Job summary
An exciting opportunity is available for a
Trainee or Qualified Medical Laboratory Assistant (Higher Level), to join the
well-established and friendly Cellular Pathology team at Mid Yorkshire Teaching
NHS Trust
The Cellular pathology Department has a workload of 35,000
requests per annum, 3000 non Gynae and 1000 Andrology samples. The department
carries out a full range of diagnostic testing including immunocytochemistry.
The role of Higher medical Laboratory Officer is to work with
associate practitioners, biomedical scientists, expert practitioners, and
consultant Pathologists assisting with the Embedding and Microtomy of patient
tissue samples.
For the qualified post, candidates must hold an A level/ NVQ
Level 3/ IBMS certificate of achievement part 1(or equivalent) qualification. For the trainee post you must complete the IBMS
certificate of achievement part 1 within your first year of employment. The
department will fully support this study.
Candidates that already have the qualification will be salaried
at Band 3 rate and those who are currently studying will be salaried at Trainee
AXU 75% of band 3.
We
are looking for enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with good
communication skills who has the ability to work as a team member. You will be
required to maintain a high degree of professional standards and adherence to
patient confidentiality is paramount. You must be a hardworking and highly
motivated individual to join our team
Main duties of the job
As a Higher Level MLA you will be expected to:
Perform
manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations.
Using a
Microtome to cut sections from tissue.
To stain
sections manually or using an automated instrument.
To Mount-stained
microscope slides both manually and using an automated cover slipping machine.
To embed
and produce wax blocks by manually orientating and manipulating tissue samples
in the correct three dimensions.
Carryout appropriate maintenance, checks and fault
finding procedures on automated equipment.
To work in cooperation with BMS staff to ensure
workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner.
To maintain, clean and change reagents on machines
and instruments according to departmental protocols.
To comply with good work practices in accordance
with the standards of UKAS ISO 15189 Accreditation.
Maintain a flexible approach to the post in order
to manage changes in workload, patterns and requirements. Within the team you may be
required to organise the tasks of support workers.
Ensure that reagents are prepared, stored, used and
disposed of according to manufacturer guidelines, laboratory procedures and
current legislation and lawful methods.
Perform routine house cleaning duties.
To deal with any spillages of noxious and toxic
chemicals and bodily fluids according to standard operating procedures.
To take responsibility to resolve day to day
issues, e.g. Mislabelled blocks and take
corrective action within scope of practice.
About us
We provide care and support to over half a million people in Wakefield and Kirklees in their homes, in community settings and across our three hospital sites at Pontefract, Dewsbury and Pinderfields (Wakefield).
Always striving for excellence, we are at the forefront of innovation and research and we invest in teaching and the development of our workforce.
We live by our values of caring, improving, being respectful
and maintaining high standards. We listen and learn because we aim to make Mid
Yorkshire the best place to work and receive care.
We value diversity and welcome talent and enthusiasm
irrespective of age, disability, neurodivergence, sex, gender identity and
gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation,
or other personal circumstances including providing unpaid carers support to
someone with a health and care need. As ethnic minority groups, members of the
LGBTQ+ community, and people with a disability/neurodivergence are currently
under-represented across the organisation, we encourage applications from members
of these groups. We have policies and procedures to ensure all applicants are
treated fairly and consistently.
We are proud of our staff networks - who offer valuable
guidance and feedback from those with lived experience.
We have a clear vision and you could be part of this! If you
share our values and you want to make a difference to the lives of our patients
and their families and carers, we would love to hear from you.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As
a Medical Laboratory Assistant (Higher Level) you will work as a member of the
departmental team, and you will be expected to (Under
supervision for Trainee role):
Perform manual,
semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations in specimen
preparation for diagnostic testing.
Using a
Microtome, to cut sections from tissue from the samples processed to paraffin
wax. The section thickness will vary between 2 and 10 millionths of a metre
depending upon the tests to be performed and the type of tissue. The numbers of
tests to be performed vary according to the type of tissue and clinical
details.
To stain sections
produced by microtomy manually or using an automated instrument and solve any
technical problems with the staining machine as and when they arise.
Mount stained
microscope slides both manually and using an automated coverslipping machine
and solve any technical problems with the machine as and when they arise.
To embed and
produce wax blocks by manually orientating and manipulating tissue samples in
the correct three dimensions for each particular sample, involving tiny
fragments of tissue 1 to 2mm in size, and selecting a choice from a range of
options.
Carryout
appropriate maintenance, checks and fault finding procedures on sophisticated
automated equipment.
To work in
cooperation with BMS staff to ensure workload is processed in a timely and
efficient manner.
To notify a
senior member of staff if stocks of laboratory consumables fall below agreed
levels.
To maintain,
clean and change reagents on machines and instruments according to departmental
and manufacturer protocols.
To comply with
good work practices in accordance with the standards of UKAS ISO 15189
Accreditation.
