Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours per week (including occasional weekend and unsocial hours). Salary: £24,937 – £26,598 per annum (pro rata). Closing date: 10/11/2025 23:59.
Job overview
We are looking for a dynamic individual to join a newly formed mask fit testing team at UHSussex. Three posts are available across the trust. Site will be discussed prior to interview.
Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) provides staff respiratory protection via a fitting and testing process (Fit Test) of selected and approved face masks (FFP3). This process safeguards staff and ensures confidence in wearing the most suitable respiratory PPE.
Main duties of the job
* Ensure staff are assessed for the correct selection of FFP3 mask.
* Be competent and confident to undertake the fit test using a quantitative methodology.
* Maintain equipment and stock control.
* Ensure all fit tests are accurately documented on Health Roster.
* Communicate to a high level to ensure all staff, of all grades, are fit tested.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Prepare the fit testing room ensuring surfaces are free from contamination.
Assemble the fit testing equipment ensuring sufficient quantities of alcohol solution, wicks, masks, a fully operational particle generator, Portacount machine and laptop.
Check the ambient particle count of the environment being used to perform the fit test.
Measure ambient particle count using current UK guidance (INDG 479). If low, enact the Particle Generator to provide particles in the correct size for the Portacount to measure.
Assess the staff members' health to conduct the fit test (e.g., respiratory illness, asthma).
Assess the staff members' face shape, nose bridge and ensure the staff are free from facial hair, not eaten, drunk or smoked in the last 60 minutes.
Illustrate the correct donning and doffing of a respirator following infection control guidance ensuring the staff member practices the correct technique.
Explain and conduct disposable mask fit testing, ensuring verbalising assurance at all times.
Problem‑solve the reasons for a poor fit factor. This skill comes with experience of the tester and often determines how quickly the problem is resolved.
If disposable masks unsuitable, the fit tester will perform reusable mask/RPE hood testing.
Teach staff members how to change/frequency of reusable respirator filters.
Document accurately outcomes of all fit tests on Health Roster.
Participate in data entry, data trend analysis and administration tasks as required.
Mask Fit testers will answer telephone/email enquiries and escalates to Lead as required.
Mask Fit tester to fill fit testing appointment schedule independently.
Ensure Lead Mask Fit Tester is informed of any stock constraints, equipment malfunction, non‑attendance at appointments.
Communicate with patient‑facing staff, doctors, ward managers, matrons and team leaders to ensure they are aware of which members of staff require mask fit testing. Support, encourage and persuade staff to have a fit test.
People Management and Development
* Responsible for organising daily workload and filling own appointment schedule, prioritising any urgent requirements and high‑risk areas.
* Highlight any concerns about stock levels or equipment malfunction to the Lead Mask Fit Tester.
* Responsible for the safe use and storage of equipment (Portacount machine).
* Evidence of continuing advice on matters pertaining to donning and doffing, fit checking, usage, storage, cleaning, filter change, inspections and maintenance.
* Recognise the need to keep up to date with the relevant information required to carry out the role.
* Experience in database management, IT software.
Skills
* Communicate information effectively with diverse staff in a clear and concise manner.
* Plan and prioritise workload. Evidence of good time‑management with an ability to keep a fitting session on schedule.
* Be PC literate with proficiency in spreadsheets, database software and word processing.
* Show dexterity to demonstrate how to fit an FFP3 mask, tightening, moulding the mask to the face.
* Show a caring/supportive attitude to staff undergoing fit testing.
* Competently undertake fit testing without supervision.
* Adhere to designated process of mask fitting.
Specific Requirements
* Ability to travel independently between sites.
* Evidence that personal behaviour reflects Trust Values.
* Positive, good‑humoured and flexible approach to team working. Reliable work record.
Equaility, Diversity, and Inclusion
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Important information for applicants
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.
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.
Further Information
For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.
For help with the application process for Non‑Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Contact
Name: Nikki Perry
Job title: Infection and Prevention Nurse Specialist
Email address: n.perry@nhs.net
Telephone number: 07919625631
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