Healthcare Scientific Support Worker

Job summary

The UK Health Security Agency exists to protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. We do this through world-leading science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. We are an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, and a distinct delivery organisation with operational autonomy. We provide government, local government, the NHS, Parliament, industry and the public with evidence-based professional, scientific and delivery expertise and support.

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice promoting equality of opportunity for all and we 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.

Job description

In this role you 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.
• be expected to rotate through various managed units within Infection Sciences.
• 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.
• 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.

Person specification

The laboratory in Bristol is situated on within the purpose-built Pathology Building at Southmead Hospital, North Bristol Trust. A second small laboratory is situated within the Royal United Hospital in Bath. In total, the Laboratory undertakes approximately 1.4 million tests per annum and overall employs 200 staff.

Under the supervision of a State Registered Biomedical Scientist:

In this role you will:

• 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 for C. difficile toxin detection. Inoculation of samples on to culture media etc.
• 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, loading and unloading discard bins to autoclaves, transfer of laboratory waste to designated collection/disposal areas.
• undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff.

Communication and key working relationships:

Internal

• To communicate effectively with all members of the Infection Sciences team at all times
• Other lab staff within Infection Sciences Services
• Trust Pathology and University staff
• To attend and participate in relevant meetings and updates on an ad hoc basis.

External

• Staff from other Health Care Professionals in UKHSA
• Staff from Commercial customers
• Staff from local Health authorities
• Staff from other NHS trusts
• Staff from other professional bodies i.e. UKAS

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Professional development

You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.

Essential Criteria

• Interest in Science and technology
• 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
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £25,651, UK Health Security Agency contributes £7,431 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

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.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Selection Process

Stage 1: Application & Sift

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge and experience, and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

At sift stage you will be assessed against the criteria listed in the job advert.

You will be required to complete an:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• Statement of Suitability (in no more than 1250 words).

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your statement of suitability must be no more than 1250 words.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.

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)

If we receive a large number of applications an initial sift against the lead criteria:

• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy and attention to detail will be conducted.

Desirable criteria may be used if we receive a large number of credible applications.

Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Interview stage (competency based):

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances we may be able to offer a remote interview.

This vacancy is being assessed using competency framework. During the interview we will assess against the below:

• Knowledge
• Experience
• Skills and Abilities

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Security Clearance Level Requirement:

All successful candidates must meet the basic security requirements before they can be appointed.

• The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)
• Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check.

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Link below:

Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service Careers

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

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.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : john.inglis@ukhsa.gov.uk
• Email : john.inglis@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk