Healthcare Scientist Support Worker (Laboratory Assistant)

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will provide a range of routine tasks, including sample reception and preparation and will work as part of a team to perform routine examination of samples and update laboratory IT systems.

Communication and key working relationships

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include;

Internal

• Laboratory Management Team
• Laboratory staff across the FW&E Service
• other laboratory staff throughout UKHSA

External

• Local and Port Health Authorities
• Commercial Customers
• Professional Contacts including UKAS

Service Delivery

• Contribute to the provision of an analytical microbiology service for food, water and environmental samples
• Under supervision, assist in the receipt of samples into the laboratory and complete pre-analysis processing of specimens
• Work as part of a team to undertake routine preparation and examination of a wide range of samples under supervision
• Become competent in the use of laboratory equipment including balances and pipettes
• Re-stock laboratory consumables, sterile equipment and glassware
• Assist with waste disposal following local procedures
• Respond to requests and accurately communicate information and results to other laboratory staff, as required
• Refer queries to other, more senior staff, as appropriate

Quality Systems Management

• Participate in activities necessary for the maintenance and development of the Quality System in accordance with UKAS requirements
• Support the laboratorys accreditation to ISO 17025 and ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards

Asset Management

• Ensure efficient running and contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment, which will include high cost, complex equipment requiring calibration and regular maintenance
• Take responsibility for stock control in the FW&E laboratory, ensuring sufficient stock levels are maintained for efficient service provision
• Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment in order to ensure efficient and safe operation

Strategy, Policy and Service Development

• Support the implementation of new methods and technologies into the laboratory, in order to maximise quality and efficiency of testing
• Support appropriate income generation activities for the laboratory, in accordance with the National FW&E objectives, in conjunction with the Laboratory Management Team

IT Infrastructure

• Become competent in the use of the laboratorys IT systems and assist with the basic inputting of data into the system

Security / Health & Safety

• Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act, Caldicott principles and the Laboratory Information Systems and Technology Security policy
• Ensure that health and safety are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors
• Ensure attendance of self and managed staff on safety training courses as required in the UKHSA Health and Safety Training Policy and other safety policies as appropriate.
• Agree to implement safety objectives
• Ensure that a Laboratory/Office Safety Code is implemented.
• Ensure that risk assessments are implemented and maintained.
• Report risks that cannot be controlled to the Laboratory Manager
• Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure

Other

• The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
• The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and UKHSA.
• It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

Professional Development

• Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
• Participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

Essential Criteria:

• Good standard of general education - GCSEs in English, maths and science (at Grade C or above) or educated to NVQ 2 level in a relevant subject, or equivalent level of qualification, or significant equivalent previous proven experience
• Previous experience of working in an administrative environment using computerised data systems.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
• Well-developed physical skills including manual dexterity.
• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone. skills ensuring accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Problem solving skills.
• Demonstrate a high level of motivation and commitment to high standards
• Flexible approach to work

Selection Process:

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours, abilities and strengths.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the essential criteria and this will be in the form of:

• an application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• a 500 word Statement of Suitability.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

Please note that only those candidates meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlist.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Good standard of general education - GCSEs in English, maths and science (at Grade C or above) or educated to NVQ 2 level in a relevant subject, or equivalent level of qualification, or significant equivalent previous proven experience

Please do not exceed 500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a face to face interview. In extreme circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours, abilities and strengths will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others
• Delivering at Pace

As part of the interview, there will be a short 15 minute assessment/test related to daily elements of the job role.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter Terrorism Checks.

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)clearance.

UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Person Specification

Application form and statement of suitability

Essential

• Application form and statement of suitability

Behaviour

Essential

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Colindale

London

NW9 5EQ

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)