Job overview
****** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES ******
The Infection Prevention Health Technician is a unique opportunity for an experienced Healthcare Assistant or unregistered practitioner to join the Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT) at UH Sussex. The role supports patient safety by promoting and maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control (IPC) across the Trust.
Working within a specialist multidisciplinary team, the post holder will contribute to the prevention, surveillance, investigation, audit, and control of infection across hospital and satellite sites. The role is mainly based in clinical areas, providing a visible presence and practical support to ward and departmental teams to embed effective IPC practice in everyday care.
The post is primarily covering the Brighton site and associated units, with occasional cross-site working and some weekend flexibility as required.
Working under the guidance of the IPC Nursing Team, Matrons, and Clinical Nurse Specialists, the post holder will support a range of IPC activities under direct or indirect supervision. Development is a key element of the role, with structured support to build competence using the IPS Competency Framework. Opportunities for further training, including Nurse Associate programmes and university-based IPC modules, are encouraged. This role is ideal for a motivated individual seeking to progress within infection prevention while contributing directly to quality and safety.
Main duties of the job
1. Carry out Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) audits, including hand hygiene, IV cannula care, equipment cleaning (e.g. commodes), clinical environments, and water safety.
2. Be a visible presence in wards and clinical areas, identifying IPC concerns and escalating issues when needed.
3. Support the Surgical Site Infection (SSI) surveillance programme.
4. Assist with collecting information for post-infection reviews (e.g. C. difficile, E. coli).
5. Treat patients with kindness, dignity, and professionalism at all times.
6. Manage IPC signage, including isolation notices and hand hygiene posters.
7. Support IPC assessments of clinical areas.
8. Deliver ward-based education on hand hygiene, equipment cleaning, water safety, and other IPC topics.
9. Use audit tools (e.g. Tendable) to collect and review data.
10. Provide feedback to clinical teams and escalate concerns appropriately.
11. Maintain accurate records, reports, and data entry on Trust systems.
12. Use IT systems to produce reports, graphs, and presentations.
13. Act as a role model for good IPC practice.
14. Support local IPC Champions and assist with study days and awareness events (e.g. Hand Hygiene Week).
15. Maintain organised manual and electronic filing systems.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
If you do not meet the sponsorship requirements, and you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
The full job description, key working relationships and main duties and responsibilities are detailed within the JD which is attached.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
16. GCSE at grade ‘C’ or above (or equivalent) to include English Language.
17. NVQ3 qualification or equivalent experience/competencies
18. Experience of working in health/social care environment.
19. Keyboard skills using computer technology including Microsoft word and excel.
20. Ability to communicate and present written information clearly.
21. Ability to plan and prioritise workload.
22. Able to work both independently and as part of a multi professional team
23. Able to engage with people to convey important messages
24. Enthusiasm for infection prevention
Desirable criteria
25. Experience of the NHS
26. Experience or demonstrable previous engagement with IPC activities.
27. Professional audit qualification
28. RSA III or equivalent competency.
29. ECDL
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
30. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
31. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications