Job Description

JOB PURPOSE To be responsible for training and day to day supervision of Biomedical Support Workers within the section To collect, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for testing and maintain records of relating activities To undertake routine and more complex clinical technical investigations, following standard operating procedures, some of which may be under supervision To communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare staff JOB DIMENSIONS As a Healthcare Science Associate Practitioner you will work as a member of the departmental team. As part of the team, you will be expected to perform a range of routine and more complex investigations some of which may be under the supervision of more experienced scientific and technical staff. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute towards the provision of an accurate and timely service for patients. Within the team you may be required to organise the tasks of support workers.



The post holder will train technical colleagues with regard to diagnostic processes. The post holder will undertake the quality assurance tasks as required to maintain the laboratorys accreditation status. Healthcare Science associate practitioners will also undertake receipt of deliveries arriving into the laboratory including entering audit details into the laboratorys computerised chemical inventory system. The post holder is expected to participate in local CPD activities in order to maintain and improve knowledge, skills and competencies.



There will be close day-to-day working relationship with Translational Genomics Unit, including shared use of space, equipment and other facilities. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED ESSENTIAL NVQ3 or equivalent or a diploma/foundation degree in a Science subject. Study at Foundation Degree level must include biology and chemistry and a work-based module in Biomedical Science. The ability to understand and apply a range of work routines and practices, for which formal on the job training will be provided.



Problem solving skills and ability to analyse changing situations. Good hand eye co-ordination for fine manipulation of instrumentation. Ability to use standard software packages including inventory, purchasing and laboratory computer analysis systems. Take personal responsibility for own decisions.



Ability to maintain concentration despite occasional interruptions. Good oral and written communication skills. Ability to maintain effective networks with scientific and technical colleagues within the department. DESIRABLE Previous experience of work in a NHS diagnostic genetics laboratory technical post.



THE LEEDS WAY VALUES Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are: Patient-centred Collaborative Fair Accountable Empowered All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values. Patient centred: Relates activities back to patient care and needs, and maintains patient confidentiality.

Accountable:

Maintenance of highest standards with reference to Internal Audit and Clinical Pathology Accreditation. Respond to mistakes in a way that leads to learning and service improvement. Collaborative: Readiness to respond in a timely fashion to procedural change in this rapidly changing field. Fair: Demonstration of honesty, integrity, self-confidence and self-control.



WEST YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF ACUTE TRUSTS (WYAAT) Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), a collaborative of the NHS hospital trusts from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate working together to provide the best possible care for our patients. By bringing together the wide range of skills and expertise across West Yorkshire and Harrogate we are working differently, innovating and driving forward change to deliver the highest quality care. By working for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust this is your opportunity to be a part of that change. WYAAT is the acute sector arm of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, one of the largest integrated care systems in the country.



The Partnerships ambition is for everyone to have the best possible health and wellbeing, and the work of WYAAT, and each individual trust, supports that ambition CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS In order to work effectively in the role the job holder must be able to demonstrate a number of attributes. These abilities will include: shares information openly with other team members and works in partnership with others to solve a problem provides support and guidance to other team members listens to, values and acknowledges contributions from others supports and complies with team decisions open to new approaches and copes with changing targets develops and initiates strategies in response to change takes action to resolve issues within their own control makes active efforts to influence events impacting on their own work relates well to people at all levels and backgrounds shows tolerance and patience towards others fosters and maintains positive working relationships manages conflict diplomatically and calmly demonstrates honesty, integrity, self-confidence and self-control. consistently attempts to try learning in the workplace and from experiences makes conscious choices about their own personal development identifies their own strengths and weaknesses and orchestrates appropriate development opportunities knowledge of when to delegate appropriate tasks and responsibility and to report problems appropriately. sets deadlines and timescales for managing their own workload working in an organised and systematic manner CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING As the job holder you will acquire sufficient knowledge and understanding to: Knowledge of specified range of diagnostic genetic testing and an understanding of clinical genetics.



Knowledge of equipment used for automated genetic analysis. Knowledge of IT resources in relation to genetic diagnosis and the use standard software packages. Understanding of health and safety procedures. Knowledge of department and Trust policies and procedures Awareness of the need for audit Participate actively in departmental internal and external quality assurance schemes.



Your level of knowledge and understanding will allow you to recognise when expected levels of quality have not been met. Maintain patient confidentiality. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Clinical, Diagnostic and Laboratory To perform, sometimes under supervision, appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the job holders level of knowledge, skills and experience. To participate in departmental research and development projects, audit processes and support appropriate clinical trials involving the laboratory.

Use of the following routine analytical laboratory techniques:

polymerase chain reaction, fluorescent sequencing, fluorescent mutation detection methods and restriction digests. All require dexterity as they involve repetitive micropipetting of small accurately measured volumes, gel manipulation or use of automated analysers. Perform routine processing of samples in a class II microbiological safety cabinet and working to containment level 2+. Maintain a high level of accuracy and reliability in defined routine, preparative and associated procedures.



The post holder is responsible for maintaining paper and computer records of diagnostic data including the entry of data in to the Patient Management system e.g. test requirements, worksheets, test results. The post holder may be required to contribute to troubleshooting of routine analytical laboratory techniques. Use considerable manual dexterity in the manipulation of a wide range scientific equipment.



Perform unsupervised activities at the laboratory bench with a high degree of precision and accuracy. Employ good sterile technique to long-term tissue culture standards. Develop skills, as required, when new equipment or techniques are introduced into the laboratory. Participate in the routine internal audit requirements of the laboratory including checking tube alignments for members of staff prior to tube transfers e.g.



during polymerase chain reaction tests. Preparation and running of agarose/acrylamide gels. This involves regularly work with carcinogens (e.g. ethidium bromide).



Assist with the preparation of diagnostic and research patient samples for dispatch to other laboratories, including retrieval from storage, safe packaging and maintenance of associated paper and computer records. Managerial The post holder would be expected to demonstrate relevant job related tasks to new or more junior staff To actively participate in the laboratory quality assurance programme. Suggest changes to Standard Operating Procedures, generally within the laboratory and more specifically to a particular nominated clinical technical area. To contribute to general departmental management, for instance, by assisting in the ordering, receipt and control of consumables