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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POST:

• The post holder will assist in the provision of an efficient and smooth running service within the Department by following the departmental SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) and protocols throughout all sections of the department.
• The post-holder will be mainly involved in the reception and sorting of
  specimens, routine processing of specimens and associated tasks, input of patient information onto the laboratory computer, disposal of infected material and preparation of reagents.
• A flexible approach to the hours of employment is required, according to individual contract.
• Band 3 Support Workers will have had previous experience of working in an NHS diagnostic laboratory.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSBILITIES

Scientific and Clinical Responsibilities

• Accepts a full range of clinical samples into the department, working
  with staff within the hospital. Occasional use of stairs may be required for this purpose.
• Assesses samples for urgency and prepares them by laboratory section.
• Matches samples and request forms and assigns unique laboratory
  numbers, requiring complete accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ensures that samples meet acceptance criteria for testing and dealing with any non-compliance in accordance with departmental protocols. Is aware of appropriate sample type for all tests.
• Is responsible for data entry into the laboratory computer system, requiring complete accuracy and attention to detail.
• Is fully conversant with relevant departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring that personal performance complies with UKAS standard.
• In conjunction with the registered scientific staff ensures the validity of results by the use of appropriate control materials.
• Works in cooperation with scientific staff to ensure workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Performs telephone duties that include making and receiving calls from and to the laboratory, verbally transmitting confidential results and conveying sensitive information to healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives.
• Participates in the preparation of disinfectants and reagents in accordance with SOPs and Health and Safety requirements.
• To be capable of regular manual handling (up to 5kg) and occasional
  heavy lifting (up to 15 kg) e.g. disposable waste or boxes of new supplies.  Training will be provided.
• Participates in departmental meetings and directorate seminars and contribute to effective communication within the department.
• Communicates non-conformities to senior staff.

Analytical and Interpretation Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of manual laboratory procedures under the direct
  supervision of State Registered scientific staff. Procedures include
  the setting up of tests and pre-analytical sample preparation, including centrifugation and aliquotting. 

Role Responsibilities

• Works to achieve competencies across the repertoire of the department as appropriate to grade at Band 3.
• Effective communication of information about specimens and test
  results with other staff groups both internal and external. To include
  healthcare professionals, patient representatives and commercial suppliers.
• Receives sensitive information from patients and their representatives where empathic skills are required.
• Displays and maintains an appropriate level of IT skills, in order to input patient and request data, maintain and amend patient records and interrogate the laboratory and hospital databases.
  Performs a range of administrative tasks in all sections of the laboratory as required. This includes archiving and retrieval of specimens and data, maintenance of archived material and collection of data for audits.
• Ensures efficient use of resources and is aware of stock levels and rotation, storage conditions, batch numbers and expiry dates where this is required.
• Ensures appropriate stock levels are maintained in own area of operation, this may include issuing stock to external departments and ordering stock from external suppliers under supervision.
• Maintains a clean and safe working environment through good
  housekeeping practices including the preparation of laboratory
  disinfectants. This may include disposal of clinical waste, autoclaving,
  decontamination of work areas.
• Is aware of Clinical Governance, Control of Substances Hazardous to
  Health (COSHH) and local Health and Safety polices, reporting problems, errors or breaches to the senior staff.
• Dispatches biological samples to referral centres. Ensures that sample packaging is compliant with SOP guidelines.
• Solves day-to-day problems e.g. mislabeled and lost specimens.
• Provides support and assistance to newly appointed staff, which may
  include demonstration of procedures.
• Where appropriate and after training provides phlebotomy service to
  the department.
• Participates in training of other staff.
• Work in analytical areas of laboratory as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

•  Leadership role with extra training and supervision responsibilities for new staff, visitors, work experience students and clinical colleagues.
• Acts as a mentor to less experienced staff of all grades.
• Provide appropriate advice and guidance when required.
• Uses own initiative to prioritise urgent work.

Other Responsibilities

• Demonstrates excellent personal communication and team working skills.
• Complies with the requirement to practice within data protection and
  confidentiality guidelines.
• Works to ensure that departmental performance targets are met by
  continually assessing priority of work.
• Attends departmental and Trust-wide staff meetings as appropriate.
• Attends regular appraisal, maintains competence levels within the
  Department and assists in own personal and professional development.
• Maintains good work relations with all members of staff and to promote effective team working.
• Treats everyone associated with the Oxford Universities Hospital Trust courtesy and respect.