positive 2023 NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing
- Varied environments: community hospitals, patients’ homes, and bases across Sussex
- Flexible working options: part-time, flexi-time, annualised hours, and flexi-retirement
- Excellent training, development, and research opportunities
- Cost-effective workplace nurseries in Crawley, Hove, and Brighton
- Active EMBRACE, Disability & Wellbeing, LGBTQIA+, and Religion & Belief networks
- Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust
- Beautiful Sussex location near the South Downs and coast
Our values—Compassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence—guide everything we do.
We embrace diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from ethnically diverse, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We aim to create an inclusive environment and support reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
This post may close early if sufficient applications are received.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see above and attached job description- Carry out other duties in accordance with the current NAAASP guidelines and project protocol including obtaining informed consent, putting patients at their ease, explaining the processes and answering queries.
- Work alongside other screening staff and support the work of the screening programme.
- Keep the Clinical Skills Trainer and Programme Coordinators informed of any difficulties and seek advice where necessary.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- Good standard of general education
- NVQ in relevant Subject
Experience
Essential criteria- Understanding of hospital environment and patient care & confidentiality
- Good understanding of IT Systems
- Understanding of commonly used medical terminology
- Experience of working within a clinical environment
Skills & Knowledge
Essential criteria- Good communication skills
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to make unsupervised judgements on patient enquiries with awareness of when to request further advice
- Ability to work within a team and to effectively liaise with people at all levels
- Attention to detail with accurate data entry skills Familiarity with keyboard use and computer systems
Other
Essential criteria- Able to move/lift ultrasound and screening kit
- Willingness to travel between units and centres and transport screening equipment between units and centres.
- Interest and enthusiasm in the screening programme and its benefits to the community. Adaptability to different working environments off-site