Pathology Support Worker Training Officer

NHS; England; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a Pathology Support Worker Training Officer to train new recruits in Pathology Reception and Blood Science. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and have a strong background in administration within a healthcare environment. Responsibilities include data entry and maintaining confidentiality while assisting with clinical samples. This position does not meet visa sponsorship criteria and requires existing right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Previous administration and clerical experience in a healthcare or customer service environment.
• Previous experience in training and development of staff & service.
• Previous experience of a Pathology Support Worker or equivalent laboratory role.

Responsibilities

• Train and develop new recruits in Pathology Reception or Blood Science.
• Perform accurate data input and maintain confidentiality.
• Communicate effectively with patients and staff regarding specimen collections.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Proficient computer skills

Education

GCSE in English and Mathematics at grade C / level 5 or above

Job description

Go back University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Pathology Support Worker Training Officer

The closing date is 09 December 2025

The post involves the training and developing of any new recruit either in Pathology Reception or in Blood Science. The training will include demonstrating sample sorting and handling, data entry and communication of Pathology reports. You will need to ensure that new post holders are able to have a good telephone manner and customer skills, excellent communication skills, clear and legible handwriting, be able to perform data entry consistently and have a good understanding of medical terminology and biomedical investigation.

Main duties of the job

Please see full job description below or on the job description attached to this vacancy. For further information contact the Pathology Support Services Management Team.

About us

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

Job responsibilities

Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.

Scientific & analytical

• To receive, sort and process a substantial quantity of clinical samples, identifying and resolving problems such as leaking samples, labelling errors, missing information etc.
• To perform substantial amounts of accurate data input on computers for prolonged periods of time of patient information and investigations requested by hospital clinical staff and GPs
• To maintain attention to accuracy at all times during data input and labelling of samples.
• Follows standard operating procedures (SOP) at all times
• Understands analytical work that is going to be undertaken
• Ensure trainees understand the above skills

Communication

• Maintains awareness of changes and developments in the section and other departments within Pathology.
• To act as the first point of contact for all of pathology, dealing with a wide range of enquiries maintaining confidentiality. This includes communication with outside sources with information of a sensitive nature either in person or over the telephone. To inform appropriate staff that people have arrived.
• Participates in the staff questionnaire. Feeds comments up through the management system.
• Communicates with patients and staff on appointments, specimen collections, procedures for samples pre analysis etc
• Ensures that results are not given inappropriately to patients, explaining why when necessary.
• Ensures that external visitors complete visitor logs and issues badges as appropriate
• Issues results in accordance with departmental SOPs
• To co-operate with other staff within the Pathology department in order that resources are used to maximum benefit.
• Attends meetings as directed.
• Ensure trainees understand the skills required to be a Pathology Support Worker.
• Iterates the understanding the urgency of requests; prioritising work according to SOPs.
• Explains whether samples are suitable for testing and takes appropriate action.
• Explains system for phoning results and guidance is adhered to and remaining within the confines of the responsibilities
• Demonstrate the requirement for supplementary tests, find the appropriate sample and order the test(s), contacting the requestor about any issues this may cause.
• Assists with data collection for audits as directed
• Is aware of all types of documentation within the laboratory organisation.
• Uses resources efficiently and cost effectively.
• To sign for deliveries and inform stores staff of large deliveries.
• Reports low level of supplies appropriately to ensure continuing supply.
• Ensures that stocks are stored appropriately.
• Uses equipment safely, taking into account its complexity, limitations and value.
• Undertakes training as appraisee (and appraiser after additional training) and participates in annual and six monthly review
• May participate in overtime arrangements when assessed as competent to do so.
• Books leave in accordance with departmental policy
• Reports personal absence to senior member of staff, according to trust policy.
• Is aware of and understands trust policies for grievance, discipline and capability.
• Explains and ensures that all colleagues they are responsible for are aware of these criteria.
• Responsible for carrying out duties in line with the Trusts e-rostering processes, including managing rosters, supporting staff allocation, and contributing to effective budget reconciliation and workforce planning

Information management & technology

• Works within standard operating procedures and policies to ensure high quality data, thus maintaining the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases. Recognises data quality problems and brings to the attention of senior staff.
• Attends training on the use of display screen equipment and ensures that working practices comply.
• Reports any non-functional hardware to senior staff.
• Uses the laboratory information management system according to authorised protocols.
• Uses quality management system for read only access
• Complies with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information

Person Specification

Qualifications

• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade C / level 5 or above.

Experience

• Previous administration and clerical experience in a healthcare or customer service environment.
• Previous experience in training and development of staff & service
• Previous experience of a Pathology Support Worker or equivalent laboratory role
• Previous experience in the NHS

Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken English.
• Proficient and accurate computer skills including data entry and word processing.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

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 Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)