Qualified Anatomical Pathology Technician & Bereavement SupportOfficer

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board; Rhyl; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (North Wales) is seeking a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technician to support the Mortuary and Bereavement Service across the board. You will assist pathologists with post mortems, manage body storage and provide dignified care for the bereaved.

Essential requirements include an RSPH Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology or equivalent, experience in a mortuary, and empathy. Welsh language is desirable but not essential; English speakers are welcome.

Qualifications

• RSPH level 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology) or equivalent with demonstrable knowledge.
• Knowledge of Coroner’s post mortems, death registration and statutory duties.
• Knowledge of local and national developments in care after death.
• Knowledge of the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) structures.

Responsibilities

• Assist pathologist to a high-quality standard with Coronial and hospital post-mortems.
• Provide mortuary and bereavement cover on other sites within BCUHB.
• Regular contact with external agencies such as Coroner services, Police and Funeral Directors.
• Speak Welsh is desirable but not essential; English and/or Welsh speakers are welcome to apply.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Literacy & numeracy

Computers & keyboard

Teamwork

Initiative

Work under pressure

Education

RSPH Level 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology)

Job description

Job Overview

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. ONLY APPLICANTS WITH QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF CARRYING OUT POST MORTEM DISSECTION NEED APPLY. 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.

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.

Working for our organisation

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.

Person specification

Qualifications And/or Knowledge

Essential criteria

• 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.
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Membership of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technologists
• Undertake continuing professional development (CPD)
  
  

Experience

Essential criteria

• 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.
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Keyboard and computer skills, such as ECDL
  
  

Aptitude And Abilities

Essential criteria

• 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
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Ability to speak Welsh
• Committed to delivery of healthcare
  
  

Values And Other

Essential criteria

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

Desirable criteria

• First aid training