About this role
Job summary
The post holder will act as a Health Care Scientific Support Worker (HSSW) to provide technical and clerical support to the scientific services to patients and customers as an aid to clinical diagnosis. You will be expected to rotate through various managed units within Infection Sciences and will work as part of the laboratory team to provide a high level of microbiological analysis in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will:
Be responsible for the efficient processing of specimens and performing additional laboratory duties to ensure the efficient day to day performance of an area of the laboratory, under the supervision of Biomedical Scientist (BMS) staff Undertake special Internal Quality Assurance duties, as appropriate and consistent with grade Undertake inputting of data, filing, answering the telephone, reception work and perform other additional clerical and office duties appropriate to grade Be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a major disease outbreak, e.g. SARS or 'Swine flu' Participate in the current weekend and Public Holiday working arrangements on a rotational basis
Please note the above list is not exhaustive.
About us
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Job description Job responsibilities
Under the supervision of a State Registered Biomedical Scientist:
Receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory Understand the use of the laboratory information system (LIMS) and undertake data entry e.g. for samples received and referred Electronically request and receive tests and look up results etc. Solve minor problems with mislabelled or mislaid samples and to generate worksheets Collect and transfer laboratory consumables and samples to and from delivery points, storage areas and workstations Accurately prepare samples for analysis Assist with the setting up of automated and semi-automated tests Follow various technical procedures e.g. Preparation of specimens Serological and Molecular techniques Maintain a high standard of competence in the performance of all tests appropriate to grade and investigations carried out in that area, following appropriate training. Perform technical work under the supervision of a BMS Ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report complaints or anomalies as soon as possible Use equipment in a safe and responsible manner Perform general laboratory duties e.g. checking and cleaning instruments/equipment, recording temperatures, preparing reagents and assistance with stock control Perform general clerical duties e.g. photocopying, filing, telephone answering, dealing with queries from clients, customers and other NHS staff and to undertake data entry Assist in the training of other HSSW staff Rotate through all relevant sections of the department as directed Respond to changes in laboratory protocols as directed Work in a conscientious and responsible manner ensuring care and accuracy Cover the duties of other HSSW staff in their absence where possible Receive goods and supplies into the laboratory Help prepare and dispatch items/samples for referral, transport and posting Issue specimen collection kits, containers and reagents to appropriate areas Undertake sterilisation and disposal of laboratory waste including collection of discard and waste material, transfer of laboratory waste to designated collection/disposal areas Undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff Essential criteria
GCSE or equivalent qualification in Maths and English and Sciences or equivalent experience in a lab based environment Educated to NVQ 2 level qualification in laboratory or public health related subject or equivalent level of qualification or previous proven experience working in a laboratory Basic knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices Previous experience of using computerised data systems. And working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy and attention to detail Ability to work effectively as part of a team Problem solving skills Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines Desirable Criteria
Interest in Science and Technology Selection Process Details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Competency Based
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 8 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1000 word supporting statement. This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000 words. We will not consider any words over 1000 words.
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:
Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria If used, the pile Meets all essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
GCSE or equivalent qualification in Maths and English and Sciences or equivalent experience in a lab based environment Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a single face to face interview at our site in Bristol. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview
Interviews dates to be confirmed.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location
This role is being offeredlab based at our site in Southmead Hospital, Bristol. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.
You will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
Eligibility Criteria
External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).Salary Information
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.
Person Specification
Application form and supporting statement Essential
Application form and supporting statement
Essential criteria Essential
Questions on knowledge, experience and skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name UK Health Security Agency
Address Southmead Hospital (Lab)
Bristol
BS10 5NB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)