Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 2 Healthcare Science Support Worker to join the Point of Care Testing (POCT) team.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust are working in partnership to provide a comprehensive Point of Care Testing service to their users.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is comprised of two sites; The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough and the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton which are approximately 22 miles apart.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust is also comprised of two sites; The University Hospitals of North Tees and Hartlepool which are approximately 15 miles apart.
The successful candidate will be expected to work across both Trusts and all sites, in addition to smaller units within the community and primary care.
Main duties of the job
The service manages multiple pieces of point of care testing equipment including Radiometer and Abbott blood gas analysers. The department is also responsible for glucose and ketone meters, rapid PCR instruments for Covid-19, Flu and RSV testing, urinalysis instruments, HbA1c testing instruments, and more.
Working under the direction of the POCT Coordinator the post holder will assist in the day to day operation of POCT, maintaining devices throughout the service, troubleshooting problems as they arise and provide advice and support to users.
The post holder must be able to work autonomously; both as part of a small team and on their own, with excellent organisational and communication skills. An aptitude for problem solving is essential, as is a flexible attitude to work and willingness to adapt to changes in working practice.
Working for our organisation
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust offers leadership and improvement training to all new staff. This training programme has been designed to support our staff in developing their understanding of leadership and management skills. You will be expected to attend the following training sessions:
·Your Leadership Impact
·Service Improvement for Beginners
After you complete these one and a half days of training, you will be able to explore further leadership and improvement training opportunities. We also offer a range of additional in-house courses and bitesize programmes through our Leadership and Improvement Team.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) attached for main responsibilities of the role.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
1. Proven POCT experience
Knowledge
Essential criteria
2. Able to communicate and maintain good relations with all levels of staff
3. Ability to work on own initiative
4. Ability to work as part of a team
5. Good keyboard / computer skills
Qualifications
Essential criteria
6. 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including: Mathematics (or equivalent Key Skills at level 2 in Numeracy) English Language (or equivalent Key Skills at level 2 in Literacy) A science subject Or Mathematics and English plus NVQ Level 2 or above in a relevant subject
Disclosure and Barring Checks (DBS)
It is now the policy of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who are new to the Trust who require DBS clearance for the post they have been offered, are required to pay the cost of their DBS. The method of payment for this is via salary deduction from your first month's pay.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. We welcome applications from the Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network; LGBT+ Network; Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions Network, Faith Network, Childless not by Choice Network and the Menopause Support Group.
As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you.
If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at
Right to Work in the UK
The Trust welcomes applications from all candidates who meet the criteria for the role. Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship here Work in the UK - (.
Please provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Your current immigration status will not be considered as part of the shortlisting or interview process.
Please note that not everyone needs a Skilled Worker visa. If you are applying for a vacancy in health or adult social care, you may be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead.
We are able to offer sponsorship for a Health and Care Worker or Skilled Worker visa, subject to candidate and position eligibility. Please review the job eligibility guidance for skilled workers here: Skilled Worker visa: Your job - ( and for the Health and Care Worker visa here: Skilled Worker visa: eligible healthcare and education jobs - (
Please note: if the job you are applying for does not meet the eligibility criteria above, we will be unable to offer you sponsorship and you will need to explore whether you may be eligible to apply for an alternative immigration route which will secure your right to work in the UK before you apply. If you are in the UK already on a visa, please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.
The Trust encourages and supports all applicants to be fully vaccinated against both COVID19 and influenza.
Please be aware, there are occasions where some vacancies may close prior to the closing date advertised. This will only happen where sufficient applications are received AND will be made evident on the job advert.
Please note if you are successfully shortlisted, we will contact you via the email address that you have applied from so please ensure you check your emails regularly.
Existing employees of South Tees NHS Foundation Trust currently on the Redeployment Register, who meet the essential criteria for this post, will be shortlisted and interviewed prior to all other applicants.