Job requirements
Essential
13 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Experience
Worked with biological specimens in a previous role
- Experience
Previous work experience in a similar role, preferably in the NHS
- Knowledge and Skills
Use of Laboratory Information System
- Knowledge and Skills
Ability to work well within a Team
- Knowledge and Skills
Computer literate with good keyboard skills
- Knowledge and Skills
Ability to multitask
- Knowledge and Skills
Good communication / interpersonal skills
- Knowledge and Skills
Ability to operate and maintain automated laboratory analysers
- Knowledge and Skills
Good telephone manner
- Knowledge and Skills
Excellent organisational skills
- Knowledge and Skills
Ability to manage demanding workload and produce results in a timely manner
- Education and Training
Numerate and literate to NVQ level 3 (or equivalent pathology / laboratory experience)
- Education and Training
Grade C or above GCSE English and Mathematics or equivalent.
Desirable
1 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Experience
Previous experience of working in a Pathology department
Job overview
Please note - THIS POST IS ONLY OPEN TO KENT AND MEDWAY PATHOLOGY NETWORK STAFF (I.E. THOSE EMPLOYED BY DARTFORD AND GRAVESHAM NHS TRUST, MEDWAY NHS TRUST, EAST KENT HOSPITALS NHS TRUST, MAIDSTONE AND TUNBRIDGE WELLS NHS TRUST). ANY APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE NOT EMPLOYED BY THE NETWORK WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
The role of the Healthcare Science Support Worker (HSSW) is primarily to support the department’s Biomedical Scientists (BMS) and provide administrative assistance in the processing of patient specimens. This will primarily include: preparing specimens, processing specimens, loading analysers, running and maintaining analysers and dealing with phone calls. Additional responsibilities within this role include blood transfusion traceability.
Participation in the 24/7 out of hours shift cover system is expected.
Main duties of the job
To identify and load patient samples and begin analytical test procedure according to SOPs.
To perform daily tasks recorded on checklists. Including daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analytical and non-analytical tasks within the laboratory.
To maintain and check the daily stocks of reagents, kits and consumables required for the analytical equipment and load reagents on to analysers.
To monitor all stock levels within the department on a weekly basis and advise BMS staff if supplies fall below minimum stock levels.
To liaise with clinical staff over the phone
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Technical Responsibilities:
Support the work of BMS staff working within the laboratory.
Book in samples for testing within the department or referral to other departments.
Prepare samples for testing on automated and manual laboratory analysers, identify and load patient samples and begin analytical test procedure according to SOPs then unload, sort and store samples appropriately.
Maintain test turnaround times by dealing with samples in a timely manner
Perform daily tasks recorded on checklists. Including daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analytical and non-analytical tasks within the laboratory such as temperature chart changes, checking of massive blood loss bleep, laboratory mobile and alarms.
Inform BMS staff of any issues, inconsistencies or inaccuracies within the department.
Perform a second demographic check on all samples (if required) prior to loading on to automated analysers.
Maintain and check the daily stocks of reagents, kits and consumables required for the analytical equipment and load reagents on to analysers.
Monitor all stock levels within the department on a weekly basis and advise BMS staff if supplies fall below minimum stock levels.
Receive, unpack, log and store all reagents used within the laboratory.
Please see attached job description for further information.
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Health Science Services roles in Dartford
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Healthcare Scientist Support Worker - Blood Transfusion with Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust in Dartford, England. It is listed as a Health science services role. The advertised salary is £27106.00 to £28850.00. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 23 Sep 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (16 Sep 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHSjob search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.