Job summary
Applications are invited to join the team of Assistant Technical Officers (ATO) in the busy Blood Bank Department of Combined Labs at University Hospitals Plymouth. The post will be based in the Blood Bank Department in Derriford hospital. ATO staff assist the Biomedical Scientists in the examination of a wide range of clinical samples from patients, in order to determine the laboratory diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, for patients. ATOs additionally carry out other support duties essential for the smooth running of the Department. The role is interesting, varied, and full training and supervision is provided.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Main duties of the job
You will be working in a team to book in Group and Save Blood Samples and other product requests. You will use analysers, centrifuges and various other pieces of equipment to test samples according to standard national methods. You will regularly monitor fridge temperatures. You will use the on site Blood Bank vehicle to drive to various hospital establishments in Plymouth and possibly the rest of Devon and Cornwall.
Key working relationships exist between the post holder and the Section Leader, Senior BMS, scientific staff and support staff in the section, working together in a team
The ideal candidate works well in a team, understands how to work to urgent deadlines, has good communication skills, and has attention to detail.
The laboratories are areas of biological risk, thus full health and Safety training is given, PPE provided and standard procedures used to ensure staff safety while processing patient samples.
You will need to have a full clean driving licence with 2 years of driving experience.
The applicant will be required to work regular nightshifts and weekends at an enhanced pay rate.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see job description and person specification attached.
Job Purpose:
- Assist in the general running of specific analysers, equipment or tests.
- Perform basic maintenance checks as directed.
- Ensure senior staff, are made aware when stock levels are low.
- To plan and prioritise own work under supervision and be fully aware of service requirements
- To ensure that your own work is carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with departmental procedures.
- 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.
- Ensure that samples received match work lists, the patient ID is correct before testing and there is sufficient sample to perform the assay.
- To bring to the attention of senior BMS all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID or incorrect sample type for the test requested.
- To enter a range of test results into the Pathology computer system for authorisation by BMSs
- Prepare these samples for analysis including attaching bar code labels, centrifugation, separation and prepare aliquots as required..
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see job description and person specification attached.
Job Purpose:
- Assist in the general running of specific analysers, equipment or tests.
- Perform basic maintenance checks as directed.
- Ensure senior staff, are made aware when stock levels are low.
- To plan and prioritise own work under supervision and be fully aware of service requirements
- To ensure that your own work is carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with departmental procedures.
- 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.
- Ensure that samples received match work lists, the patient ID is correct before testing and there is sufficient sample to perform the assay.
- To bring to the attention of senior BMS all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID or incorrect sample type for the test requested.
- To enter a range of test results into the Pathology computer system for authorisation by BMSs
- Prepare these samples for analysis including attaching bar code labels, centrifugation, separation and prepare aliquots as required..
Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Understanding of need for patient confidentiality
- Proven knowledge of blood and blood products.
- Use of IT equipment including a keyboard
Desirable
- Proven knowledge of all assays performed and sent away by the department
- Proven knowledge of all relevant Health & Safety legislation and its application to the Section
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- GCSE's 9-4 (A-C) in Maths & English and NVQ level 2 in either business administration or related subject or equivalent demonstrable experience
- Proven Driving Experience
Desirable
- NVQ level 2 in related subject or equivalent demonstrable experience
APTITUDE & ABILITIES
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with staff and patients
- Ability to prioritise work
- Attention to detail
Desirable
- Good interpersonal skills
Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Understanding of need for patient confidentiality
- Proven knowledge of blood and blood products.
- Use of IT equipment including a keyboard
Desirable
- Proven knowledge of all assays performed and sent away by the department
- Proven knowledge of all relevant Health & Safety legislation and its application to the Section
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- GCSE's 9-4 (A-C) in Maths & English and NVQ level 2 in either business administration or related subject or equivalent demonstrable experience
- Proven Driving Experience
Desirable
- NVQ level 2 in related subject or equivalent demonstrable experience
APTITUDE & ABILITIES
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with staff and patients
- Ability to prioritise work
- Attention to detail
Desirable
- Good interpersonal skills
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
