Job Overview T he pathology departments at NTH and STH are working collaboratively to develop a joint service with services being delivered on both hospital sites. This will require cross site working as appropriate An exciting opportunity has arisen for a 12 months fixed term Associate Practitioner's working 37.5 hours per week. Associate Practitioners provide a support function to Biomedical Scientists by performing a range of routine laboratory techniques according to protocols. A Foundation Degree (Healthcare Practice) or equivalent is essential as is a basic understanding of human biology and medical terminology and proven experience of working in a laboratory. Good communications skills, teamwork and an aptitude for problem solving are essential, as is a flexible attitude to work and willingness to adapt to changes in working practice. The department has full UKAS accreditation and IBMS training approval. CPD is actively encouraged. The department operates between 07.00 - 18.00. Monday to Friday with a 1 in 5 Saturday rota. The post holder is expected to work flexibly within these hours, with the possibility of extended working in the future. Please note - This post may close once sufficient applications are received Main duties of the job Under direction of the Pathology Management Team and Cellular Pathology Senior Biomedical Scientist(s), the post holder will be required to provide a support function to Biomedical Scientists by performing a range of routine laboratory tasks according to protocols. In addition, the post holder will be required to use practical skills to carry out tasks associated with analysis which are more advanced than those of a Medical Laboratory Assistant. You will have the skills necessary to contribute towards the provision of an accurate and timely service for patients. You will be expected to acquire technical knowledge including specialised knowledge of complex instruments and test principles to support BMS staff. Working for our organisation At North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust our main priority is, and always will be, to provide safe and high quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved ones. We want our organisation to be the best place to work with the right staff, in the right roles, at the right time, to ensure we deliver exceptional patient care and experience. We will support staff through providing an inclusive and supportive workplace with health and well-being initiatives, staff benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development. Staff recognition is very important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Star and Team of the month, colleague recognition – a note of thanks, Managers Awards, Shining Stars and Service Awards. We actively encourage staff involvement with staff networking events and staff survey “Together we are North Tees & Hartlepool” Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities Competently deal with all sample types received into the department including those which may carry transmissible infection risks and follow the appropriate protocols for handling such specimens Triage specimens ensuring urgent specimens are prioritised and inadequate and mis-labelled specimens are identified in accordance with departmental policies and procedures Accurately record specimen dissection descriptions and subsequent update of computerised patient records Participate in the storing, retrieving and disposal of specimens and specimen records in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures Undertake “house-keeping” duties as necessary including cleaning, basic maintenance of equipment and support the maintenance of stock levels Support dispatch of samples to other laboratories which may have complex requirements Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria IBMS Cert Part II or Foundation Degree or (Healthcare Practice) or evidenced equivalent Desirable criteria IT based qualification Knowldge And Skills Essential criteria Evidence of team working Evidence of good keyboard / computer skills Able to work with Human tissue Familiar with Quality management systems Desirable criteria Familiar with LEAN principles Knowledge of relevant legislation and safety measures associated with hazardous chemicals and potentially infected tissue and body fluids Experience Essential criteria Proven laboratory experience Can demonstrate experience of working within guidelines / policies Can work with samples which by their nature are sensitive and emotive retaining a detached professional manner Desirable criteria Experience in a NHS Cellular pathology Personal Attributes Essential Criteria Enthusiastic and forward looking Good organisational skills Ability to remain calm under pressure Ability to work effectively as an individual or part of a team