Apprentice Clinical Technologist Medical Physics, Band 5 (Annex 21)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

To be eligible to apply for this apprenticeship you will need to satisfy the following requirements:

- be aged 18 years or over

- be an EEA citizen (with Right to Work in the UK) and not be in any other kind of full-time education (including being enrolled on any other apprenticeship programme).

- be employed (for at least the full planned duration of your apprenticeship) in a role that is linked to the appropriate industry for the apprenticeship training.

- receive at least legal minimum wage for apprentices (wages vary depending on experience, employer and level or type of apprenticeship).

- receive at least legal minimum wage for apprentices (wages vary depending on experience, employer and level or type of apprenticeship).

- commit to at least 6 hours per week of apprenticeship training during your normal working hours.

- have support from your employer, including a mentor/line manager. Your employer is also responsible for funding your apprenticeship.

- not currently undertaking another apprenticeship, other funded adult learning (or be on the sandwich placement of a degree).

- the degree programme must be at least 60% new learning to the successful candidate.

Qualifications

The post holder must have:

- Minimum 5 GCSE's grade 4(C) or above (including Maths, English & Double science)

Minimum 96-point A-level tariff or equivalent (including at least one relevant STEM subject)

More specific qualification entry criteria can be found: Healthcare Science Practitioner (Medical Physics Technology) - BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science - three Medical Physics Technology specialisms - UWE Bristol: Courses

The post holder will work towards:

- BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science - Radiation Physics degree.

- The post holder should be eligible for inclusion on the Voluntary Register of Clinical Technologists after the qualifying period.

Experience

- Experience of being able to interact with a range of people from a variety of backgrounds.

- Familiarity with computing systems and able to use Microsoft Office software to set up documents and spreadsheets, extract information, calculate results and prepare reports.

- Practical experience in a scientific field is desirable.

- Experience of working in a health/caring setting is desirable.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will work within the Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection team within the Medical Physics department in Gloucester. The team consists of 9 Clinical Scientists, Clinical Technologists, admin support & other trainees, who work to ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors in relation to the use of radiation.

This role involves carrying out quality control checks (under direct supervision) on diagnostic x-ray, MRI and ultrasound equipment in areas including general radiology, CT, DEXA, interventional radiology and other services including cardiology, theatres, endoscopy, breast screening and the community dental service. This role also assists with the provision of Radiation Protection services to external customers under our commercial arm, GLOSRAD.

1.0 Provision of Clinical Services/Clinical Responsibilities

1.1 To support the work of Medical Physics Experts by performing periodic testing and annual radiation safety audits on x-ray equipment as required by current legislation. Including:

a. Plan & undertake routine testing of x-ray & imaging equipment.

b. To act as an operator under IR(ME)R regulations in accordance with Trust Policies.

c. Documenting, reviewing and analysing results for compliance with manufacturers specification and current legislation and standards under supervision.

d. Producing reports detailing QA testing results of work to share with clinical teams.

e. Suggesting and implementing improvements in methods and analysis used for user QA and support user audit.

1.2 To assist with radiation protection measurements relevant to diagnostic radiology and to assist the diagnostic radiology departments covered by the Medical Physics Service in their compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017, the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and other relevant legislation.

1.3 To assist with auditing compliance with radiation safety legislation & Trust Policy.

1.4 To assist with audit of staff and patient radiation doses.

1.5 Become familiar with and ensure activities are carried out within the local quality framework. Participate in the development, routine operation & maintenance of quality systems including procedures for own area of work, ensuring they conform with Statutory Regulations and Approved Codes of Practice.

1.6 To inform the most senior member of the Diagnostic Radiology Physics Department immediately when any problems or errors are either detected or suspected during the post holders work.

2. Professional Development, Education and Training

2.1 The post-holder commits to completing the educational elements of the post which are delivered by the University of West England (UWE) leading to a BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science - Radiation Physics degree.

