Decontamination Technician

Job overview

Decontamination Technician Band 2 -  37.5 Hrs  -  Cumberland Infirmary Carlisle

Decontamination Technicians in this role work on a 4 week rolling rota.  This rota includes both night shift and weekend work.  Weekend work will be one week in four. Overtime for additional weekends if required will be voluntary.

Many of our team members have worked in the department for many years and thus offer a wealth of experience and stability. The successful candidate will possess Maths and English.  All department team members are trained in all aspects of the department.

They will gain a comprehensive knowledge of decontamination processes of surgical instruments and flexible endoscopes. Candidates will after training be required to undertake a nationally recognised qualification in decontamination. The department plays a key role in providing a decontamination service to Theatres, Endoscopy, wards and departments throughout the Trust sites for their reusable surgical instruments and flexible endoscopes.

The department team dynamics are of 5 teams each supported by  supervisors and highly trained staff who complement and assist in the training of newer less experienced staff.

To undertake decontamination duties throughout the department.

To carry out the relevant decontamination processes for all reusable surgical instrument including flexible endoscopes. Occasional cross site working may be required to fulfil departmental requirements.

Main duties of the job

The department team dynamics are of 5 teams each supported by  supervisors and highly trained staff who complement and assist in the training of newer less experienced staff.

Reprocess reusable medical devices and flexible endoscopes with their appropriate processes in accordance with Manufacturers processing instructions.

Provide advice and support the training of trainee Decontamination Technicians effectively.

With limited Supervision meet the demands of the Department's workload whilst consistently achieving high quality standards which will be measured by in process checks and non-conformance reports.

Use manual dexterity and concentration for the disassembly and reassembly of reusable instruments in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

Operate decontamination equipment and carry out routine tests in accordance with the Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedules, Quality Standards and Guidance.

Communicate with enquiries from users and other members of healthcare staff in a polite and helpful manner, seeking advice when required.

Lift and handle all reusable instruments and flexible endoscopes in compliance with manual handling procedures.

Comply with infection prevention and control procedures at all times.

Follow the decontamination departments training programme and undertake training in line with the Institute of Decontamination Sciences educational framework as agreed with the line manager.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached job description and person specification for further information regarding the role and the essential and desirable criteria required to be met by applicants.

Please note, due to changes implemented by the Government to the UK immigration policy, individuals who require a Health and Care Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa may no longer be eligible for sponsorship where the UKVI salary threshold is not met or if the occupation is not included in the updated Immigration Salary List (ISL).  Applicants must check their eligibility to be employed in any role they are interested in applying for, prior to completing an application for employment. Any applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be progressed.

If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant and you meet all the essential criteria for a post, you will be guaranteed an interview.

Relocation assistance may be available for successful applicants moving to the region for certain posts.  Please see our Policy for eligible vacancies.

• Please ensure that you document evidence of meeting all the essential criteria in the supporting information.
• If sufficient response is received this post could be closed earlier than the specified closing date, please apply as soon as possible to ensure that your application is considered.

Important Information

Candidates who have been successfully shortlisted for interview will be asked via an email notification to log on to their Trac account to select an interview time. This will usually be within 2 weeks of the closing date.

For candidates applying using a Hotmail account or have strict firewall settings please ensure the following:

• Junk Mail is checked regularly

Disclosure and Barring Service:

On 28 November 2020, the new Disclosure and Barring Service filtering rules will come into effect.

The changes mean that:

• youth cautions, reprimands and final warnings will no longer be subject to automatic disclosure
• the multiple conviction rule has been removed, meaning that if an individual has more than one conviction, regardless of offence type or time passed, each conviction will be considered against the remaining rules individually, rather than being automatically disclosed.

If you are unsure about whether you need to disclose certain criminal record information, free confidential advice may be sought from one of the charity bodies listed below. These bodies can advise you on what you are legally required to declare and may also be able to advise you on how you can disclose criminal record information to a prospective employer and your legal rights when doing so.

Nacro – Tel: 0300 123 1999, or email: [email protected]

Unlock – Tel: 01634 247350, email [email protected] or complete the online form on the Unlock website

Please note the cost of the DBS check is increasing from 2nd December and the new cost will be

Standard DBS check £21.50, Enhanced DBS check £49.50 + any admin costs.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding adults and children therefore if the post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended) the successful candidate(s) will be subject to a criminal records check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The cost of the DBS must be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction. DBS charges are as follows if applicable to the post:

Standard Check: £18 + Administration cost of £3.85 = £21.85. Deducted at £6.85 from 1st month salary and £5 deducted from salary over following 3 months.

Enhanced Check: £38 + administration cost of £3.90 = £41.90. Deducted at £11.90 from 1st month salary and £10 deducted from salary over following 3 months.

As part of the one of the largest employers in the UK NCIC future employees will have also access to the following benefits.

A lease car may be available for this position; further details will be provided upon appointment if applicable.

27-day holiday scheme rising to 33 after 10 years

Flexible working Scheme

Excellent opportunities for development

Competitive NHS Pension scheme

Access to NHS discounts with retailers and leisure companies

EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) a free, confidential counselling and information service to assist with personal or work-related problems

These schemes are subject to availability