Associate Healthcare Science Practitioner (XR04)

Job description

Job responsibilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

The postholder will be expected to hold an NVQ3 or equivalent plus a diploma/foundation degree in Biomedical Science. Study at Foundation Degree level must include biology and chemistry and a work-based module in Biomedical Science.

He / she will need to have worked in a laboratory environment and have the ability to understand and apply a range of work routines and practices, for which formal on the job training will be provided.

9.CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

The job holder will be expected to demonstrate the following behaviours:

-A willingness to gain new knowledge through experience and participation in in-house training

-To use his / her initiative within the limits of departmental policies and SOPs

-To work collaboratively with colleagues to meet the laboratorys prescribed quality standards e.g. the turnround times for sample processing

-To work responsibly and with a minimum of supervision

-To exercise care, work with precision and follow accurately the documented laboratory standard operating procedures

-To take advice whenever he / she is confronted with a situation which is outside his / her area of expertise and where patients or colleagues safety might be compromised

-To operate highly complex laboratory equipment safely and efficiently

-To contribute actively towards the improvement of service quality and efficiency by observing and reflecting on departmental practices and making proposals for improvement

-To participate actively in the departmental appraisal scheme

-To demonstrate a flexible approach to work when the situation demands it

-To act professionally and as an ambassador for the Pathology Directorate

10.CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

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

-Carry out a range of basic and technical procedures. This will include instruction in the safe and effective use of laboratory equipment. The level of knowledge and understanding achieved will be consistent with that to allow you to recognise system failures and errors. You will understand the need to report adverse events in the event of errors and failures.

-Participate actively in departmental internal and external quality assurance schemes. Your level of knowledge and understanding will allow you to recognise when expected levels of quality have not been met.

-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 breaches of security, controlled and uncontrolled exposure to chemical, biological and radioactive materials.

-Maintain patient confidentiality. You will recognise the absolute requirement to protect sensitive information that is related to patient care.

-Observe the requirements of departmental protocols relating to service provision, for example sample labelling and adverse event reporting.

Technical/scientific:

Undertake routine and non-routine tests or activities, up to but not including the point of validation. Work to standard operating procedures. Be able to perform laboratory tests requiring a high degree of manual dexterity.

Equipment maintenance:

Responsible for monitoring and performing daily, weekly and monthly maintenance of centrifuges, automated analysers and other laboratory equipment, ensuring that logs are completed. Check the safety and functioning of all equipment, perform simple troubleshooting, fault rectification, document and report all malfunctions to BMS staff.

Quality:

Perform quality control as appropriate and report any out of consensus results to registered BMS staff.

Participate in the departmental audit cycle, as required.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a hospital laboratory.
• Microbiology experience

Desirable

• Knowledge/experience of stock control requirements
• Knowledge/experience of Quality control

Skills & behaviours

Essential

• Ability to collaborate with others and work as part of a team
• Able to use initiative in complex situations
• Ability to communicate with staff at all levels both face to face and digitally

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ3 or equivalent
• Diploma/foundation degree (Biomedical Science).

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)