About our Trust
At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal - to always put our Patient First. In fact our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and 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 and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job overview
The Microbiology Department is looking for Band 3 Senior Medical Laboratory Assistants. The successful candidates will be working alongside other Band 3 Medical Laboratory Assistants, as well as Band 4 Associate Practitioners and Band 2 Medical Laboratory Assistants based at St Richards Hospital, Chichester, supporting the Band 6 and 7 Specialist Biomedical Scientists and reporting to the Microbiology Head Biomedical Scientist.
The successful individuals will ideally have worked in a Diagnostic Microbiology laboratory in a Medical Laboratory Assistant, or senior Medical Laboratory Assistant role.
Main duties of the job
To work as part of a team in the Microbiology Department, performing a wide range of routine and non-routine clinical, scientific or technical procedures usually under the direction of an appropriately regulated practitioner.
The individual will be expected to support the provision of a specialised, diagnostic Microbiology Laboratory service contributing to the clinical care of the patient, to enable diagnosis and subsequent monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment given.
They will be expected to be fully competent to undertake routine processing and testing of specimens in the department, performing routine and advanced procedures and investigations as required.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Role Summary
The Band 3 Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant will need to be able to deal with telephone enquiries (seeking scientific advice where required); to undertake manual & automated laboratory investigations as required; perform routine maintenance on instrumentation and undertake first line troubleshooting of malfunctions; use appropriate EQA & IQC; provide routine & non-routine preparation of specimens; undertake work management to ensure reporting of results is conducted in the timeframes; work to ensure ongoing compliance with UKAS ISO 15189, audits, etc.; ensure compliance with the departmental Quality Policy & Manual; contribute to the preparation of SOPs; under supervision participate in the training of new & less experienced personnel; maintain a portfolio of competencies and CPD; and, help evaluate new equipment & methodologies as directed by the Lead Biomedical Scientist. The Band 3 Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant will be expected to support with preparation of samples, including associated administrative duties.
The Microbiology team is based at St Richard's hospital and provides diagnostic testing for a variety of samples types from patients attending Hospitals, Clinics and GP surgeries across West Sussex.
In addition, the post-holder will be expected to participate in the Saturday and Bank Holiday rota.
Please see Job description for further details.
There is also a possibility that the candidate may be needed to work at the BSUH site or PRH as integration between the sites in UHSussex continues.
Person specification
Experience, Qualifications & skills
Essential criteria
1. NVQ3 or equivalent award, including IBMS Certificates, etc.
2. Good level of Numeracy and English, ideally GCSE Grade C or higher or equivalent.
3. Experience working in a discipline specific NHS laboratory
4. Proven ability to correctly and appropriately use relevant Laboratory equipment and documentation procedures
5. Demonstrable computer keyboard skills to a high standard.
6. Demonstrable ability to communicate well - both written & oral.
7. Proven ability to work to given schedules and rotas and to prioritise urgent and emergency workloads.
8. Demonstrable abilities to use IT, including Windows-based software - in particular Word and Excel.
9. Proven ability to work as part of a team.
Desirable criteria
1. Experience using relevant laboratory instrumentation utilised within the department.
2. Proven ability to lead, supervise and train subordinate staff
3. Experience of participating in the testing of equipment.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
1. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
2. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants
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 those that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.
Closing adverts early: Please apply as early as you're able for this role. In the event of exceptional interest we may close adverts earlier than specified.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Further Information
For help with the application process for non-medical vacancies only, please contact the Resourcing Team by Email: uhsussex.non-medicalvacancies@nhs.net
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