Healthcare Scientific Support Worker

Job description

Job responsibilities

The laboratory in Bristol is situated on within the purpose-built Pathology Building at Southmead Hospital, North Bristol Trust. A second small laboratory is situated within the Royal United Hospital in Bath. In total, the Laboratory undertakes approximately 1.4 million tests per annum and overall employs 200 staff.

Under the supervision of a State Registered Biomedical Scientist:

In this role you will:

• receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory.
• understand the use of the laboratory information system (LIMS) and undertake data entry e.g. for samples received and referred.
• electronically request and receive tests and look up results etc.
• solve minor problems with mislabelled or mislaid samples and to generate worksheets.
• collect and transfer laboratory consumables and samples to and from delivery points, storage areas and workstations.
• accurately prepare samples for analysis.
• assist with the setting up of automated and semi-automated tests.
• follow various technical procedures e.g. Preparation of specimens for C. difficile toxin detection. Inoculation of samples on to culture media etc.
• maintain a high standard of competence in the performance of all tests appropriate to grade and investigations carried out in that area, following appropriate training.
• perform technical work under the supervision of a BMS.
• ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report complaints or anomalies as soon as possible.
• use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
• perform general laboratory duties e.g. checking and cleaning instruments/equipment, recording temperatures, preparing reagents and assistance with stock control.
• perform general clerical duties e.g. photocopying, filing, telephone answering, dealing with queries from clients, customers and other NHS staff and to undertake data entry.
• assist in the training of other HSSW staff.
• rotate through all relevant sections of the department as directed.
• respond to changes in laboratory protocols as directed.
• work in a conscientious and responsible manner ensuring care and accuracy.
• cover the duties of other HSSW staff in their absence where possible.
• receive goods and supplies into the laboratory.
• help prepare and dispatch items/samples for referral, transport and posting.
• issue specimen collection kits, containers and reagents to appropriate areas.
• undertake sterilisation and disposal of laboratory waste including collection of discard and waste material, loading and unloading discard bins to autoclaves, transfer of laboratory waste to designated collection/disposal areas.
• undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff.

Communication and key working relationships:

Internal

• To communicate effectively with all members of the Infection Sciences team at all times
• Other lab staff within Infection Sciences Services
• Trust Pathology and University staff
• To attend and participate in relevant meetings and updates on an ad hoc basis.

External

• Staff from other Health Care Professionals in UKHSA
• Staff from Commercial customers
• Staff from local Health authorities
• Staff from other NHS trusts
• Staff from other professional bodies i.e. UKAS

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 the directorate.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Professional development

You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.

Essential Criteria

• Interest in Science and technology
• Basic knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices
• Previous experience of using computerised data systems and working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Problem solving skills
• Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Selection Process

Stage 1: Application & Sift

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge and experience, and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

At sift stage you will be assessed against the criteria listed in the job advert.

You will be required to complete an:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• Statement of Suitability (in no more than 1250 words).

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your statement of suitability must be no more than 1250 words.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible)

If we receive a large number of applications an initial sift against the lead criteria.

• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy and attention to detail will be conducted

Desirable criteria may be used if we receive a large number of credible applications.

Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Interview stage (competency based):

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances we may be able to offer a remote interview

This vacancy is being assessed using competency framework. During the interview we will assess against the below:

• Knowledge
• Experience
• Skills and Abilities

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

Eligibility Criteria

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

Security Clearance Level Requirement:

All successful candidates must meet the basic security requirements before they can be appointed.

• The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)
• Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check.

As you will be based at one of our labs, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. 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. In exceptional circumstances 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.

Location:

This role is being offered as lab/office based at our lab site in Bristol.

Person Specification

Statement of Suitability

Essential

• Skills
• Experience
• Knowledge

Competency Framework

Essential

• Knowledge
• Experience
• Skills and Abilities

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

Bristol (Office/Lab)

Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol

BS10 5NB

Employer's website

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