Important Job Application Information
Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies
Please see below Job Description/Person Specification and General Conditions of Service
Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum Vitae,
Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.
Please return your completed Application Form to recruitment.tayside@nhs.net
(quoting the vacancy reference number in the subject box) or to the postal address
given on the General Conditions of Service.
All completed applications are held in Human Resources until the closing date. After the
closing date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this decision has been
made, all shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is
important that you check your emails regularly.
This process takes approximately 6 weeks. Therefore, if you have not been contacted
regarding interview within 6 weeks of the closing date, your application has been
unsuccessful and you will receive no further correspondence from Human Resources.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Find out more about living and working in Tayside at:
www.dundeecity.gov.uk
www.angus.gov.uk
www.pkc.gov.uk
NHS TAYSIDE – AGENDA FOR CHANGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
1.
JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Department(s)/location
Scottish Bowel Screening Centre Laboratory,
Kings Cross, Dundee
Number of job holders
2
1.
JOB PURPOSE
The post holder will work within the Scottish Bowel Screening Centre Laboratory to receive, book in and sort faecal
kits for analysis. Any problems with kits will be identified and passed on to more Senior staff for resolution. He/she
will assist Bowel Screening staff and Biomedical Scientists in the provision of the laboratory service.
He/she will carry out his/her work in a competent, safe, efficient and effective manner. .
The post holder may be required to participate in supporting audit, training and risk management activity in support of
the Quality Management systems of the Departments.
The post holder may be required to mentor and support colleagues in training.
2.
ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Consultant Clinical Biochemist
Biomedical Scientist Laboratory Team Leader
Biomedical Scientist (1)
Senior Screener (2)
Screener staff (14)
Medical Laboratory Assistant (2)
3.
SCOPE AND RANGE
The Scottish Bowel Screening Laboratory currently undertakes approximately 500,000 faecal
kit analyses per annum. This substantial volume of analytical work is carried out in the main by
2 senior and 14 Bowel Screener staff supervised by Senior Screeners and Biomedical Scientists
and led by a Consultant. The MLA will assist with this work by opening, booking - in and
sorting the workload ready for testing, and identify problem kits.
The Centre is involved in research and development work undertaken to improve screening
algorithms.
4.
MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
1.
Complete the Health Care Support Worker Induction and comply with the Standards of Conduct.
2.
Receive, open, plan, organise and prioritise two types of faecal test kits when they arrive in the Laboratory, to
ensure timely testing before expiry date renders kit un-testable. Check the validity and consistency of the
participant information, ensuring that all discrepancies are identified for the attention of the Senior staff. Identify
other problem kits and pass these to Senior staff for timely resolution of the problem.
3.
Follow all relevant Standard Operating Procedures, which are part of the Quality Management Systems of the
Department. He/she will report any perceived deficiencies in Standard Operating Procedures to the appropriate
Line Manager. He/she will participate as required in the review and update of Policies and Standard Operating
Procedures.
4.
Have a working knowledge of Bowel Screening Scotland (BoSS) IT system and other relevant computer systems
as required and knowledge of MS office and other software.
5.
Participate in Internal Quality Control and External Quality Assessment procedures to ensure that pre-set quality
specifications are attained or surpassed.
6.
Observe and contribute to the maintenance of safe working practices following Blood Sciences Health and Safety
Policy and Health and Safety Codes of Practice. This ensures the safety of staff and visitors to the Centre. He/she
will carry out his/her work in a safe, efficient and effective manner.
7.
Adhere to all process protocols as required for the maintenance of the Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK) Ltd
ISO 15189 based Quality Management System and the standards of NHS QIS.
8.
Contribute to the continuous quality improvement of the Laboratory as a member of the bowel screening team.
9.
Ensure that a high standard of cleanliness is maintained in the kit reception area and laboratory and prepare
necessary cleaning materials.
10. Assist in the organization, storage and disposal of tested kits following Standard Operating Procedures.
11. Attend the Laboratory and Centre Meetings.
12. Participate in personal development activities of relevance to the work of the Centre Laboratory.
13. Carry out relevant and appropriate administrative and clerical duties.
14. Ensure open and honest communication with all staff in the Laboratory and the Centre.
15. The post holder may be required to participate in supporting audit and training activity in support of the Quality
Management systems of the Centre.
16. Participate in any training or education requirements, which are agreed to be necessary to maintain competence or
to develop new skills.
15. Undertake other duties appropriate to the post as required.
5.
COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will:
Be accountable to the Biomedical Scientist Team Leader through the line management structure and, in
particular, through the Senior Screener.
Communicate with Senior staff with regard to competence, personal development plans and the Knowledge and
Skills Framework.