Maintain a
flexible approach to the post in order to manage changes in workload, patterns
and requirements i.e. be able to prioritise own and support workers
workload/duties. Within the team you may be required to organise the tasks of
support workers.
Perform work
strictly according to current Standard Operating Procedures and protocols in
order to facilitate the provision of accurate and timely reports.
Ensure that
reagents are prepared, stored, used and disposed of according to manufacturer
guidelines, laboratory procedures and current legislation and lawful methods.
Perform routine
house cleaning duties.
Ensure that
resources are used efficiently and effectively.
To deal with any
spillages of noxious and toxic chemicals and bodily fluids according to
standard operating procedures.
To take responsibility to resolve day to day issues, e.g. Mislabelled blocks and take corrective action
within scope of practice.
To provide proposed changes to SOPs.
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.
You will be required to communicate information, often related to
patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other
organisations.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As
a Medical Laboratory Assistant (Higher Level) you will work as a member of the
departmental team, and you will be expected to (Under
supervision for Trainee role):
Perform manual,
semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations in specimen
preparation for diagnostic testing.
Using a
Microtome, to cut sections from tissue from the samples processed to paraffin
wax. The section thickness will vary between 2 and 10 millionths of a metre
depending upon the tests to be performed and the type of tissue. The numbers of
tests to be performed vary according to the type of tissue and clinical
details.
To stain sections
produced by microtomy manually or using an automated instrument and solve any
technical problems with the staining machine as and when they arise.
Mount stained
microscope slides both manually and using an automated coverslipping machine
and solve any technical problems with the machine as and when they arise.
To embed and
produce wax blocks by manually orientating and manipulating tissue samples in
the correct three dimensions for each particular sample, involving tiny
fragments of tissue 1 to 2mm in size, and selecting a choice from a range of
options.
Carryout
appropriate maintenance, checks and fault finding procedures on sophisticated
automated equipment.
To work in
cooperation with BMS staff to ensure workload is processed in a timely and
efficient manner.
To notify a
senior member of staff if stocks of laboratory consumables fall below agreed
levels.
To maintain,
clean and change reagents on machines and instruments according to departmental
and manufacturer protocols.
To comply with
good work practices in accordance with the standards of UKAS ISO 15189
Accreditation.
Maintain a
flexible approach to the post in order to manage changes in workload, patterns
and requirements i.e. be able to prioritise own and support workers
workload/duties. Within the team you may be required to organise the tasks of
support workers.
Perform work
strictly according to current Standard Operating Procedures and protocols in
order to facilitate the provision of accurate and timely reports.
Ensure that
reagents are prepared, stored, used and disposed of according to manufacturer
guidelines, laboratory procedures and current legislation and lawful methods.
Perform routine
house cleaning duties.
Ensure that
resources are used efficiently and effectively.
To deal with any
spillages of noxious and toxic chemicals and bodily fluids according to
standard operating procedures.
To take responsibility to resolve day to day issues, e.g. Mislabelled blocks and take corrective action
within scope of practice.
To provide proposed changes to SOPs.
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.
You will be required to communicate information, often related to
patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other
organisations.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A level /NVQ Level 3 / IBMS certificate of achievement part 1(or equivalent).
- For trainee post, must be studying for one of the above.
Desirable
- A level/NVQ Level 3 preferably in science subjects.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Able to work in a team.
- Able to work independently.
- Flexible approach to work.
- Good communicator.
- Friendly attitude.
- Dexterity.
- Good hand / eye coordination.
- Basic computer skills.
Knowledge and awareness
Essential
- Understanding and knowledge Caldicott/Data Protection Act.
- Awareness of own limitations.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Trust Policies.
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working in a laboratory.
- Knowledge of conventional IT software e.g. Microsoft Office.
Desirable
- Competence in a range of complex laboratory procedures.
- Participation in relevant CPD schemes.
Personal Attributes and other
Essential
- Confident.
- Calm under pressure.
- Flexible approach to working arrangements.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Self-motivated.
- Professional appearance.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A level /NVQ Level 3 / IBMS certificate of achievement part 1(or equivalent).
- For trainee post, must be studying for one of the above.
Desirable
- A level/NVQ Level 3 preferably in science subjects.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Able to work in a team.
- Able to work independently.
- Flexible approach to work.
- Good communicator.
- Friendly attitude.
- Dexterity.
- Good hand / eye coordination.
- Basic computer skills.
Knowledge and awareness
Essential
- Understanding and knowledge Caldicott/Data Protection Act.
- Awareness of own limitations.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Trust Policies.
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working in a laboratory.
- Knowledge of conventional IT software e.g. Microsoft Office.
Desirable
- Competence in a range of complex laboratory procedures.
- Participation in relevant CPD schemes.
Personal Attributes and other
Essential
- Confident.
- Calm under pressure.
- Flexible approach to working arrangements.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Self-motivated.
- Professional appearance.
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).
