Qualified Anatomical Pathology Technician & Bereavement Support Officer

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board; Rhyl; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is seeking a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technician to support mortuary and body storage services across the Trust. The role requires empathy, attention to detail and the ability to work independently or in a team.

Applicants should already hold the RSPH Level 3 or 4 in Anatomical Pathology or an equivalent qualification. Banding salary will depend on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• RSPH Level 4 Diploma or equivalent in Anatomical Pathology.
• Knowledge of Coroner's post mortems, death registration and statutory duties.
• HTA awareness and experience in mortuary practice.

Responsibilities

• Assist pathologist during coronial and hospital post‑mortems.
• Provide mortuary and bereavement cover across sites.
• Demonstrate empathy toward the bereaved and maintain dignity.
• Operate within Home Office/post mortem standards and HTA guidance.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

CPD

Welsh speaking

Computers

Attention to detail

Education

RSPH Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology

Job description

Job summary

The Bereavement and Mortuary Service at Betsi Cadwaladr Health board is looking for an enthusiastic, committed individual to join them as a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technician.

You will assist in maintaining the Mortuary and body storage services, across the Health board, while working to your vocational and academic qualifications.

This is a mentally and physically challenging role, managing the deceased and bereaved, ensuring dignity and respect at all times.

This role is for those that already hold the RSPH Level 3 or 4 in Anatomical Pathology or equivalent qualifications. Banding salary will be dependent on the qualification and experience.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a professional, enthusiastic, self motivated individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to work alone or as part of a team.

Essential quality is being able to demonstrate empathy towards the bereaved. Within the role there will be regular contact with external agencies such as Coroner services, Police and Funeral Directors. Current working knowledge of Home Office & Coronial post mortem requirements and the Human Tissue Authority Standards is also required.

You should be able to assist pathologist to a high-quality standard with Coronial and hospital post-mortems. You will be required to provide mortuary and bereavement cover on other sites within BCUHB.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable but not essential for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

If you relish a challenge, have a passion to help others or simply fancy a fresh start, then Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) North Wales, has all the right ingredients. The largest health organisation in Wales, providing a full range of primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services for a population of around 700,000, across North Wales.

Join our team and get the support you need, in line with our Organisational Values and 'Proud to Lead' competence framework.

Enjoy being part of working with engaged leadership at all levels, and be assured we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and are proud to welcome applicants under the "Disability Confident Employer" scheme.

Please check your email account regularly. Successful applicants will receive all recruitment related correspondence via the email account registered on the application form.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents.

Qualifications and/or Knowledge

Essential

• RSPH level 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology) or earlier equivalent with demonstrable equivalent knowledge to the new Diploma.
• Knowledge and understanding of current legislation relating to Coroner's post mortems, death registration and statutory duti
• Knowledge and understanding of local and national developments in care after death.
• Knowledge of the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) structures.
• Membership of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technologists
• Undertake continuing professional development (CPD)
• Experience of working in a mortuary.
• Proven record of problem solving and troubleshooting
• Experience of supporting distressed and bereaved people.
• Experience of working alone as well as within a team.
• Keyboard and computer skills, such as ECDL

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate compassion and empathy and when dealing with the deceased and their relatives.
• Experience in undertaking all analytical procedures
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good general literacy and numeracy skills.
• Good computer and keyboard skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative with minimum supervision.
• Able to work under pressure and respond appropriately in emergency situations
• Ability to speak Welsh
• Committed to delivery of healthcare

Values and Other

Essential

• Caring. Compassion. Enthusiastic. Commitment.
• Ability to travel within geographical area in a timely manner.
• Flexible approach to the needs of the service.
• DBS clearance.
• First aid training

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).