- Attend compulsory training elements of the Apprenticeship, including block weeks at UWE.

- Successful completion of each component of the degree course within required timescales.

- Complete all written work, reflective logs and assignments as required on time.

- Successful completion of the End Point Assessment.

2.2 The post-holder must maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Diagnostic Radiology Physics and relevant Radiation Protection legislation in order to carry out the duties of the post. This will be achieved by attending relevant local and national meetings and by private study.

2.3 The post-holder must keep an accurate Continuing Professional Development Portfolio as evidence of this and should be enrolled on an appropriate CPD scheme.

3. Management and Leadership

3.1 To be responsible for the safe use of expensive equipment

3.2 Engage with other stakeholders as applicable when working on multidisciplinary projects.

4. Planning and Organisation

4.1 To be responsible for the prioritisation and management own work, working flexibly where necessary, to ensure a good professional timely response is given to those using the medical physics service

4.2 Time management to enable the academic & work elements of the role are both completed satisfactorily.

4.3 Attend and participate in DR physics team, GLOSRAD & other meetings as required.

5. Research and Development

5.1 Support and undertake research and development projects in Medical Physics and other Trust departments as agreed with the Head of DR Physics.

6. Communications and Working Relationships

6.1 The post-holder must have good communication skills and be able to communicate with a wide cross-section of people including clinical & non-clinical staff e.g. radiographers, radiologists & other staff working with imaging /other equipment, external contractors/manufacturers responsible for the installation and servicing of equipment, other scientists for exchange of information & networking.

6.2 Ability to document findings and recommendations clearly, both verbally and in written reports.

6.3 Openly question and challenge practice in a constructive way, so that standards are continually evaluated and improved

7. General Working Conditions

7.1 Lifting individual items of equipment up to 18kg (including in and out of a car for transportation) 2-4 times per week using good manual handling techniques. Transporting loads of up to 30Kg on an equipment trolley across hospital sites 2-4 times per week.

7.2 Standing for long periods of time (3-4 hours) when testing x-ray equipment 1-2 times per week.

7.3 Wearing lead aprons for long periods of time (3-4 hours), 1-2 times per week.

7.4 Ability to use IT systems such as Patient Archiving and Communication system (PACS), & MS Office for data analysis, report writing & presentations.

7.5 Report writing, requiring long periods of concentration, sometimes all day, working at a PC daily.

7.6 Working with ionising radiation subject to Radiation Risk Assessments to ensure occupational exposure is As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).

7.7 The post-holder must be able to prioritise & manage own workload and is required to have a flexible attitude to working hours to minimise disruption to patient services, sometimes with short notice. This may involve starting work early, finishing late or working the occasional Saturday.

7.8 The post holder will follow Trust policies and procedures during their duties.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

• 5 GCSEs (including Maths & English)
• A level (min 96 points) including Physics (Essential) & Maths (Desirable) or equivalent

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Understanding of the role of Healthcare Scientists
• Time management skills to prioritise and manage own workload
• Analytical thinking & problem solving
• IT skills (Microsoft Office)
• Presentation skills to share complex data with a broad audience
• Understanding of Health & Safety requirements

Desirable

• Basic understanding of ionising and non-ionising radiation
• IT skills (Able to use and develop analysis software)

Experience

Essential

• Practical experience of undertaking a scientific experiments & measurements

Desirable

• Experience of interacting with a wide range of people from a variety of backgrounds
• Experience of working in a healthcare setting
• Experience of risk management processes
• Experience of working with quality management systems.
• Presentation/publication of scientific reports

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Critical and curious mindset, committed to completing self-directed study
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to concentrate for long periods of time & attention to detail
• Collaborative, flexible team player
• Ability to work independently & set objectives, self-motivated
• Manual dexterity to position phantoms and expensive equipment accurately
• Physically fit to lift moderate loads & complete practical work

Desirable

• Full driving licence

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 Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Great Western Road

Gloucester

GL1 3NN

Employer's website

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