Healthcare Science Support Worker (Higher Level)

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Applications are invited for the post of Healthcare Science Support Worker, Higher Level (Band 3).

We are looking for Healthcare Science Support Workers with experience of working in an NHS pathology laboratory (or equivalent) to join our Biochemistry Department in Blood Sciences at Darent Valley Hospital.

In partnership with Beckman Coulter UK (BCUK) our newly designed and refurbished pathology laboratory houses a range of equipment including: Beckman Coulter DxI and AU5800 analysers operating on a fully automated track system at the Darent Valley site.

Successful applicants will be expected to participate in an ongoing quality programme to maintain compliance with the United Kingdom Accreditation Standards (UKAS)

The Department covers a 24/7 shift system to support future service delivery. The successful applicant will be expected to fully participate in the shift system in accordance with Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions.

Applicants should have NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience of laboratory practices and should be able to communicate well (see person specification for further details).

The Biochemistry Department is a vibrant and busy laboratory where the team are expected to work together to ensure we provide a quality service for the benefit of the patient.

There is an opportunity to learn how to maintain the high-throughput equipment we use as well as to learn a variety of biochemistry techniques for testing samples.

Main duties of the job

The role of the Healthcare Scientific Support Worker is to provide a support role to the qualified Biomedical Scientists.

This will include housekeeping duties including stock control of reagents and generally maintaining a clean and safe environment for all staff, to prepare and maintain equipment, to manage the processing of blood and urine samples and to perform some manual testing of samples.

The successful candidate will need to be pro-active in their role and use their initiative to work independently, though always supervised. Being able to organise work and prioritise duties is essential. Working with colleagues is necessary to ensure the daily tasks are completed

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all of our staff are double vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and our patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Date posted

07 February 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,008 to £25,553 a year incl HCAS per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

252-6001794

Job locations

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA


Job description

Job responsibilities

The HSSW team report to the Biomedical Scientists who are responsible operationally for the Biochemistry Laboratory service.

Duties include stock control of reagents, analyser maintenance, processing quality control samples and external quality assurance material.

Working to standard operating procedures at all times.

Performing manual testing procedures.

Entering test results on to the laboratory information system

Assisting with UKAS accreditation

Dealing politely and effectively with phone calls,.

Liaising with company engineers and other service users.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The HSSW team report to the Biomedical Scientists who are responsible operationally for the Biochemistry Laboratory service.

Duties include stock control of reagents, analyser maintenance, processing quality control samples and external quality assurance material.

Working to standard operating procedures at all times.

Performing manual testing procedures.

Entering test results on to the laboratory information system

Assisting with UKAS accreditation

Dealing politely and effectively with phone calls,.

Liaising with company engineers and other service users.

Person Specification

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Essential

  • NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience of laboratory practices

KNOWLEDGE

Essential

  • Basic knowledge of biomedical procedures
  • Computer literate and good keyboard skills
  • Operating and maintaining laboratory analysers
  • Processing biological specimens

EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Achieving targets within a specified timeframe

Desirable

  • Previously worked in a medical laboratory

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential

  • Good communication / interpersonal skills
  • Committed to high quality standards
  • Ability to multitask
  • Flexible
  • Well developed concentration skills
  • Ability to work accurately under pressure
  • Ability to communicate with colleagues within the department
Person Specification

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Essential

  • NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience of laboratory practices

KNOWLEDGE

Essential

  • Basic knowledge of biomedical procedures
  • Computer literate and good keyboard skills
  • Operating and maintaining laboratory analysers
  • Processing biological specimens

EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Achieving targets within a specified timeframe

Desirable

  • Previously worked in a medical laboratory

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential

  • Good communication / interpersonal skills
  • Committed to high quality standards
  • Ability to multitask
  • Flexible
  • Well developed concentration skills
  • Ability to work accurately under pressure
  • Ability to communicate with colleagues within the department

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

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA


Employer's website

https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA


Employer's website

https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Senior Biomedical Scientist

Mandipa Makoni

mandipa.makoni@nhs.net

01233428489

Date posted

07 February 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,008 to £25,553 a year incl HCAS per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

252-6001794

Job locations

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA


Supporting documents

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