Healthcare Science Support Worker

South Tees; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is hiring a Healthcare Science Support Worker to assist in Central Specimen Reception across pathology departments. You will receip t, process and track clinical specimens to aid accurate diagnosis for clinicians.

The role involves shift work within a 24/7 rota and cross-site work across the James Cook University Hospital and related sites. A background in laboratory or healthcare support is desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience in a laboratory or fast paced healthcare setting.
• Basic IT and keyboard skills with good written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Reception/data entry and processing of clinical specimens.
• Assist in receipt and processing of swabs, body fluids and blood samples.
• Participate in 24/7 shift pattern and rota commitments.

Skills

Basic IT skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Under pressure

Interpersonal skills

Keyboard skills

Manual dexterity

Education

5 GCSEs (Maths, English, Science)

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

Main area Clinical Support services Grade Band 2 Contract 12 months (Fixed Term) Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Nightshift, Evenings, Weekends and Public Bank Holidays) Job ref 328-CSU7-8334299

Site The James Cook University Hospital Town Middlesbrough Salary £25,272 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 04/11/2026 23:59

Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a Healthcare Science Support Worker to join the team in Central Specimen Reception across the STH pathology departments. The job involves a range of tasks that support the Pathology laboratory in receipting and processing of patient samples so that results can be generated and released to clinicians to aid diagnosis.

The Pathology departments at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust are working collaboratively to develop a joint service with services being delivered from all hospital sites. This will require cross site working, with the potential to work at any site as needed.

Main duties of the job

You will be responsible for the reception/data entry and processing of clinical specimens, these may include a range of swabs, body fluids, and blood samples.

The department operates a 24/7 shift system, as such there is a requirement to fully participate in the rota that supports this.

We are looking for someone who is able to communicate well with staff in the department and service users as well a plan and use their own time economically and effectively. The successful candidate should have a high degree of motivation for the role. Although knowledge of laboratory areas is desirable, it is not essential.

Please note this post may close at sufficient applicants.

Working for our organisation

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have come together to form University Hospitals Tees. As a result, post holders may be required to work across sites within both organisations.

Across University Hospitals Tees, our ambition is to be the best place to work, ensuring we have the right staff in the right roles at the right time to deliver outstanding patient care and experience.

We are committed to supporting our staff through an inclusive and supportive working environment, offering health and wellbeing initiatives, staff benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.

We support the 'Making Every Contact Count' approach to behaviour change in the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) attached for main responsibilities of the role.

Person specification

Experience

• Previous experience of a laboratory or other fast paced healthcare setting

Knowledge

• Basic IT skills
• Ability to work effectively individually or as part of a team.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure to support service demands.
• Good interpersonal skills
• Basic keyboard skills
• Manual dexterity for procedures where precision is required.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including: Mathematics (or equivalent e.g., Key Skills at level 2 in Numeracy) English Language (or equivalent e.g., Key Skills at level 2 in Literacy) A science subject. Or Mathematics and English plus NVQ Level 2 or above in a relevant subject

Important - Once sufficient applications have been received this vacancy may close early.

Disclosure and Barring Checks (DBS) It is the policy of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who arenew to the Trust who require DBS clearance for the post they have been offered, are required to pay the cost of their DBS. The method of payment for this is via salary deduction from your first month's pay.

Qualifications Please note the essential qualifications required for the post are outlined within the Person Specification. You are required to provide original evidence of the necessary qualifications for the post at interview should you be shortlisted.You will also be required to provide original copies as part of the pre-employment check screening.

New Starters – Probationary Period

For any new employees commencing employment with South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, you will be subject to satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period. Please note that internal applications and individuals that are appointed to fixed term appointments of less than 6 months duration are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or a bank member of staff).Employment References

As part of our pre-employment screening process, all applicants are required to provide references covering their last three years employment history including any gaps. Applicants are requested toensure e-mail addressesfor all referees are included on their application form. Personal references are not acceptable.

Working Hours

If the hours advertised for the post are up to full time (37.5 hours per week), applications are still welcomed from individuals who may be seeking to work less than full-time hours and all requests will be considered in line with the post being appointed to for the successful applicant.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Everything we do is shaped by our values: Respect, Support, and Collaborate.

At University Hospitals Tees we want our workspaces to be places where everyone feels welcome, valued and safe. We treat people with respect, and we celebrate the differences that make each of us unique.

We welcome applications from everyone, no matter your age, background, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family circumstances or beliefs.

We are here to supportyou throughout your application and at every stage of your career with us. We believe we work best when we collaborate, learn from each other and build teams that reflect the communities we serve.

Supporting disabled people and people with long‑term conditions

We are a Disability Confident committed employer aspiring to become a lead employer in 2026.

This means we give fair and full consideration to applicants and will offer reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. If you need help with your application, or need the information in a different format, please contact our recruitment team and we will support you.

If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at [e-mail] or call us on 01642 854610

Right to Work in the UK

The Trust welcomes applications from all candidates who meet the criteria for the role. Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship hereWork in the UK - GOV.UK ( www.gov.uk ).

Please provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Your current immigration status will not be considered as part of the shortlisting or interview process.

Please note that not everyone needs a ‘Skilled Worker’ visa. If you are applying for a vacancy in health or social care, you may be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead.

Further Important Information

Please check your email on a regular basis for updates on your application. If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to email via this method

Existing employees of South Tees NHS Foundation Trust currently on the Redeployment Register, who meet the essential criteria for this post, will be shortlisted and interviewed prior to all other applicants.

Please ensure you read the ‘Guidance Notes for Applicants’ document attached to this advert before completing and submitting your application.

Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to all applicants and those who are not contacted within six weeks of the closing date should assume that their application has been unsuccessful.

Application numbers

Please note that this vacancy will close when we receive sufficient completed applications.