Lead Screening Technician, Band 5
This job is now closed
Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic Lead Screening Technician to join the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme to deliver screening throughout Gloucestershire and Swindon.
- Undertaking abdominal ultrasound scanning as part of the community AAA screening programme
- Line manages the screening technicians
- Training and assessing new screening technicians undertaking the 'Health Screeners Diploma'
This is a fantastic opportunity to for a keen, motivated Screening Technician to develop their professional practice, leadership and management experience, within a established and supportive environment.
Main duties of the job
As a experienced Screening Technician you will be required to lead the junior Screening Technicians in the day to day management and supervision of screening delivery, ensuring efficient, effective and timely working across all community sites.
You will assist the Screening Programme Manager in conducting annual appraisals and recruitment for the Screening Technicians.
To hold a Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) or equivalent or willing to work towards this, as this will be essential for the training of future Screening Technicians, jointly with the Clinical Skills Trainer
The post includes ad hoc cover to the AAA Screening Programme Manager for annual leave/ sickness.
You will ensure abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with national standard operating procedures, maintaining and continuously develop high standards of care.
About us
We are a small friendly dynamic team, based in Gloucester who deliver 'Aneurysm Screening' to eligible men around the counties of Gloucestershire & Swindon.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced screening technician to enhance their career and join a passionate and enthusiastic team. We are a very successful, high performing screening programme with an excellent reputation within our community and Nationally.
Details
Date posted
08 November 2023
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£28,407 to £34,581 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
318-23-SUR-R12038
Job locations
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Gloucester
GL1 3NN
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job purpose
To be responsible for the day to day management and supervision of Screening Technicians, ensuring efficient, effective and timely working across all community sites.
To assist the Screening Programme Manager in conducting annual appraisals and recruitment for Screening Technicians.
To assist and provide ad hoc cover to the Screening Programme Manager for annual leave/ sickness.
To take joint responsibility for ensuring fail-safes are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure quality of service.
To ensure abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with national standard operating procedures.
To have a key role in conducting quality assurance assessments of machines as per National Guidelines to include safe care, maintenance and handling of all equipment as used by self and others.
To communicate effectively with patients, carers, relatives and all members of the multidisciplinary team
To maintain and develop high standards of care
To be responsible for personal development and support the development and supervision of others by developing and maintaining specialist knowledge of AAA Screening Programme.
To contribute towards the continuing development of professional screening practice in the clinical area
To conduct oneself in a professional manner and be a role model to less experiences/ non registered and new staff at all times
To work proactively to ensure that every patient attendance meets the patients expectations and needs.
Patient care
To demonstrate and promote a patient and family centred style of clinical practice.
To greet and welcome men to the screening clinic, including identifying and addressing them by their preferred choice of name
To conduct appointments with an understanding, caring and professional approach whilst recognising and respecting individual differences.
To ensure that a high quality, equitable service, is maintained
To ensure that National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme (NAAASP) protocols and procedures are adhered to and that NAAASP targets are met
To assist the Programme Administrator / Manager with the referral of subjects to vascular surgeons for treatment
To work as an autonomous practitioner with access to guidance from Clinical Sills Trainer, when necessary, including occasional working as a lone practitioner in the community.
To inform men of their screening result (this may involve the provision of bad news) and if necessary, support them to make an informed choice about ongoing management of their Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA).
This will require the use of empathy and re-assurance skills.
To accurately record all screening results and complete all necessary documentation to ensure effective referral (where appropriate) into a surveillance programme or to a nurse practitioner
To communicate effectively with men attending for initial screening, ensuring they understand the screening process and have adequate information on the benefits and risks of AAA screening to allow an informed decision to be made before participating. This may incur barriers to understanding and will require reassurance where necessary
To communicate effectively with patients and carers, dealing with potentially complex, sensitive or distressing information; in order to provide patient centred care, and to ensure understanding of the condition.
Patients may have communication, perceptual or cognitive/understanding difficulties.
To deal with potentially distressing situations such as emotional men/relatives or non-compliant patients
To overcome communication difficulties and/or identify individuals who may require the services of an interpreter and make appropriate arrangements to ensure effective communication.
To answer queries from patients, members of the public and other interested parties and support screeners and screening office staff to respond to queries.
To maintain clear, accurate and concise patient records in line with departmental and professional standards and include relevant outcome measures.
To maintain patient dignity and confidentiality at all times
To be prepared to deal with immobile patients that need moderate to high effort positioning or moving but to keep within the manual handling guidelines (training of which must be up-to-date).
Professional practice
To work independently and be responsible for own workload.
To ensure clinical practice is evidence based
To work with the Clinical Skills Trainer in ensuring consistency in screening within the team
To adhere to national and local AAASP screening protocols and procedures and that national AAASP targets are met
To maintain and further develop clinical skills and knowledge necessary to deliver an evidence based service.
To take on increased responsibility, with supervision and assistance, recognising own limitations and seeking help appropriately
To be competent in the use of all relevant Trust IT systems including the use of Electronic Patient Record, Trak, Email, and PACS.
To maintain regular use of emails to keep abreast of information disseminated in the Trust
To report any compliments, complaints or comments to the Programme Manager and work with them to explore ways to improve the service.
Leadership and management
To assist in the line management of screening technicians, ensuring regular reviews of performance are undertaken and appropriate personal development plans are written and implemented.
To record and monitor sickness and absence for junior staff
To work with the Programme Manager and be responsible for the clinic rota, ensuring appropriate cover.
To comply with Trust and Departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, Infection control, clinical equipment competency, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times. This will include demonstrating compliance with the terms of all safeguarding policies and processes relevant to the safeguarding of adults in the care of GHNHSFT and to undergo regular mandatory training concerned with safeguarding matters.
To report near misses and untoward incidents, complaints, clinical emergencies, injury as detailed in the departmental and Trust protocols. Assist lead staff in investigating incidents as required.
To maintain and contribute to the development of standards of practice, conduct or decision making in conjunction with Screening Manager.
To ensure a smart, professional image that enhances the public perception of the Trust and the professionalism of its staff is portrayed.
To attend and actively participate in screening meetings and Board meetings as required.
To contribute to and participate in promotional and educational programmes for health care professionals and the public to increase awareness.
Education and training
To attend for re-accreditation annually.
To be actively involved in the training and support of new staff as an assessor for Health Screening Diploma
To consolidate knowledge and skills learned through this process with the direction of senior staff, and deliver research based presentations as part of in-service training. This will involve facilitating own learning opportunities, reflecting on practice and learning through this process.
To participate in the supervision, caseload monitoring and clinical education of support workers, progressing to supervising new and less experienced staff, as required. Providing support, guidance, training, and assessing and evaluating competence, in order to fulfil clinical governance requirements and retain a skilled workforce.
To develop the skills to supervise, mentor, support and educate less experienced staff in the clinical practice setting.
To undertake all mandatory training
To demonstrate a commitment to research based practice and clinical excellence and play and active part in the introduction of research based change to improve patient centred care
To contribute to and participate in promotional and educational programmes for health care professionals and the public to increase awareness.
To assist in planning and coordinate workshop and learning events as required
Improving quality and developing practice
To assist in the development of policy and practice, supporting change, innovation and new ways of working. Contribute to the development of further guidance and policies required to support the programme.
To work with senior staff undertaking audit and research projects, to further own and teams clinical practice within each rotation. To be involved in making recommendations for changes to practice and procedures for the relevant clinical area, and the implementation of these changes.
To contribute to the Clinical Governance and Quality agenda by active participation in service initiatives, health and safety and risk management.
To develop and share own clinical knowledge with other members of the wider clinical team both locally and nationally.
To engage in clinical supervision in order to gain an appreciation of its value in clinical practice
To identify own development needs, aligning these to service requirements and personal aspirations. Proactively develop and improve own practice using all available resources
To understand and contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies/ protocols/ guidelines relevant to the specialist area.
To openly question and challenge practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care are continually evaluated and improved.
To build and maintain effective communications with managers and clinicians within all participating organisations and departments.
