Job overview
Would you like to work with children in a team of Healthcare Scientists?
The Sleep Unit is based within the Respiratory Service. The unit provides a wide range of assessments, ranging from oximetry to full polysomnography, CPAP and Bilevel ventilation therapy. Sleep studies are performed in our dedicated five-bedroom sleep unit and on the Respiratory ward primarily using the Natus-Embla recording system. We currently perform approximately 2000 sleep studies per annum and maintain a support service for more than 350 children at home on long-term non-invasive ventilatory support.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and reliable Healthcare Science Assistant (Sleep) to help with our busy Sleep Service. The Sleep Unit team consists of Clinical Physiologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Respiratory Consultants, Clinical Sleep Fellows and administrative support. You should have an interest in pursuing a career in Healthcare Science, have good interpersonal skills, computer literate, should enjoy working with children, and be sensitive to the needs of our patients and their families. You will be expected to work in a team on a rolling monthly rota (150 hours per month) consisting mainly of days (Mon-Fri) and occasional weekends. The shift pattern is flexible but will typically consist of hour days (Mon-Fri) and 4 hour days (weekends).
You should have English language, Maths and Science GCSE (Grade 4-9) or equivalent, NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care or Healthcare Support Worker Level 2, and evidence of an accepted Care Certificate. In-house training will be provided to you.
Informal visits are encouraged and can be arranged prior to interview.
Main duties of the job
To work within agreed ways of working, under indirect supervision of a registered health care professional, following relevant standards, policies and protocols and always acting within the limits of your training and competence
To exercise autonomy within your given area of responsibility, being accountable for your work and reviewing the effectiveness of your actions
To demonstrate best practice and effective communication skills
To prepare sleep recording equipment with due attention to quality control and laboratory safety
Assist with the setup and downloading of Nocturnal Pulse Oximetry (NPO) and Home Sleep Apnoea Testing (HSAT) in accordance with written laboratory standards
To assist in arranging sleep study appointments when required
To participate in a regular 9-5 shift pattern Monday to Friday, occasional weekend day shifts, and Bank Holidays when required
To follow and demonstrate the Trust Values, Expected Behaviours and Core Values of Compassion in Practice (NHS Commissioning Board Dec 2012), and adhere to the GOSH Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers (2013).
Working for our organisation
GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.
We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.
We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person specification
GOSH Culture and Values
Essential criteria
* Always welcomingAlways helpful, Always expert, Always one team
* Experience of working as part of a diverse team
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential criteria
* English language and Maths GCSE (Grade 4-9) or equivalent
* Science GCSE (Grade 4-9) or equivalent
* NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care ( University Certificate of Competence in Principles of Children & Young People Healthcare, advanced diploma, Higher apprenticeship Level 3) or Healthcare Support Worker Level 2
* Evidence of accepted* Care Certificate achievement Accepted care certificate achievement must evidence online/workbook component in addition to workplace based skills acquisition and assessment. We do not accept Care Certificates gained solely via an online platform.)
* Willingness to develop and undertake in-house study
Desirable criteria
* A-level in a Science subject (, Biology, Physics, or Chemistry), T-level in (Healthcare) Science, or an equivalent Level 3 vocational qualification.
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Basic experience of working in a hospital environment
* Previous experience of working with children/young people
* Basic experience of making respiratory measurements
* Basic scientific knowledge
* Basic physiological knowledge
* Knowledge and understanding of the NHS
* Experience of contributing to an inclusive workplace culture
* Has the ability to recognise situations that require reporting and demonstrates the ability to escalate to a senior person where appropriate
* Experience of contributing to an inclusive workplace culture.
Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria
* Ability to work independently within established policies & procedures. Working without direct supervision
* Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with other team members
* Numeracy skills
* Organisational skills
* Computer literacy (Windows, MS Office)
* Ability to communicate effectively with children and their carers
* Ability to work as part of a team
* Ability to seek advice when needed
* Accuracy & attention to detail