Band 3 Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) - Mortuary

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Birmingham is seeking a Band 3 Assistant Technical Officer to support mortuary services. The role involves handling deceased patients, maintaining documentation, and ensuring dignified care in sensitive situations. Ideal candidates will possess relevant GCSEs and a Level III Diploma in Anatomical Pathology, along with experience in laboratory procedures. Successful applicants will work in a committed team environment that values diversity and support for all staff members.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace culture

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs or higher including English, maths, science.
• Level III Diploma in Anatomical Pathology or equivalent experience.
• Commitment to professional development.

Responsibilities

• Follow standard operating procedures for mortuary duties.
• Accurately maintain mortuary documentation.
• Perform deceased patient manual handling duties.

Skills

Basic mortuary or laboratory procedures

Knowledge of safe working practices

Verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work on own initiative

Education

5 GCSEs including English, maths, science

Level III Diploma in Anatomical Pathology or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Band 3 Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) - Mortuary

The closing date is 29 December 2025

This role is to participate in the day‑to‑day workload of the mortuary services alongside other members of the mortuary team and includes handling approximately eight thousand deceased patients (across all sites) per year, facilitating post‑mortem examinations and subsequent reconstruction, removal of lines and other medical devices, facilitating viewings and identifications and interaction with a wide range of third parties (e.g. Bereavement Care, HM Coroner, FDs, engineers). Team working is essential.

Main duties of the job

Follow standard operating procedures to perform mortuary and Trust duties.

Reception and release of specimens and deceased patients ensuring accurate checking and recording of identification, accompanying information, and release documentation.

Ensuring appropriate, safe, and dignified storage of deceased patients.

Prepare deceased patients for viewing. Be courteous and aware of relatives' feelings of distress, treating all those involved with sensitivity and dignity.

Accurately maintain all mortuary documentation including, but not exclusively, the mortuary register, dignified relocation folder, fetal dignified disposal records, diary, cremation book, and computerised information systems.

Liaise with the Bereavement Office to exchange details of newly deceased patients.

Perform deceased patient manual handling duties many times per day using electrical or manual aids (body hoist, pat slide, and hoist).

Maintain high levels of concentration in an environment of frequent and unpredictable distraction (almost continual every day).

About us

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued. We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people. As such we want to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds, and for each of you to feel supported for the diversity you bring, to achieve your full potential. For those staff with a disability, including physical disability, long‑term health condition, mental health or neurodiverse condition, this also means being committed to making reasonable adjustments needed for you to carry out your role.

Job responsibilities

*Please Note : For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description*

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs or higher qualification including: English, maths, science or equivalent
• Level III Diploma in Anatomical Pathology or equivalent experience/competency assessments or willingness to work towards
• Commitment to professional development through examinations and courses

Experience

• Experience in basic mortuary or laboratory procedures and the use of equipment
• Knowledge of safe working practices including infectious diseases and dangerous chemicals/gases
• Use of computers including Word, Excel, and laboratory programs
• Knowledge of theoretical and practical skills required in the mortuary, medical terminology and general health and safety practices

Additional Criteria

• Understanding and awareness of procedures to ensure patient confidentiality
• Ability to prioritise work
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Able to follow and take instructions
• Confident, courteous, and professional telephone manner
• Calm and logical under pressure
• Knowledge of the correct balance between initiative and limits of authority
• Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team
• Treats others with courtesy and respect at all times
• Excellent timekeeping and attendance record
• Flexible and able to work as part of a cross‑site team and support with out of hours 'on call' working
• Good manipulative skills and manual dexterity
• Accuracy in working and close attention to detail
• Prepared to handle deceased adults, children, babies, body fluids and tissue
• Able to move and manipulate deceased patients with appropriate equipment
• Can support as part of a team with the out of hours on‑call provision for the mortuary
• Ability to deal appropriately with sensitive information
• Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes good team working

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 name

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust