Assistant Technical Officer (ATO)

Job responsibilities

1. Assist in the general running of specific analysers, equipment or tests including the track system.
2. Working with colleagues ensure the reception area delivers a timely processing of samples and test requests.
3. Following Standard Operating Procedures ensure that all send-away samples are packaged and despatched in compliance with special postal regulations.
4. Will assist senior staff in the training of new staff.
5. Assist in the receipt, processing and storage of all samples derived from clinical trials including those for which the department derives income.
6. Prepare samples for analysis using techniques applicable to the areas of work this may include attaching bar code labels, centrifugation, separation and prepare aliquots as required in accordance with SOPs using both manual and automated technology
7. Competent in the use of office equipment including computers, printers and photocopiers.
8. Ensure senior staff are made aware when stock levels are low.
9. To plan and prioritise own work under supervision and be fully aware of service requirements and that your own work is carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with departmental procedures.
10. To identify, prepare by uncapping and loading onto analysers samples for analysis. Unload, rerun if required, recap, rack away for storage in a refrigerator or cold room.
11. To use the laboratory IT system to deal with enquiries for results, and to use the Trust PIMS system to look up patient details.
12. Remove samples and request forms from their plastic bags whilst checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form.
13. To bring to the attention of senior staff all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID or incorrect sample type for the test requested, or to contact the necessary persons, in accordance with the SOP for the area.
14. To assist with the issuing of consumables to service users as requested e.g., 24hr urine collection bottles.
15. Book test requests into the computer system
16. Use Indexor system to register and sort samples.
17. To assist in the safe disposal of used specimens and waste products and the daily cleaning of laboratory work surfaces.
18. Respond to telephone enquiries within the area of work from staff in both primary and secondary care, giving test results (subject to departmental telephone SOPs), advice on sample types required for a large range of tests, requests for add-on-tests and those for emergency requests.
19. Assist in performing print runs of reports and their sorting for distribution, as necessary. Assist in the maintenance of both hard copy and computer held reports.
20. To participate in the collection, receipt and safe storage of reagents and other supplies.
21. To observe all departmental, Trust, national and European Health & Safety regulations relevant to the service, ensuring attendance at the annual departmental H&S update. In addition, all staff must sign the departmental H&S policy to acknowledge understanding and compliance.
22. To continually update their knowledge and skills whilst documenting this in their Continual Professional Development folder.
23. To ensure contemporaneous completion of your induction and training records.
24. To follow Standard Operating Procedures at all times and as directed by senior staff and contribute to their formulation. Propose any changes to these SOPs to maintain the quality of the service and maximise efficiency.
25. To attend training courses, as necessary.
26. To attend Statutory and Essential Update Training annually.
27. To attend departmental briefings and/or acquaint yourself with the team brief posted on the departmental notice boards.
28. Continuous participation in the 24/7 rotas, which include overnights for ATO and support staff across the Combined Laboratories within the Reception area and other sections under AfC terms and conditions.
29. Whilst participating in this rota identify, prepare, and store patient samples in the relevant locations
30. Ensure that samples received match work lists, the patient ID is correct before testing and there is sufficient sample to perform the assay.
31. Following SOPs ensure that equipment checks are regularly carried out and recorded
32. To carry out other duties commensurate with the post.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE to Grade C or above in Science, Maths & English or equivalent
• Good basic numeracy and literacy skills

Desirable

• Appropriate NVQ -in either Business and Admin or laboratory-based subject
• Full, clean driving license with at least 2 years driving experience.

Experience

Essential

• Understanding of need for patient confidentiality
• Use of IT equipment including a keyboard
• Knowledge of all relevant Health & Safety legislation and its application to the Section

Desirable

• Knowledge of tests performed and sent away by the department
• Proven technical skills in a Pathology laboratory
• Driving experience
• Routine vehicle maintenance

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with staff at all levels of the organisation and patients with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to effectively organise and prioritise own work
• Attention to detail
• Maintain accuracy and precision, whilst under pressure
• Time management skills
• Clear handwriting
• Manual dexterity, including fine manipulation for protracted periods of the day
• Good telephone manner
• Multi-tasking skills
• Transcription skills
• Numeracy skills
• Meet key targets following training once the necessary level of experience has been achieved.

Desirable

• Good interpersonal skills
• Working knowledge of PIMS
• Working knowledge of MSOFT Blood Tracking System ISOFT iLab & iCM laboratory information management systems

Disposition and Attitude

Essential

• Team worker
• Able to work under pressure
• Ability to concentrate for long periods
• Willing to undertake in-service training to achieve the necessary levels of speed and accuracy

Other Factors

Essential

• Required to work in an area of biological risk, frequently exposed to both biological and chemical hazards
• Participate in 24/7 service, to include extended hours, overnights, weekend service and bank holidays
• Required to use VDU for protracted periods
• Flexibility
• Required to handle a wide range of specimens.
• Required to handle large volumes up to a weight of 10kg daily

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).