Healthcare Science Support Worker (Higher Level)

Job overview

Applications are invited for the post of Healthcare Science Support Worker, Higher Level (Band 3).

We are looking for Healthcare Science Support Workers with experience of working in an NHS pathology laboratory (or equivalent) to join our Biochemistry Department in Blood Sciences at Medway Maritime Hospital.

In partnership with Beckman Coulter UK (BCUK) our laboratory houses a range of equipment including: Beckman Coulter Access II and AU680 analysers.

Successful applicants will be expected to participate in an ongoing quality programme to maintain compliance with the United Kingdom Accreditation Standards (UKAS)

The Department covers a 24/7 shift system to support service delivery. The successful applicant will be expected to participate in the shift system where required in accordance with Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions.

Applicants should have NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience of laboratory practices and should be able to communicate well (see person specification for further details).

The Biochemistry Department is a vibrant and busy laboratory where the team are expected to work together to ensure we provide a quality service for the benefit of the patient.

There is an opportunity to learn how to maintain the high-throughput equipment we use as well as to learn a variety of biochemistry techniques for testing samples.

Main duties of the job

The role of the Healthcare Scientific Support Worker is to provide a support role to the qualified Biomedical Scientists.

This will include housekeeping duties including stock control of reagents and generally maintaining a clean and safe environment for all staff, to prepare and maintain equipment, to manage the processing of blood and urine samples and to perform some manual testing of samples.

The successful candidate will need to be pro-active in their role and use their initiative to work independently, though always supervised. Being able to organise work and prioritise duties is essential. Working with colleagues is necessary to ensure the daily tasks are completed

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The HSSW team report to the Biomedical Scientists who are responsible operationally for the Biochemistry Laboratory service.

Duties include stock control of reagents, analyser maintenance, processing quality control samples and external quality assurance material.

Working to standard operating procedures at all times.

Performing manual testing procedures.

Entering test results on to the laboratory information system

Assisting with UKAS accreditation

Dealing politely and effectively with phone calls,.

Liaising with company engineers and other service users.