To promote the Screening Programme as an example of good practice
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job purpose
To be responsible for the day to day management and supervision of Screening Technicians, ensuring efficient, effective and timely working across all community sites.
To assist the Screening Programme Manager in conducting annual appraisals and recruitment for Screening Technicians.
To assist and provide ad hoc cover to the Screening Programme Manager for annual leave/ sickness.
To take joint responsibility for ensuring fail-safes are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure quality of service.
To ensure abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with national standard operating procedures.
To have a key role in conducting quality assurance assessments of machines as per National Guidelines to include safe care, maintenance and handling of all equipment as used by self and others.
To communicate effectively with patients, carers, relatives and all members of the multidisciplinary team
To maintain and develop high standards of care
To be responsible for personal development and support the development and supervision of others by developing and maintaining specialist knowledge of AAA Screening Programme.
To contribute towards the continuing development of professional screening practice in the clinical area
To conduct oneself in a professional manner and be a role model to less experiences/ non registered and new staff at all times
To work proactively to ensure that every patient attendance meets the patients expectations and needs.
Patient care
To demonstrate and promote a patient and family centred style of clinical practice.
To greet and welcome men to the screening clinic, including identifying and addressing them by their preferred choice of name
To conduct appointments with an understanding, caring and professional approach whilst recognising and respecting individual differences.
To ensure that a high quality, equitable service, is maintained
To ensure that National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme (NAAASP) protocols and procedures are adhered to and that NAAASP targets are met
To assist the Programme Administrator / Manager with the referral of subjects to vascular surgeons for treatment
To work as an autonomous practitioner with access to guidance from Clinical Sills Trainer, when necessary, including occasional working as a lone practitioner in the community.
To inform men of their screening result (this may involve the provision of bad news) and if necessary, support them to make an informed choice about ongoing management of their Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA).
This will require the use of empathy and re-assurance skills.
To accurately record all screening results and complete all necessary documentation to ensure effective referral (where appropriate) into a surveillance programme or to a nurse practitioner
To communicate effectively with men attending for initial screening, ensuring they understand the screening process and have adequate information on the benefits and risks of AAA screening to allow an informed decision to be made before participating. This may incur barriers to understanding and will require reassurance where necessary
To communicate effectively with patients and carers, dealing with potentially complex, sensitive or distressing information; in order to provide patient centred care, and to ensure understanding of the condition.
Patients may have communication, perceptual or cognitive/understanding difficulties.
To deal with potentially distressing situations such as emotional men/relatives or non-compliant patients
To overcome communication difficulties and/or identify individuals who may require the services of an interpreter and make appropriate arrangements to ensure effective communication.
To answer queries from patients, members of the public and other interested parties and support screeners and screening office staff to respond to queries.
To maintain clear, accurate and concise patient records in line with departmental and professional standards and include relevant outcome measures.
To maintain patient dignity and confidentiality at all times
To be prepared to deal with immobile patients that need moderate to high effort positioning or moving but to keep within the manual handling guidelines (training of which must be up-to-date).
Professional practice
To work independently and be responsible for own workload.
To ensure clinical practice is evidence based
To work with the Clinical Skills Trainer in ensuring consistency in screening within the team
To adhere to national and local AAASP screening protocols and procedures and that national AAASP targets are met
To maintain and further develop clinical skills and knowledge necessary to deliver an evidence based service.
To take on increased responsibility, with supervision and assistance, recognising own limitations and seeking help appropriately
To be competent in the use of all relevant Trust IT systems including the use of Electronic Patient Record, Trak, Email, and PACS.
To maintain regular use of emails to keep abreast of information disseminated in the Trust
To report any compliments, complaints or comments to the Programme Manager and work with them to explore ways to improve the service.
Leadership and management
To assist in the line management of screening technicians, ensuring regular reviews of performance are undertaken and appropriate personal development plans are written and implemented.
To record and monitor sickness and absence for junior staff
To work with the Programme Manager and be responsible for the clinic rota, ensuring appropriate cover.
To comply with Trust and Departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, Infection control, clinical equipment competency, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times. This will include demonstrating compliance with the terms of all safeguarding policies and processes relevant to the safeguarding of adults in the care of GHNHSFT and to undergo regular mandatory training concerned with safeguarding matters.
