Job overview
As an Assistant Practitioner Mammographer, you will contribute to the delivery of high-quality breast imaging for both the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) and the symptomatic breast imaging service across a range of static and mobile sites. You will work as part of a skilled and supportive multidisciplinary team, performing mammographic imaging of the breast and delivering a professional, patient-centred service in line with NHSBSP standards and local protocols.
You will work across a range of clinical environments, including static units at Worthing and St Richard’s Hospitals, as well as mobile breast screening units serving the local community.
This advertisement is for a qualified Level 4 Assistant Practitioner. However, consideration will be given to trainee applicants. Trainees will be appointed at Band 3 and provided with full training. Upon successful completion of the Level 4 Certificate in Mammography and demonstration of clinical competency, they will progress to Band 4.
Main duties of the job
·Work as part of the mammographic multi-disciplinary team, performing radiographic imaging of the breast and providing a professional service of the highest quality in line with the standards and guidelines set out by the NHSBSP for screening clients and symptomatic patients of UHS across the full range of mobile and static sites.
·Work autonomously and perform imaging of breast specimens and support advanced practitioners during stereotactic and vacuum assisted procedures
·Assist Radiologists, Consultant Mammographers and specialist practitioners during ultrasound and X-ray guided interventional procedures
·Work in, and occasionally, take responsibility for the completion of the Right Results Process within the Hub.
Having a car
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Communication
·Liaise effectively with medical, nursing, administrative staff, and other departments to ensure the timely and efficient management of client and patient throughput.
·Assess client demeanour and communication needs quickly and appropriately to elicit relevant clinical history, explain procedures, gain informed consent, and provide clear information and reassurance. This may require the use of tact, empathy, motivation, and sensitivity.
·Identify and respond to the emotional needs of clients through observation of non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and other subtle behaviours within the clinical or screening environment.
·Adapt communication styles to engage effectively with clients, patients, carers, and colleagues, particularly where communication barriers exist or where individuals may have differing levels of understanding or emotional distress.
·Convey complex or sensitive information clearly and calmly, including situations requiring negotiation or conflict resolution, particularly with clients who may be angry, anxious, or distressed.
·Demonstrate empathy and professionalism when discussing sensitive or contentious issues, ensuring accurate and compassionate communication at all times.
·Follow Trust guidelines when involved in the delivery of bad news to patients, carers, or junior staff, maintaining a supportive and respectful approach.
·Communicate effectively with mammographers and assistant practitioners when supervising or coordinating base site screening clinics, ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient clinic operations.
·Represent the Trust positively by building and maintaining strong relationships with staff, patients, external partners, and the wider public, acting as an advocate for high standards of care and service delivery.
·Encourage open dialogue by actively contributing feedback, concerns, and suggestions in a constructive manner and through appropriate channels and forums.
·Attend regular staff meetings to ensure effective communication of departmental standards and issues.
Service Delivery and Improvement
·Adhere to all University Hospital Sussex (UHSussex) Trust and WSBSS standards and Protocols.
·Ensure a sound working knowledge of all departmental procedures.
·Keep updated on new developments in the clinical aspect of the Service to ensure we comply with evidence based best practice.
·Adhere and comply with IR(ME)R17 regulations, IRR17, HASAW regulations, COSHH and NHSBSP Guidelines.
·Be active in seeking out clarification of information that is unclear.
·Act as an advocate for the patient / client in ensuring provision of appropriate information and support.
·Raise concern and escalate appropriately where unsatisfactory practice is identified.
·Participate in the development of an acceptable learning environment with the Department.
·Observe and maintain Health and Safety regulations and procedures as determined nationally and by the Trust.
·Achieve and maintain high quality work standards as determined by the NHSBSP.
·Have knowledge of the pathways involved in the breast screening and symptomatic services
·Participate in staff meetings and propose changes to departmental procedures.
·Play an active role in self-reflection, image review and peer review processes to improve the service
People Management and Development
·Actively encourage innovation and improvement of others
·Actively promote a culture of openness and report issues/ improper practice where you see it
·Help to support and guide assistant staff to ensure that the needs of the clients and the department are prioritised
·Ensure statutory and mandatory training requirements are fulfilled
·Promote staff compliance with infection control standards
·In conjunction with mammographers and mentors, ensure that regular image assessments are carried out to support your development
·In conjunction with the Superintendent mammographer, monitor standards of performance, staff conduct and standards of behaviour to ensure any matters are dealt with effectively in accordance with Trust policy and legislation
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Patient Care Delivery
·Maintain the Client / patient’s respect, dignity and privacy, and act with kindness and courtesy to all members of the public.
·Act as an advocate for the patient / client in ensuring provision of appropriate information and support.
·Deliver high quality and safe care and encourage a culture in which we see everyone passionate about delivering excellent quality every time.
·Take ownership and responsibility for the control and prevention of infection.
·Deliver on all Quality measures to ensure safe and excellent care to patients.
·Monitor clinical working practice within the unit to ensure an efficient and effective service is provided according to the NHSBSP Guidelines.
·Analyse and make decisions about variable physical characteristics of a client’s anatomical and breast shape to achieve the best possible mammogram
·Assimilate information gained from observation and use this to adapt and perform procedures for client and patient management
Learning and Development
·Attend mandatory training updates as required.
·Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.
·Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
·Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager
·Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.
This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.
Having a driving license and car are a requirement to the role.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
1. UK driving licence and car
2. GCSEs graded C/4 or above in Maths and English
3. IELTs overall score of at least 7, with a score no lower than 6.5 in any area - where relevant
4. Previous work in a health care setting
Desirable criteria
5. Working knowledge of the Radiology PACS, CRIS and NBSS
6. Level 4 Mammography Associate Apprenticeship qualification
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
7. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
8. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
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