Healthcare Science Support Worker - Microbiology

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust; Dartford; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development

Supportive team

Job summary

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust in Dartford is seeking a dedicated microbiology assistant to help process clinical specimens, enter results, and support sample handling within a busy department.

You will learn a broad range of microbiology skills, work with analysers, and assist with training colleagues while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

Qualifications

• Be keen to learn and develop skills in Microbiology.
• Capable of accurate data entry and handling lab information systems.
• Good telephone manner and clear communication with others.
• Careful, conscientious and reliable in a busy lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine tests on clinical samples.
• Enter patient results into the Laboratory system.
• Label clinical samples correctly and manage sample tray workflow.
• Communicate with patients and Trust users regarding queries and sample requirements.
• Work with microbiology analysers and assist with training less experienced staff.
• Support continuous improvement and maintain quality and safety standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Job description

The successful candidate will be expected to perform a range of routine and non routine tasks within Microbiology, for example, performing standard tests on clinical samples, entering patient results into the Laboratory system, labeling clinical samples, communicating with patient and Trust Users by supporting with queries and advising on appropriate samples and containers for specific clinical tests, working with a selection of Microbiology analysers as well as supervising and / or training less experienced staff in their own area.

The department welcomes individuals who are keen to learn and develop their skills. Working with a vibrant team and supporting environment with a passion dedicated to patient care , quality and safety.

The Microbiology department provides training and support to staff and demonstrates great work ethics and encourages advancement. We are a culture of continuous improvement and achievements. Great support network within the department and throughout the Trust.

We are looking for a hard working enthusiastic person to join our Pathology team working in the Microbiology department. This is a role where you will learn a broad range of skills whilst processing specimens from patients.

You must be a careful, conscientious and reliable worker. Following induction and training you will be able to work without close supervision in a busy environment, have a good telephone manner and be at ease using the computer system and laboratory instrumentation.

As a team-player and excellent communicator, you will need to demonstrate attention to detail whilst processing patients' specimens and entering data into the computer systems. There are also a wide range of other tasks that form part of this varied and interesting job.

Hours of work include early shifts 8:00am to 16:30pm and late shifts 12:30pm to 21:00pm. These shifts include weekend working to be covered each week alongside one flexible week day working.

This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.

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 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.