Communicate with colleagues written, electronically or orally, regarding booking – in, sorting, and problem
identification procedures and computer problems.
The post holder will be able to communicate instructions regarding deliveries, servicing or repair of mailing
equipment, enabling the smooth running of the Screening Centre. They will also communicate kit receipt
problems and difficulties to more senior members of staff.
Represent the Scottish Bowel Screening Centre in a positive light at all times, especially when dealing with
members of staff out with the Centre and visitors to the Centre. Give help and advice if possible to overcome any
professional difficulties.
6.
KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
The ability to work accurately and to concentrate over long periods on a daily basis. The post holder must be
able to work to a routine work procedure accurately and methodically and have the ability to prioritise own
workloads and use own initiative and judgment within set guidelines.
Competency in the use of the bespoke call recall Bowel Screening System, a working knowledge of Information
systems, Microsoft Office applications i.e Word Excel and have manual dexterity sufficient to operate a
keyboard.
The post holder is required to have an awareness of NHS procedures and follows policies within own area e.g.
Data Protection Act. Obtaining certificate of awareness of the Data Protection Act.
A Training and Induction Programme is in place for all new employees. Aspects covered include:
Standard Operating Procedures
Health and Safety Legislation
Confidentiality Guidelines
Data Protection
Meaning of true and false positive and negative test results
Outcomes of true and false positive and negative test results
Consequences of errors in laboratory testing and reporting of results
Likely local and national development in bowel screening
Current and future research and development programme
Relevant knowledge and experience is necessary but no professional qualification is required. All staff under-take
joint annual staff review and are required to engage in further development opportunities.
ESSENTIAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
7.
SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
An Ideal Power Guillotine is used to open up to 3,500 leak - proof envelopes per day
The post holder will carry out tasks using an envelope-inserting machine.
The post holder will be required to use a computer for a large percentage of the time to input and update data.
Fax machine, photocopier, printer and digital camera, refrigerators and freezers are all used in the course of
the job.
Responsibility for Records Management
All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate records and are public records
under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. This includes email messages and other
electronic records. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep appropriate records of your work in NHS
Tayside and manage those records in keeping with the NHS Tayside Records Management Policy and with
any guidance produced by NHS Tayside specific to your employment.
9.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical effort:
The post holder is required to attain a level of physical ability to allow for speed and accuracy in keyboard
skills and has manual handling skills suitable for the office environment.
The post holder may be required to lift/move boxes of office stationary and monitor stock rotation .
Mailbags weighing up to 15 kilograms are transferred around the Laboratory daily (5 minutes).
Direct ongoing daily contact with faecal material and chemicals. There is an ongoing daily requirement for
accurately reproducible repetitive movement in a fixed, seated position whilst booking – in and sorting faecal
kits.
Boxes of stored kits are placed in orange clinical waste bags (15 kg capacity) and transported to a Eurobin,
situated outside the Centre, for disposal. This happens on a weekly basis and takes 60 minutes.
Clinical waste is placed in orange clinical waste bags (15 kg capacity) and transported to a Eurobin, situated
outside the Centre, for disposal. This happens on a daily basis and takes 10 minutes.
Occasional use of stool step for retrieval of stored items.
Emotional effort:
There is an ongoing daily requirement for intense concentration whilst booking in the kits, ensuring the
validity and consistency of information while other members of staff are undertaking a variety of tasks in the
same area.
10. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The post holder will work under limited supervision and will use their own initiative to make decisions regarding workload priorities and
suitability of kits for testing.
The post holder will make decisions regarding acceptable quality of print appearing on material going out to the public and take appropriate
action when required.
Judgements involve straightforward facts or situations and training is given on induction and there are Standard Operating Procedures to refer
to outlining each task.
The post holder is required to adhere to Laboratory and other relevant NHS Tayside Standard Operating
necessary to refer matters to their line manager, who is generally available.
Procedures deciding when it is
The post holder is required to escalate any discrepancy or breech of procedure.
The Laboratory Team Leader will review the post holder’s work. Competency will be agreed with the post
holder on a continuous basis.
11. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
Maintaining a high level of concentration, accuracy and precision whilst carrying out tasks of a repetitive
nature while meeting daily deadlines.
Identifying problem kits effectively and efficiently.
Maintaining internally and externally set Laboratory standards at all times regardless of workload and other
activities in the Centre.
Maintaining up to date knowledge of relevant Standard Operating Procedures.
12. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
The job description will need to be signed off using the attached sheet by each post holder to
whom the job description applies.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND ESSENTIAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FORM – SIGNATURE
OF AGREEMENT
Post Title
Clinical Support Worker, Medical Laboratory
Assistant
Reference Number
The attached job description and essential additional information will be used as part of the Agenda for Change
assimilation exercise and therefore the job-matching panel may wish to seek further clarification on any issues
contained within the documents. Should this be necessary please identify an appropriate Manager and Staff
representative who can be contacted.
Responsible Manager
Paula McDonald
Contact No.
01382 425672
Ext. 35672
Staff Representative
Contact No.
POST REF NO:
P/HC/133A
JOB TITLE/BAND:
LOCATION:
Medical Laboratory Assistant, Band 2
Scottish Bowel Screening Centre, Kings Cross
HOURS:
20 per week (8.00 – 12.00, Mon – Fri)
CRITERIA
ESSENTIAL
Previous experience of
working in an environment
where processes are
followed.
EXPERIENCE:
Basic IT skills.
Experience of working in a
laboratory setting setting.
Able to work to maintain set
standards.
Ability to follow instructions, take
responsibility for your own work
and prepared to undertake all
mandatory training
Show interest in learning
and undertake personal
development.
Show respect for security and
confidentiality in a health care
setting.
Show willingness to take on
new challenges.
QUALIFICATIONS:
(Training; Research;
Publications)
KNOWLEDGE &
SKILLS:
PERSONAL QUALITIES:
DESIRABLE
Ability to adjust to changing
work practices.
Work in a way that supports your
team.
OTHER:
(eg travel across Tayside)
Good basic verbal and written
communication, numeracy and
literacy skills.
Able to communicate clearly
and concisely with staff of
all levels and backgrounds.
General Conditions of Service
POST REF NO:
P/HC/133A
JOB TITLE/GRADE:
Medical Laboratory Assistant, Band 2
LOCATION:
Scottish Bowel Screening Centre, Kings Cross
Conditions of Service
Remuneration
The terms and conditions of service for this post are those
determined by the NHS Staff Council.
The current salary scale for the post is £14,653 to £17,425 per
annum (pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale on
appointment is normally at the minimum but may be higher
subject to verification of previous relevant service.
*Pay points under £21,000 will receive an additional non-
consolidated non-pensionable sum to raise basic pay by a total
of £250 pro rata for part-time staff. This addition will be divided
into 12 equal monthly payments, will cease on 31 March 2014
and will be noted separately on payslips
Hours of Duty
Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.
The hours of the post are 20 per week.
This is a fixed term/secondment post for 6 months.
Internal applicants: Written approval must be sought from your
line manager prior to applying for this secondment. You will be
required to bring this if shortlisted for interview.
Superannuation
Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the
service.
Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not
compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and
70 (65 in some instances).
The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay,
which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime
or travelling expenses.
Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.13 are as follows:
Annual Pensionable Pay
(Full-time equivalent)
Up to £15,278
£15,279 to £21,175
£21,176 to £26,557
£26,558 to £48,982
£48,983 to £69,931
£69,932 to £110,273
Contribution
5%
5.3%
6.8%
9.0%
11.3%
12.3%
£110,274 and over
Annual Leave
13.3%
Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National
Insurance contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial
contribution towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of
basic pay.
On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4
weeks per year.
After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for part-time
staff) or 5.8 weeks per year
After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for parttime staff) or 6.6 weeks per year
References
Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6
weeks per year
All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two satisfactory
references
Occupational Health
Clearance
All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National Health
Service are subject to a medical examination. Medical
examinations are arranged and undertaken by the Occupational
Health and Safety Advisory Service (OHSAS).
Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974
(Exclusions and
Exceptions) (Scotland)
Order 2003
All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or
any case pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in
employment as detailed on the application form.
Disclosure Scotland
Immigration, Asylum and
Nationality Act 2006
Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar
you from obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful
consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the
particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it
is found that you did not reveal a previous conviction your
employment may be terminated.
Not Required
It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who
does not have permission to live or work in the UK.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original
documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth certificate
together with an official document giving the applicants
permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a
Government Agency or a previous employer, as well as
photocopies of these documents.
Professional Registration/ New entrants to NHS Tayside will be required to achieve the
Induction Standards & Codemandatory Induction Standards for Healthcare Support Workers
of Conduct
(HCSWs) in Scotland and comply with the Code of Conduct for
HCSWs throughout your employment.
Internal candidates will be required to comply with the Code of
Conduct for HCSWs
Smoking Policy
Applications
Smoking is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.
Completed forms should be returned to:
recruitment.tayside@nhs.net quoting the job reference in
the subject line
or Human Resources, Management Offices, Perth Royal
Infirmary, Taymount Terrace, Perth PH1 1NX.
By closing date of Friday 17 January 2014