Healthcare Science Support Worker - Biochemistry

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust; South Shields; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust invites applications for a Healthcare Science Support Worker, Higher Level, Band 3, in Biochemistry. Based at Darent Valley Hospital, you will support Biomedical Scientists, handle reagents, operate analysers, and process blood and urine samples as part of a 24/7 service.

You will work under AfC terms, gain exposure to high-throughput equipment and learn a range of biochemistry testing techniques while maintaining quality and safety in a dynamic lab environment.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent laboratory experience.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• GCSE maths and science.
• Extensive laboratory training in pathology disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Stock control of reagents and maintain a clean safe environment.
• Prepare and maintain equipment; manage sample processing.
• Perform some manual testing and enter results into the LIS.
• Assist with UKAS accreditation activities.
• Liaise with engineers and service users; answer calls politely.

Skills

Biomedical procedures knowledge

Computer literacy

Operate & maintain analysers

Process biological specimens

Communication skills

Accuracy under pressure

Knowledge of clinical sample types

Laboratory information systems (LIMS)

Education

NVQ Level 3

GCSE Maths/Science

Job description

Healthcare Science Support Worker - Biochemistry

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 laboratory houses a range of equipment including: Beckman Coulter AU5800 and DxI analysers.

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 service delivery. The successful applicant will be expected to participate in the shift system where required 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).

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. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.

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 our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and 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.

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

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience of laboratory practices
• Basic skills to include literacy and numeracy.
• GCSE maths and /or Science
• Extensive training in a laboratory in any Pathology discipline

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic knowledge of biomedical procedures
• Computer literate and good keyboard skills
• Operating and maintaining laboratory analysers
• Processing biological specimens
• Good communication / interpersonal skills
• Ability to work accurately under pressure
• Ability to communicate with colleagues within the department
• Knowledge of clinical sample types within Microbiology
• Knowledge of Laboratory computer system
• Computer literate with specified LIMs system

Experience

• Experience in working within a team
• Experience of working within a fast paced setting.
• Experience in working as Laboratory assistant or within a laboratory setting
• Data analysis experience or previous working in specimen reception environment

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.

£27,106 to £28,850 a yearper annum inclusive of allowances