Media Services Operative (Rotation)

Job summary

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.

This is a rotational role between the sections mentioned below; in each section the role will have key responsibilities.

Central Technical Discard (CTD), responsible for laboratory waste management and sterilisation of products and consumables on the Colindale site. Involves the collection of contaminated Hazard Group 2 laboratory waste from agreed central locations and its transportation to a centralised autoclave suite for thermal destruction. Sorting of treated waste material into various workstreams; re-cyclable material are washed and non-recyclable waste material packaged appropriately for collection and removal off site. The team is responsible for the processing and sterilisation of equipment used in laboratory testing and work closely with the Production section in ensuring bulk production material is processed through the product sterilisation autoclaves.

Production section is responsible for the production of ready-to-use culture media and ancillary reagents, in various formats, including its distribution to onsite, an some off-site, laboratories for the application in public health, clinical microbiology, food microbiology or industrial uses. The team provides a distributor function for the ordering, receipt and delivery of commercial pre-poured media plates as required by laboratories on-site. This element of the department holds ISO9001:2015 certification, assessed via external inspections.

Job description

This is a rotational role between the sections in Media Services; in each section the role will have key responsibilities. Frequency of rotation will be a set period to provide stability and continuity for both staff and the departments overall functioning. However, if required, staff will be expected to move/cover activities to manage any business-critical impacts. Departmental tasks involve a lot of repetitive activities ie aliquoting, labelling, as well as frequent manual handling activities ie lifting, shifting and pushing of heavy loads.

Main Duties in Central Technical Discard (CTD) section:

• To assist in running large scale autoclaves for the sterilisation of laboratory waste
• Using a designated trolley, collect untreated Hazard Group 2 laboratory waste waste from collections points across the site
• Assist laboratory staff with the processing of untreated Hazard Category 3 laboratory waste
• Ensure collection points are stocked with empty discard bins for laboratory collection
• Sort treated waste into various waste streams and clear according to procedures
• Collect sample processing equipment ie cutlery, funnels, blenders from laboratories for washing and sterilisation
• Perform manual washing of glassware, quality checking of glassware and restocking of glassware stock ready for use in production
• Process sterilisation requests for laboratories using specified equipment
• Check goods on receipt are correct and in good condition
• Assist with logging and receipting of external orders
• Ensure all equipment used is well maintained and cleaned
• Prepare material required by engineers for the servicing and validation of equipment following local procedures
• Take responsibility for checklists of routine daily/monthly tasks such as equipment maintenance checks and housekeeping tasks
• Keep full and accurate records of work performed and archive administrative documentation as required following local procedures
• Carry out routine stock take of consumables used
• Ensure working areas are maintained ie kept clean and clutter free
• Support trainees in activities as directed and delegated by local management team
• Work flexibly to assist the needs of the team and requirements of local line management
• Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of the premises and equipment by taking responsibility for the set-up and smooth running of equipment used and assist in problem solving issues for both equipment and procedures
• To always work in accordance with the detailed and appropriate Safety regulations and guidance

Main Duties in Production section:

• To prepare microbiological media (any container) following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) or work instructions
• To assist in running autoclaves (any size) for the sterilisation of media products and equipment
• Manual dispensing of products or use of automated and/or semi-automated systems
• To perform product capping, packing and labelling activities on products produced
• Assist with the storage of products produced, clearly labelling with status of approval as outline in processes
• Delivery of products produced to relevant laboratories
• Construct and pack box and/or palette shipments for collection and delivery to external customers
• Using a manual hand pallet truck; move bulk material based on need
• Ensure all equipment used in the preparation of media is well maintained and cleaned
• Prepare material required by engineers for the servicing and validation of equipment following local procedures
• Take responsibility for checklists of routine daily tasks such as area and equipment cleaning, servicing, and quality control checks
• Keep full and accurate records of work performed and archive administrative documentation as required following local procedures
• Take part in stock take activities ie physical stock take and / or updating stock records of products produced and routine consumables used in section
• Ensure working areas are maintained ie kept clean and clutter free
• Support trainees as required in activities and delegated by local management team
• Work flexibly to assist the needs of the team and requirements of local line management
• Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of the premises and equipment by taking responsibility for the set-up and smooth running of equipment used and assist in problem solving issues for both equipment and procedures
• To always work in accordance with the detailed and appropriate Safety regulations and guidance

This list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• GCSEs- or equivalent qualification- including Maths and English (Grade C or above), or equivalent experience in aligned fields (ie food production environment, pharmaceutical production environment or healthcare environment ie hospital sterile services)
• Clear history of relevant experience in a production environment: production of food, production of reagents; production of microbiological growth media
• Clear history of experience in operating large-scale equipment ie autoclaves (total capacity of 850L), automated machinery or similar equipment
• Able to follow processes and procedures
• Able to work to deadlines
• Attention to detail - accurate record keeping using both written and electronic means (use of Microsoft Office packages)
• Able to undertake regular and repetitive Manual Handling activities, including the moving and Lifting of loads of approx. 10kg
• Able to work as part of a team
• Ability to problem solve
• An understanding of cleanliness to catering and / hospital standard
• An understanding and commitment to equality of opportunity and maintaining good working relationships

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,613, UK Health Security Agency contributes £8,578 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 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

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

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 11 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.

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

If used, the piles ‘Meets all essential criteria’ and ‘Meets some essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

• Clear history of relevant experience in a production environment: production of food, production of reagents; production of microbiological growth media
• Clear history of experience in operating large-scale equipment ie autoclaves (total capacity of 850L), automated machinery or similar equipment

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 London, Colindale, NW9 5EQ.

If face to face interviews are planned, 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 offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. Hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.

Based at our scientific campus, 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.

Qualifications and Registrations

For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.

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: Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers

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.

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.

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers

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

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).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 : Timor Miakhel
• Email : timor.miakhel@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 the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: 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 for further information: Home - Civil Service Commission

http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/8079498