Job title and details
Main area Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) - Derriford Combined Lab. NHS AfC: Band 2. Contract 12 months (12 months Fixed Term Contract). Hours full time - 37.5 hours per week (Evenings, Weekends and Bank Holidays). Job ref 216-DH-C7145609
Employer: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. Employer type: NHS. Site: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth. Salary: £24,465 per annum. Closing: Today at 23:59
Assistant Technical Officer (ATO)
NHS AfC: Band 2
Job overview
We require an Assistant Technical Officer to work as part of a team within the Combined Laboratory reception area. Applicants must have good basic dexterity, numeracy and literacy skills; technical aptitude, proven knowledge of Health and Safety issues; basic IT skills; be able to work within a busy environment within a team and have an eye for detail.
You will be part of a team working with scientific staff providing a valuable support function to our Diagnostic Service, handling and processing patients’ samples as part of the analytical process, with a particular role in the management of samples and results referred to hospital clinicians, general practitioners and external laboratories.
The successful applicant will take part in the 24/7 rotas for evenings, weekends, bank holidays and overnight shifts as appropriate. Additional payments are made for these duties.
Main duties of the job
* The receipt of samples, sample preparation, request data entry, presentation for analysis and dispatch to tertiary centres as appropriate.
* To make and receive routine telephone calls to/from GP’s, medical, nursing and other healthcare staff.
* To prepare biological material collected from patients, including blood samples for analysis and analyse these following a Standard Operating Procedure.
* To partake in the 24/7 rota which will include covering a 7 day, 24hr service in reception.
Working for our organisation
We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
* Working with colleagues ensure the reception area delivers a timely processing of samples and test requests.
* Following Standard Operating Procedures ensure that all send-away samples are packaged and despatched in compliance with special postal regulations.
* Ensure senior staff are made aware when stock levels are low.
* Competent in the use of office equipment including computers, printers, fax machines and photocopiers.
* To use the laboratory IT system to input results of tests and to deal with enquiries for results, and to use the Trust PIMS system in order to look up patient details.
* To operate complex laboratory analysers in order to carry out investigations.
* Will assist senior staff in the training of new staff.
* Assist in the receipt, processing and storage of all samples derived from clinical trials including those for which the department derives income.
* Remove samples and request forms from their plastic bags whilst checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form.
* To bring to the attention of senior staff all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID or incorrect sample type for the test requested, or to contact the necessary persons, in accordance with the SOP for the area, to resolve any non-compliance with policy.
* Informing patients of the venepuncture procedure to be carried out in a caring reassuring manner that is aimed at their level of understanding.
* To undertake work for which they have been trained which may take up to 2 months shadowing a trained member of staff.
* To have sufficient knowledge and competence to rotate through sections of the laboratory as required.
* Following SOPs record and inform requestors of rejected samples.
* Prepare samples for analysis using techniques applicable to the areas of work – this may include attaching bar code labels, centrifugation, separation and prepare aliquots as required.
* Book test requests into the laboratory computer system.
* To assist in the safe disposal of used specimens and waste products and the daily cleaning of laboratory work surfaces.
* Assist in performing print runs of reports and their sorting for distribution as necessary. Assist in the maintenance of both hard copy and computer held reports.
* To extract slides, reports and all necessary items for the multiple clinical and non-clinical meetings.
* To participate in the collection, receipt and safe storage of reagents and other supplies.
* To maintain an adequate supply of clean glassware, make up solutions and collect chemicals from the various stores as required.
* Participate in the maintenance of the safe storage of diagnostic material.
For further details please see attached JD&PS.
Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.
Person specification
Knowledge & Experience
* Understanding of need for patient confidentiality
* Proven knowledge of Health & Safety issues
* Use of IT equipment including a keyboard
* Proven knowledge of tests performed and sent away by the department
* Proven knowledge of all relevant Health and Safety legislation and its application to the section
* Proven technical skills in a Pathology laboratory
Qualifications
* GCSE’s 9-4 (A-C) in Maths & English and NVQ level 2 in either business administration or related subject or equivalent demonstrable experience
* Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with staff at all levels of the organisation and patients with tact and diplomacy
* Ability to effectively organise and prioritise own work
* Maintain accuracy and precision, whilst working within a busy environment
* Clear handwriting
* Manual dexterity, including manipulation for protracted periods of the day
* Good telephone manner
* Meet key targets following training once the necessary level of experience has been achieved
* Good interpersonal skills
* Working knowledge of IPM
* Team Worker
* Able to work well within a busy environment
* Ability to concentrate for long periods
Other Factors
* Required to work in an area of biological risk, frequently exposed to both biological and chemical hazards
* Participate in 24/7 service, extended hours and weekend service
* Required to use VDU for protracted periods
* Flexibility
* Required to handle a wide range of specimens
* Required to handle large volumes of consumables up to a weight of 10kg daily
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY INCLUDING YOUR JUNK FOLDER.
If you need support with the online application process or require reasonable adjustments with the application and/or interview process please contact the Recruiting Manager for this post.
We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants about less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. We recommend contacting the manager of the role prior to applying and we commit to giving requests full consideration.
We welcome and encourage applicants who identify with all protected characteristics to apply for our roles. We believe that diversity strengthens our teams and improves our patients\' experience. At UHP we aim to create an inclusive workplace and hospital where everyone feels they belong and included.
It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Providing false information is an offence and could result in the application being rejected or summary dismissal/police action if an applicant is successful.
Please note that if you are successful in your application and accept the position you agree that the Staff Health and Wellbeing Department can access your health records from your current/previous employer in order to check the status of your inoculations and screening tests. This is an automated process and the information will only be used for these purposes prior to your taking up the position with us.
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