Point of Care Testing Officer

MCS Group; Derry and Strabane District; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

MCS Group are partnering with a leading Health and Social Care organisation to recruit an Associate Practitioner in Point of Care Testing (POCT). Based in the Pathology Department, you will support maintenance, performance and effective use of POCT equipment across hospital sites.

You will train nursing, medical and laboratory staff, perform maintenance, manage records and support quality assurance. A current UK driving licence is essential.

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs at grades A-C including English and science subjects.
• One year of laboratory or clinical experience or equivalent.
• Ability to travel between NHS hospital sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to the POCT team and staff using devices.
• Train clinical staff in safe, competent POCT operation with demonstrations.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot POCT equipment.
• Maintain records, SOPs, and training documentation accurately.
• Support external quality assurance processes and data reporting.
• Participate in quality management activities and audits.
• Assist with stock management and supplier liaison.
• Travel regularly between Trust sites to deliver consistent POCT service.

Skills

Lab quality standards

Technical equipment handling

IT & data entry

Travel between sites

Education

Five GCSEs A-C incl English and one science subject

Two A Levels or equivalent, one science subject

NVQ Level 3 in science or BTEC National Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database software

Spreadsheets

Job description

Associate Practitioner - Point of Care Testing (POCT)

Are you a laboratory or clinical support professional looking for an opportunity to develop your technical skills and make a difference to patient care? This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist Point of Care Testing (POCT) team, supporting the safe and effective use of diagnostic equipment across hospital sites.

MCS Group are proud to be partnering with a leading Health and Social Care organisation in their search for an Associate Practitioner in Point of Care Testing (POCT). This role would suit someone with a scientific or clinical background who enjoys working with technical equipment, supporting colleagues through training and helping maintain high standards of quality and patient safety.

The Role

Based within the Pathology Department, you will support the maintenance, performance and effective use of POCT equipment across hospital and clinical settings. Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing technical support to the POCT team and staff using point-of-care diagnostic devices.

• Training nursing, medical and laboratory staff in the safe and competent use of POCT equipment, including practical demonstrations and competency assessments.

• Carrying out routine maintenance, troubleshooting equipment issues and helping ensure devices remain safe, reliable and fit for purpose.

• Maintaining accurate records, databases, equipment registers, standard operating procedures, maintenance schedules and training documentation.

• Supporting external quality assurance (EQA) processes, including distributing samples, collating data and reporting results.

• Participating in quality management activities, departmental and ward audits, and the evaluation of new equipment and techniques.

• Monitoring quality control results, identifying issues and escalating faults or concerns to the relevant specialist.

• Supporting stock management and liaising with suppliers regarding equipment, consumables and repairs.

• Travelling regularly between Trust sites to support the delivery of a consistent POCT service.

The Person

To be considered for this opportunity, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Five GCSEs at grades A-C or equivalent, including English Language and one science subject, plus two A Levels or equivalent, one of which must be a science subject, and at least one year's laboratory experience in a scientific, technical or support worker role, or one year's experience in a clinical setting; OR

• Five GCSEs at grades A-C or equivalent, including English Language and one science subject, plus an NVQ Level 3 in a science-related subject or BTEC National Diploma, and at least one year's relevant laboratory or clinical experience; OR

• Five GCSEs at grades A-C or equivalent, including English Language and one science subject, plus at least four years' laboratory experience in a scientific, technical or support worker role, or four years' experience in a clinical setting.

You must also hold a current full UK driving licence and have access to a car on appointment.

At interview or assessment, you will need to demonstrate:

• Knowledge of laboratory quality standards and the role of POCT within healthcare.

• Experience using technical equipment, with an aptitude for figures, IT systems and accurate data entry.

• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office, databases and spreadsheets.

• An understanding of health and safety and the ability to travel between hospital sites as required

What's in it for you?

• Technical development: Build your knowledge of diagnostic equipment, troubleshooting, quality assurance and laboratory standards.

• Varied working environment: Work across hospital and clinical sites, supporting a range of healthcare professionals.

• Patient impact: Help ensure reliable and timely diagnostic testing that supports clinical decision-making and patient care.

• Ongoing learning: Access further training to maintain and develop your technical knowledge and competence.

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in Northern Ireland to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation. If you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate your request.

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit our website to view a wide selection of our current opportunities.