To report near misses and untoward incidents, complaints, clinical emergencies, injury as detailed in the departmental and Trust protocols. Assist lead staff in investigating incidents as required.
To maintain and contribute to the development of standards of practice, conduct or decision making in conjunction with Screening Manager.
To ensure a smart, professional image that enhances the public perception of the Trust and the professionalism of its staff is portrayed.
To attend and actively participate in screening meetings and Board meetings as required.
To contribute to and participate in promotional and educational programmes for health care professionals and the public to increase awareness.
Education and training
To attend for re-accreditation annually.
To be actively involved in the training and support of new staff as an assessor for Health Screening Diploma
To consolidate knowledge and skills learned through this process with the direction of senior staff, and deliver research based presentations as part of in-service training. This will involve facilitating own learning opportunities, reflecting on practice and learning through this process.
To participate in the supervision, caseload monitoring and clinical education of support workers, progressing to supervising new and less experienced staff, as required. Providing support, guidance, training, and assessing and evaluating competence, in order to fulfil clinical governance requirements and retain a skilled workforce.
To develop the skills to supervise, mentor, support and educate less experienced staff in the clinical practice setting.
To undertake all mandatory training
To demonstrate a commitment to research based practice and clinical excellence and play and active part in the introduction of research based change to improve patient centred care
To contribute to and participate in promotional and educational programmes for health care professionals and the public to increase awareness.
To assist in planning and coordinate workshop and learning events as required
Improving quality and developing practice
To assist in the development of policy and practice, supporting change, innovation and new ways of working. Contribute to the development of further guidance and policies required to support the programme.
To work with senior staff undertaking audit and research projects, to further own and teams clinical practice within each rotation. To be involved in making recommendations for changes to practice and procedures for the relevant clinical area, and the implementation of these changes.
To contribute to the Clinical Governance and Quality agenda by active participation in service initiatives, health and safety and risk management.
To develop and share own clinical knowledge with other members of the wider clinical team both locally and nationally.
To engage in clinical supervision in order to gain an appreciation of its value in clinical practice
To identify own development needs, aligning these to service requirements and personal aspirations. Proactively develop and improve own practice using all available resources
To understand and contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies/ protocols/ guidelines relevant to the specialist area.
To openly question and challenge practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care are continually evaluated and improved.
To build and maintain effective communications with managers and clinicians within all participating organisations and departments.
To promote the Screening Programme as an example of good practice
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 3 National Health Screeners Diploma - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
- Evidence of ongoing professional development through maintenance of professional portfolio and registration revalidation
Desirable
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Substantial years continuous experience (post qualification) of working in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme
- Experience of working unsupervised and being independently responsible for time management and problem solving
- Experience or communicating unfamiliar and/or sensitive information
- Dealing with members of the public in a face-to-face role
- Use of clinical systems
Knowledge/ Skills
Essential
- Hold a clean full driving license with access to a car daily
- Attention to detail
- Excellent presentational, communication and interpersonal skills
- Able to work flexibly and adapt to change
- Able to supervise less experienced staff to ensure effective service and care delivery.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 3 National Health Screeners Diploma - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
- Evidence of ongoing professional development through maintenance of professional portfolio and registration revalidation
Desirable
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Substantial years continuous experience (post qualification) of working in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme
- Experience of working unsupervised and being independently responsible for time management and problem solving
- Experience or communicating unfamiliar and/or sensitive information
- Dealing with members of the public in a face-to-face role
- Use of clinical systems
Knowledge/ Skills
Essential
- Hold a clean full driving license with access to a car daily
- Attention to detail
- Excellent presentational, communication and interpersonal skills
- Able to work flexibly and adapt to change
- Able to supervise less experienced staff to ensure effective service and care delivery.
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
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Gloucester
GL1 3NN
Employer's website
Employer details
Employer name
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Gloucester
GL1 3NN
Employer's website
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Details
Date posted
08 November 2023
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£28,407 to £34,581 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
318-23-SUR-R12038
Job locations
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Gloucester
GL1 3NN
Supporting documents
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