Specimen Reception Area (SRA) Head of Department
A vacancy to provide maternity cover has arisen for a Specimen Reception Area (SRA) Head of Department in our Specimen Reception Department based at Watford and Hemel Hempstead Hospitals. Health Services Laboratories will provide Pathology services to the West Hertfordshire Hospitals Trust following implementation of a new Pathology and Phlebotomy services programme commissioned by the Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board with services set to commence from 1st March 2025.
Main Duties of the Job
The role will involve oversight and supervision of all support staff required to undertake routine preparation of patient samples, data entry of patient orders onto the laboratory computer system, sample analyses including basic analytical processes, pre- and post-analytic sample handling and management of test result queries under the supervision of qualified BMS staff. The successful candidate will oversee staff responsible for entering patient requests into the pathology computer system (WinPath and Helix) and carrying out clerical and technical tasks in accordance with sample handling procedures. Staff will be required to assist in handling and distribution of incoming and outgoing goods, equipment, specimens, and reagents as well as managing the laboratory users Helpdesk.
The laboratory operates a 24/7 service so the successful candidate will be expected to help ensure there are enough trained staff available to participate in all shifts and to otherwise take part in both core and late shift working arrangements which will include weekend-working on occasion.
About Us
At HSL we offer a variety of excellent staff benefits including:
* Training and Development Opportunities: Supporting professional development.
* Annual Salary Review: No banding restrictions; we can negotiate appropriate salaries based on experience.
* Discounted Gym Membership: We have a corporate gym membership scheme with Better Gyms.
* Cash Healthcare Plan: Cash back on a variety of healthcare costs including dentist and opticians.
* Sick Pay Entitlement: 5 paid days in the first year of employment, 20 days thereafter.
* Permanent Health Insurance and Death in Service Cover.
* Life Assurance: Providing salary continuation for long term illness (six months qualifying period).
* Employee Assistance Programme: Supporting staff wellbeing.
* Season Ticket Loan Scheme: Interest-free loan for the cost of annual travel ticket.
* Perkbox: Access to additional staff perks and benefits such as high street discounts.
* Company Pension Scheme: Company and staff contributions which increase with service.
* Competitive Annual Leave Allowance: 28 days.
Job Responsibilities
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
1. The post holder will oversee and be directly involved with the reception of all samples at the specific Trust site.
2. The post holder will provide leadership within the department and be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Pre-analytical Pathology 24/7 service.
3. The post holder will be responsible for maintaining the 24/7 staff rota.
4. The post holder will oversee and be directly involved with the dispatch of all samples to the HSL Core laboratory and to external referral sites.
5. The post holder will oversee and be directly involved with the receipt of samples for research projects that have been approved by HSL.
6. The post holder will be fully trained by Specialist Leads in optimal sample handling, Health and Safety and any other specialist techniques as deemed necessary for specified investigations.
7. The post holder will provide training to the Specimen Reception Team.
8. The post holder will be responsible for the co-ordination, supervision, provision and monitoring of training and continuing professional development of staff in the area.
9. The post holder will communicate directly with either the Specialist Leads, the RRL Laboratory Manager or the clinician generating the sample to facilitate resolution of any substandard labelling issues.
10. The post holder will provide advice and recommendations in line with national, regional, local and departmental protocols as agreed with clinical leads.
11. The post holder will provide direction and support for the Specimen Reception Team and will act as a role model.
12. The post holder will ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act.
13. The post holder will communicate with staff at all levels both on site and off site.
14. The post holder will liaise and communicate with service users consistently and represent HSL at external meetings as needed.
15. In partnership with the Rapid Response Lab Manager, the post holder will manage the trust HSL Helpdesk staff.
16. The post holder will support and participate in Quality Management as directed.
17. The post holder will investigate and resolve complaints and incidents involving Specimen Reception.
18. The post holder will assist with change management projects within the area involving staff and processes.
Person Specification
Experience
* Knowledge of Microsoft Office packages.
* Training in local systems will be provided.
* Proficient in process management.
* Able to manage, develop, co-ordinate and provide complex services.
* Sufficient knowledge to analyze and troubleshoot complex operational problems.
* Experience in training and managing staff and assessing competence.
* Understanding of Key Performance Indicators and Quality Management Structures.
* Experience in leadership (motivation, teamwork, delegation, change management).
* Experience in staff recruitment, management, retention and performance management.
Qualifications
* BSc or equivalent in relevant subject.
Depending on experience Up to £50,000 DOE.
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