Biomedical Support Worker Higher Level - Genetics

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE

To be responsible for training and day to day supervision of Biomedical Support Workers within the section

To collect, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for testing

To undertake routine and more complex clinical technical investigations, following standard operating procedures, some of which may be under supervision

To communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare staff

JOB DIMENSIONS

As a Biomedical Support Worker Higher Level you will work as a member of the departmental team. As part of the team, you will be expected to perform a range of routine and more complex investigations some of which may be under the supervision of more experienced scientific and technical staff. 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. Within the team you may be required to organise the tasks of support workers. You will be required to communicate information, often related to patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other organisations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

In order to carry out the job sufficiently and effectively you will have successfully studied to A-level standard, preferably in sciences or other equivalent qualification. You will develop your competencies and further your knowledge in all aspects of the speciality through practical experience, in house training and structured study subject to the requirements of continuous professional development (CPD). In addition, basic computer skills are essential to carry out your work.

THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values

CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

In order to work effectively in the role the job holder must be able to demonstrate a number of attributes. These abilities will include:

- To gain new knowledge through experience, formal study and participation in relevant training schemes

- To become an integral member of a team providing a clinical technical service

- To work independently when and as directed by supervisors

- To communicate clearly and effectively whether orally, graphically or electronically

- To plan the designated workload and assist in the organisation of tasks undertaken by support workers

- To work with precision and follow accurately the documented laboratory standard operating procedures

- To operate highly complex laboratory equipment safely and efficiently

- To input and extract patient data from the laboratory computer system

- To demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate

- To contribute actively towards the improvement of service quality by participation in relevant discussions with other team members

- To remain competent in established procedures and to develop new skills as experience is accrued.

- To participate actively in the departmental appraisal scheme

- To take account of changes in service delivery by demonstrating a flexible approach to work

CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

As the job holder you will acquire sufficient knowledge and understanding to:

- Carry out a range of basic and more complex technical procedures. This will include instruction in the safe and effective use of highly complex laboratory equipment. You will understand the need to report adverse events in the event of errors and failures.

- Participate actively in departmental internal and external quality assurance schemes. Your level of knowledge and understanding will allow you to recognise when expected levels of quality have not been met.

- Participate in the maintenance of a safe working environment. This will include an awareness of the hazards associated with your work. In addition you will be made aware of any suitable actions to take in the event of breaches in health and safety. Such hazards include fire, manual handling, breach of security, controlled and uncontrolled exposure to chemical, biological and radioactive materials.

- Maintain patient confidentiality. You will recognise the absolute requirement to protect sensitive information that is related to patient care.

- Observe the requirements of departmental policies relating to service provision, for example sample labelling and adverse event reporting.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

-To perform, sometimes under supervision, appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the job holders level of knowledge, skills and experience.

-To develop your competences in the department and to perform tasks accurately and in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures.

- To participate in departmental research and development projects, audit processes and support appropriate clinical trials involving the laboratory

- To enter, manage and retrieve patient information using the laboratory computer system.

- To communicate accurately sensitive and complex information to users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental procedures

- To demonstrate relevant job related tasks to new or more junior staff

- To actively participate in the laboratory quality assurance programme

- To contribute to general departmental management, for instance, by assisting in the ordering, receipt and control of consumables

This list is not exhaustive and the changing needs of the service from time to time may require the development of other appropriate tasks and skills. These will be fully discussed with the post holder in advance of their implementation.

The Pathology Department of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is located on several sites. Subject to consultation, the post holder may be required to work in a laboratory based at an alternative site as required by the Laboratory Manager.

In addition the Trust requires compliance with a number of corporate policies and procedures. These policies will be discussed with your line manager during your period of induction and further information is available from the Trusts intranet site.

Health and Safety/Risk Management

All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system.

Infection Control

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

Equality and Diversity

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

Patient and Public Involvement

The Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and planning services. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback.

Training and Personal Development Continuous Professional Development

The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The jobholder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.

Person Specification

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

Skills & behaviours

Essential

• Able to work in a team
• Able to work independently
• Flexible approach to work
• Good communicator and friendly attitude

Qualifications

Essential

• A level /NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent)

Desirable

• A level/NVQ Level 3 preferably in science subjects

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

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF

Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)