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Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Biomedical Support Worker - Higher Level (XR03)

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

This is an exciting time and opportunity to join one of the Pathology departments at Blood Bank as a Higher-Level Biomedical Support Worker. To be responsible for training and day to day supervision of Biomedical Support Workers within the section. To collect, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for testing. To undertake routine and more complex clinical technical investigations, following standard operating procedures, some of which may be under supervision. To communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare staff. As a Biomedical Support Worker Higher Level you will work as a member of the departmental team. As part of the team, you will be expected to perform a range of routine and more complex investigations some of which may be under the supervision of more experienced scientific and technical staff. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute towards the provision of an accurate and timely service for patients. You will be expected to apply professional judgements and specialist skills to technically complex and sometimes difficult situations, and how to work, often under pressure, either independently or as part of the team. Within the team you may be required to organise the tasks of support workers. You will be required to communicate information, often related to patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other organisations.

Main duties of the job

To perform, sometimes under supervision, appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the job holders level of knowledge, skills and experience. To develop your competences in the department and to perform tasks accurately and in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures. To participate in departmental research and development projects, audit processes and support appropriate clinical trials involving the laboratory. To enter, manage and retrieve patient information using the laboratory computer system. To communicate accurately sensitive and complex information to users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental procedures. To demonstrate relevant job related tasks to new or more junior staff. To actively participate in the laboratory quality assurance programme. To contribute to general departmental management, for instance, by assisting in the ordering, receipt and control of consumables .To be responsible for training and day to day supervision of Biomedical Support Workers within the section. To collect, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for testing. To undertake routine and more complex clinical technical investigations, following standard operating procedures, some of which may be under supervision.

About us

The Pathology Department of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is located on several sites. Subject to consultation, the post holder may be required to work in a laboratory based at an alternative site as required by the Laboratory Manager. In addition the Trust requires compliance with a number of corporate policies and procedures. These policies will be discussed with your line manager during your period of induction and further information is available from the Trusts intranet site. This list is not exhaustive and the changing needs of the service from time to time may require the development of other appropriate tasks and skills. These will be fully discussed with the post holder in advance of their implementation. Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Details

Date posted

26 October 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£22,816 to £24,336 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9298-PATH-241

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB DETAILS

Job Title: Biomedical Support Worker - Higher Level

Reports to: Manager/ HPC Professional

Accountable to: Laboratory Manager

Band: 3

Unit/Department: Blood Bank

Directorate: Pathology

Location[1]: LGI/SJH

AfC Job no: 1167

JOB PURPOSE

To be responsible for training and day to day supervision of Biomedical Support Workers within the section

To collect, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for testing

To undertake routine and more complex clinical technical investigations, following standard operating procedures, some of which may be under supervision

To communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare staff

JOB DIMENSIONS

As a Biomedical Support Worker Higher Level you will work as a member of the departmental team. As part of the team, you will be expected to perform a range of routine and more complex investigations some of which may be under the supervision of more experienced scientific and technical staff. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute towards the provision of an accurate and timely service for patients. You will be expected to apply professional judgements and specialist skills to technically complex and sometimes difficult situations, and how to work, often under pressure, either independently or as part of the team. Within the team you may be required to organise the tasks of support workers. You will be required to communicate information, often related to patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other organisations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

In order to carry out the job sufficiently and effectively you will have successfully studied to A-level standard, preferably in sciences or other equivalent qualification. You will develop your competencies and further your knowledge in all aspects of the speciality through practical experience, in house training and structured study subject to the requirements of continuous professional development (CPD). In addition, basic computer skills are essential to carry out your work.

THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values

Additionally the following are core values which relate specifically to this post:

As a healthcare worker dealing with sensitive (patient related) information the importance and value of personal honesty and integrity as a commitment to patient service and confidentiality will be recognised. In contributing to the quality of a technical clinical service you will understand the requirement to continuously develop appropriate skills and accumulate relevant knowledge whether by formal or in- house training.

CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

In order to work effectively in the role the job holder must be able to demonstrate a number of attributes. These abilities will include:

To gain new knowledge through experience, formal study and participation in relevant training schemes

To become an integral member of a team providing a clinical technical service

To work independently when and as directed by supervisors

To communicate clearly and effectively whether orally, graphically or electronically

To plan the designated workload and assist in the organisation of tasks undertaken by support workers

To work with precision and follow accurately the documented laboratory standard operating procedures

To operate highly complex laboratory equipment safely and efficiently

To input and extract patient data from the laboratory computer system

To demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate

To contribute actively towards the improvement of service quality by participation in relevant discussions with other team members

To remain competent in established procedures and to develop new skills as experience is accrued.

