Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for 3 new medical examiner officers to help with the roll out of the service in to the community to ensure that all deaths in the area, in and around Southampton are scrutinised.
This is a role which also aims to support families and keep them informed throughout the medical examiners process, therefore good communication with bereaved families is essential. The post holder will be responsible for facilitating the conversation to support families to raise questions and concerns about the death of their relative.
The role sits within the Patient Experience care group in THQ.
Main duties of the job
Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.
For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the Job Description and Main Responsibilities section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.
About us
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated Good by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.
All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.
Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London.
Job description
Job responsibilities
What youll do:
The purpose of the medical examiner service are to:
-
scrutinise all deaths
-
ensure appropriate referrals are made to the coroner in a timely manner
-
ensure bereaved families get an opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have
-
improve the quality of data and death certification
This is a role which also aims to support families and keep them informed throughout the medical examiners process, therefore good communication with bereaved families is essential. The post holder will be responsible for facilitating the conversation to support families to raise questions and concerns about the death of their relative.
The medical examiner officer will support the medical examiner in the review of deaths by initial scrutiny of patient notes, sourcing information from clinical teams, and highlighting cases that are likely to be referred to the coroner.
What were looking for:
The post holder will need to have good communication skills and have a desire to work with bereaved families and friends. It is a challenging role that will also be support by the regional medical examiner teams.
A good understanding of UHS hospital hierarchy and access to hospital IT systems would be beneficial although not essential. The post holder will have to be competent in IT skills, team working as well as occasional working from home. Close working with the coroners and registrars office is necessary for this role.
Job description
Job responsibilities
What youll do:
The purpose of the medical examiner service are to:
-
scrutinise all deaths
-
ensure appropriate referrals are made to the coroner in a timely manner
-
ensure bereaved families get an opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have
-
improve the quality of data and death certification
This is a role which also aims to support families and keep them informed throughout the medical examiners process, therefore good communication with bereaved families is essential. The post holder will be responsible for facilitating the conversation to support families to raise questions and concerns about the death of their relative.
The medical examiner officer will support the medical examiner in the review of deaths by initial scrutiny of patient notes, sourcing information from clinical teams, and highlighting cases that are likely to be referred to the coroner.
What were looking for:
The post holder will need to have good communication skills and have a desire to work with bereaved families and friends. It is a challenging role that will also be support by the regional medical examiner teams.
A good understanding of UHS hospital hierarchy and access to hospital IT systems would be beneficial although not essential. The post holder will have to be competent in IT skills, team working as well as occasional working from home. Close working with the coroners and registrars office is necessary for this role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Batchelor's degree level or higher with a working knowledge in related field.
- A commitment to life-long learning and undertaking personal development opportunities.
- The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior medical and nursing staff and the recently bereaved.
- Completed e-learning MEO core training modules prior to starting in the post
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with the patient safety team, bereavement care team or within the mortality review process.
- General knowledge of clinical/medical terminology
Desirable
- Experience of working in a healthcare setting with multi-disciplinary teams across organisational boundaries.
- Knowledge of the special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity of issues around formalities following a death.
- Experience of working with people in sensitive and emotional situations.
- Knowledge of the Coroner & Justice Act 2009 reference to the medical examiner system. Full understanding of the medical examiner system operational remit when incorporated within Bereavement Services or as a stand-alone office.
Aptitudes and skills required
Essential
- Ability to work as part of a team and organise fluctuating workload around competing priorities
- Competent in the use of IT software systems and handling sensitive personal identifiable data .
- Good interpersonal skills demonstrating the ability to communicate in difficult and emotional situations with empathy and professionalism with all stakeholders
Special requirements of the post
Essential
- Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to deputise for senior MEO often at short notice
Desirable
- Approachable and supportive to all levels of staff and bereaved families in a non-judgemental and discreet manner.
- Professional appearance, manner and awareness of impact of own behaviour on others
- Ability to maintain a calm manner in a range of challenging and emotive circumstances
Values and behaviours
Essential
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Batchelor's degree level or higher with a working knowledge in related field.
- A commitment to life-long learning and undertaking personal development opportunities.
- The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior medical and nursing staff and the recently bereaved.
- Completed e-learning MEO core training modules prior to starting in the post
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with the patient safety team, bereavement care team or within the mortality review process.
- General knowledge of clinical/medical terminology
Desirable
- Experience of working in a healthcare setting with multi-disciplinary teams across organisational boundaries.
- Knowledge of the special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity of issues around formalities following a death.
- Experience of working with people in sensitive and emotional situations.
- Knowledge of the Coroner & Justice Act 2009 reference to the medical examiner system. Full understanding of the medical examiner system operational remit when incorporated within Bereavement Services or as a stand-alone office.
Aptitudes and skills required
Essential
- Ability to work as part of a team and organise fluctuating workload around competing priorities
- Competent in the use of IT software systems and handling sensitive personal identifiable data .
- Good interpersonal skills demonstrating the ability to communicate in difficult and emotional situations with empathy and professionalism with all stakeholders
Special requirements of the post
Essential
- Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to deputise for senior MEO often at short notice
Desirable
- Approachable and supportive to all levels of staff and bereaved families in a non-judgemental and discreet manner.
- Professional appearance, manner and awareness of impact of own behaviour on others
- Ability to maintain a calm manner in a range of challenging and emotive circumstances
Values and behaviours
Essential
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
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).
