Associate Practitioner

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised individual with a flexible approach to work closely with laboratory staff and medical staff in a busy but friendly work environment. Duties will include preparing, checking and processing of samples and data entry into the laboratory information system, as well as supporting the Biomedical Scientist team. The post holder will also support the day to day supervision of the Biomedical Support Workers and their training.

This will be a full time post based in the Rhyl laboratory, but with an expectation that travel across various North Wales is acceptable to support the service.

The successful applicant will be expected to work closely with various members of the laboratory Management team in Microbiology North Wales to ensure the safe processing of samples in the laboratory.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide supervision and training to all Biomedical Support Workers, working closely with the training leads to ensure all Biomedical Support Workers have up to date competencies recorded.

The post holder will coordinate rotas and the deployment of Biomedical Support Workers in conjunction with relevant staff to ensure that all areas of service delivery are adequately maintained.

The post holder will coordinate and undertake a wide range of routine laboratory tasks including quality control, specimen processing, maintenance and calibration of equipment, operation of automated equipment, use of commercial kits, waste disposal, and clerical duties, in support of the diagnostic services of the department in conjunction with Biomedical Scientific staff. Work in a safe manner and helps to maintain standards of conduct, safe working practices and technical standards in conjunction with the relevant BMS staff in accordance with the Laboratory Health & Safety Policies.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

We are Public Health Wales - the national public health organisation for Wales. Our purpose is 'working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help all people in Wales live longer, healthier lives. With our partners, we aim to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.

Together, our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the main source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. Never more has public health been so important as we come through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change.

Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Undertaking or gained an IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 1 or 2 or equivalent qualifications and/or experience.
• Biological Sciences Degree. Recent educational achievements relating to laboratory services.

Experience

• Experience of working within a clinical microbiology laboratory. Good manual dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination. Evidence of following verbal and written instructions and complex protocols and procedures. Experience of working independently, reliably and efficiently and able to use own initiative and troubleshoot when circumstances dictate. Good basic IT skills, document writing skills.
• Experience of working with laboratory equipment. Experience of stock control. Experience of quality control procedures. Previous computerised data entry experience.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly scientific/clinical information orally, written or electronically to work colleagues or external contacts. Good basic IT skills, document writing skills. Must be precise, methodical and dextrous. Evidence of ability to use automation. Knowledge of health and safety in relation to the laboratory including the disposal of waste. Evidence of competence in laboratory techniques. Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of routine procedures in diagnostic microbiology. Understands the principles of good laboratory practice. Understands the principles and importance of Quality Assurance systems and accreditation documents (i.e. ISO:15189). Understands Health and Safety responsibilities.
• Previous experience of following written protocols/policies. Ability to prioritise. Quick learner with well developed learning skills. Welsh speaker. Good manual dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination. Ability to recognise problems, make analytical judgements autonomously to solve procedural and technical problems. Ability to work under pressure with good organisational skills.

Attributes and Attitude

• Be able to work independently or as part of the laboratory team. Motivated and positive attitude to team working. Able to accept instruction and take responsibility for own actions. Demonstrate time management skills. Reliable, conscientious and punctual. Clear thinking and articulate. Self motivated with a willingness to learn. Able to accept instruction and take responsibility for own actions.
• Good interpersonal skills. Working knowledge of laboratory information management systems. Enthusiastic about work and the profession. Keen to demonstrate good personal performance.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.