To participate actively in the departmental appraisal scheme

CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

As the job holder you will acquire sufficient knowledge and understanding to:

Participate in the maintenance of a safe working environment. This will include an awareness of the hazards associated with your work. In addition you will be made aware of any suitable actions to take in the event of breaches in health and safety. Such hazards include fire, manual handling, and breach of security, controlled and uncontrolled exposure to chemical, biological and radioactive materials.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

To perform, sometimes under supervision, appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the job holders level of knowledge, skills and experience. To develop your competences in the department and to perform tasks accurately and in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures. To enter, manage and retrieve patient information using the laboratory computer system. To communicate accurately sensitive and complex information to users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental procedures. To actively participate in the laboratory quality assurance programme. To contribute to general departmental management, for instance, by assisting in the ordering, receipt and control of consumables. This list is not exhaustive and the changing needs of the service from time to time may require the development of other appropriate tasks and skills. These will be fully discussed with the post holder in advance of their implementation.The Pathology Department of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is located on several sites. Subject to consultation, the post holder may be required to work in a laboratory based at an alternative site as required by the Laboratory Manager.

Infection Control

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

Equality and Diversity

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

Patient and Public Involvement

The Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and planning services. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback.

Training and Personal Development Continuous Professional Development

Respect for Patient Confidentiality

The jobholder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

As the job holder you will communicate and work directly or indirectly with a diverse range of other staff. Those shown below are examples:

Internal

Junior staff, colleagues, supervisors and managers within the speciality

Pathology staff working in other specialities

Members of clinical teams including nurses, doctors and other practitioners

Administrative and secretarial staff

External

Staff in primary care facilities

Staff in other hospitals

Staff in non NHS organisations (for example suppliers of consumables)

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

As the job holder you will be required to work in a clinical laboratory environment. As such you will work under controlled conditions where chemical and bio hazardous materials are handled. For your own safety you will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and for this you will receive training.

laboratory equipment. This task requires concentration so that positive patient identification and personal safety are maintained and equipment is not damaged. These periods of concentration will be daily and may be prolonged subject to workload

EMOTIONAL EFFORT:

In normal circumstances there is little patient contact by the job holder and exposure to emotional circumstances is limited

Subject to the requirements of the speciality some patient contact may occur such as in the collection of capillary blood samples from children.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The job holder will be required to work with chemical and biological materials such as blood, other body fluids, body tissue and faeces on every shift. The working environment in a clinical laboratory is strictly controlled and under normal circumstances these hazards are contained.

A level /NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent)

A level/NVQ Level 3 preferably in science subjects

Application form

Training:

Previous experience of working in a laboratory

Competence in a range of complex laboratory procedures

Participation in relevant CPD schemes

Application form

Interview

Special Knowledge including experience:

Knowledge of conventional IT software e.g. Microsoft Office

Application form

Interview

Behaviours:

Able to work in a team. Able to work independently. Flexible approach to work Good communicator Friendly attitude

Application form

Interview

Practical Skills

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB DETAILS

Job Title: Biomedical Support Worker - Higher Level

Reports to: Manager/ HPC Professional

Accountable to: Laboratory Manager

Band: 3

Unit/Department: Blood Bank

Directorate: Pathology

Location[1]: LGI/SJH

AfC Job no: 1167

JOB PURPOSE

To be responsible for training and day to day supervision of Biomedical Support Workers within the section

To collect, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for testing

To undertake routine and more complex clinical technical investigations, following standard operating procedures, some of which may be under supervision

To communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare staff

JOB DIMENSIONS

As a Biomedical Support Worker Higher Level you will work as a member of the departmental team. As part of the team, you will be expected to perform a range of routine and more complex investigations some of which may be under the supervision of more experienced scientific and technical staff. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute towards the provision of an accurate and timely service for patients. You will be expected to apply professional judgements and specialist skills to technically complex and sometimes difficult situations, and how to work, often under pressure, either independently or as part of the team. Within the team you may be required to organise the tasks of support workers. You will be required to communicate information, often related to patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other organisations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

In order to carry out the job sufficiently and effectively you will have successfully studied to A-level standard, preferably in sciences or other equivalent qualification. You will develop your competencies and further your knowledge in all aspects of the speciality through practical experience, in house training and structured study subject to the requirements of continuous professional development (CPD). In addition, basic computer skills are essential to carry out your work.

THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values

Additionally the following are core values which relate specifically to this post:

As a healthcare worker dealing with sensitive (patient related) information the importance and value of personal honesty and integrity as a commitment to patient service and confidentiality will be recognised. In contributing to the quality of a technical clinical service you will understand the requirement to continuously develop appropriate skills and accumulate relevant knowledge whether by formal or in- house training.

CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

In order to work effectively in the role the job holder must be able to demonstrate a number of attributes. These abilities will include:

To gain new knowledge through experience, formal study and participation in relevant training schemes

To become an integral member of a team providing a clinical technical service

To work independently when and as directed by supervisors

To communicate clearly and effectively whether orally, graphically or electronically

To plan the designated workload and assist in the organisation of tasks undertaken by support workers

To work with precision and follow accurately the documented laboratory standard operating procedures

To operate highly complex laboratory equipment safely and efficiently

To input and extract patient data from the laboratory computer system

To demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate

To contribute actively towards the improvement of service quality by participation in relevant discussions with other team members

To remain competent in established procedures and to develop new skills as experience is accrued.

To participate actively in the departmental appraisal scheme

CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

As the job holder you will acquire sufficient knowledge and understanding to:

Participate in the maintenance of a safe working environment. This will include an awareness of the hazards associated with your work. In addition you will be made aware of any suitable actions to take in the event of breaches in health and safety. Such hazards include fire, manual handling, and breach of security, controlled and uncontrolled exposure to chemical, biological and radioactive materials.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

To perform, sometimes under supervision, appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the job holders level of knowledge, skills and experience. To develop your competences in the department and to perform tasks accurately and in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures. To enter, manage and retrieve patient information using the laboratory computer system. To communicate accurately sensitive and complex information to users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental procedures. To actively participate in the laboratory quality assurance programme. To contribute to general departmental management, for instance, by assisting in the ordering, receipt and control of consumables. This list is not exhaustive and the changing needs of the service from time to time may require the development of other appropriate tasks and skills. These will be fully discussed with the post holder in advance of their implementation.The Pathology Department of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is located on several sites. Subject to consultation, the post holder may be required to work in a laboratory based at an alternative site as required by the Laboratory Manager.

Infection Control

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

Equality and Diversity

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

Patient and Public Involvement

The Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and planning services. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback.

Training and Personal Development Continuous Professional Development

Respect for Patient Confidentiality

The jobholder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

As the job holder you will communicate and work directly or indirectly with a diverse range of other staff. Those shown below are examples:

Internal

Junior staff, colleagues, supervisors and managers within the speciality

Pathology staff working in other specialities

Members of clinical teams including nurses, doctors and other practitioners

Administrative and secretarial staff

External

Staff in primary care facilities

Staff in other hospitals

Staff in non NHS organisations (for example suppliers of consumables)

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

As the job holder you will be required to work in a clinical laboratory environment. As such you will work under controlled conditions where chemical and bio hazardous materials are handled. For your own safety you will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and for this you will receive training.

laboratory equipment. This task requires concentration so that positive patient identification and personal safety are maintained and equipment is not damaged. These periods of concentration will be daily and may be prolonged subject to workload

EMOTIONAL EFFORT:

In normal circumstances there is little patient contact by the job holder and exposure to emotional circumstances is limited

Subject to the requirements of the speciality some patient contact may occur such as in the collection of capillary blood samples from children.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The job holder will be required to work with chemical and biological materials such as blood, other body fluids, body tissue and faeces on every shift. The working environment in a clinical laboratory is strictly controlled and under normal circumstances these hazards are contained.

A level /NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent)

A level/NVQ Level 3 preferably in science subjects

Application form

Training:

Previous experience of working in a laboratory

Competence in a range of complex laboratory procedures

Participation in relevant CPD schemes

Application form

Interview

Special Knowledge including experience:

Knowledge of conventional IT software e.g. Microsoft Office

Application form

Interview

Behaviours:

Able to work in a team. Able to work independently. Flexible approach to work Good communicator Friendly attitude

Application form

Interview

Practical Skills

Person Specification

Skills & behaviours

Essential

  • Able to work in a team. Able to work independently. Flexible approach to work .Good communicator Friendly attitude

Desirable

  • Able to work in a team. Able to work independently. Flexible approach to work .Good communicator Friendly attitude

Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Dexterity Good hand / eye coordination Basic computer skills

Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of conventional IT software e.g. Microsoft Office

Desirable

  • Knowledge of conventional IT software e.g. Microsoft Office

Qualifications

Essential

  • A level /NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent)

Desirable

  • A level/NVQ Level 3 preferably in science subjects.
Person Specification

Skills & behaviours

Essential

  • Able to work in a team. Able to work independently. Flexible approach to work .Good communicator Friendly attitude

Desirable

  • Able to work in a team. Able to work independently. Flexible approach to work .Good communicator Friendly attitude

Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Dexterity Good hand / eye coordination Basic computer skills

Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of conventional IT software e.g. Microsoft Office

Desirable

  • Knowledge of conventional IT software e.g. Microsoft Office

Qualifications

Essential

  • A level /NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent)

Desirable

  • A level/NVQ Level 3 preferably in science subjects.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Blood Stocks Management Lead

Gayle Sugden

g.sugden@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

26 October 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£22,816 to £24,336 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9298-PATH-241

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Supporting documents

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