Specialist Screening Practitioner

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for the recruitment to the role of Specialist Screening Practitioner (SSP) within the Cheshire Bowel Cancer Screening Centre based at Leighton Hospital.  This post  would suit a qualified patient facing staff member with current NMC/HCPC registration, who is keen to develop their knowledge and skills in a specialist Colorectal role.

Although the programme offices are based at Leighton hospital the clinical team cover the whole of Cheshire and as such we would welcome applications from registered healthcare professionals located in West and East Cheshire as well as those local to Leighton.

We are a busy service and we have recently expanded the screening age to include all 50-60 year olds. As such  the post holder will be expected to work on his/her own initiative and as a part of a team. They will also be required to be able to work flexibly with potential for evening and weekend shifts as the service expands.

Applicants who fail to supply a detailed supporting statement specifying how their skills and experience match the person specification contained in the job description will not be invited for interview.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide the highest standard of care and support for patients participating in the English National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.  Applicants must be a Registered Nurse (level 1) or Allied Healthcare Professional with a qualification in a patient facing profession (EG; Radiographer, Operating Department Practitioner, Paramedic or similar), with or working towards a health related degree or with an equivalent level of experience.  They must have the ability to communicate sensitive and complex information, and have good IT and team working skills.

The post is varied and includes providing both face to face and telephone clinics led by the SSP for individuals who have tested positive for Faecal Occult Blood, attending endoscopy at units across Cheshire for colonoscopy lists and providing results including cancer diagnosis.

The post holder will have responsibility for assessing, informing and supporting individuals throughout the screening pathway, manging their own patient case load and auditing practice. Travelling independently between hospital and clinic settings forms an integral part of the role.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The successful applicant should be able to demonstrate significant post qualification  experience and professional development. Previous experience of working in assessment clinics, colorectal, gastroenterology, cancer or endoscopy is an advantage and experience in screening or health promotion is desirable but not essential. Induction, training and ongoing development will be supported by the Lead/Deputy Lead Specialist Screening Practitioner's and Clinical Nurse Manager.

The successful applicant will be required to attend and successfully complete the Bowel Cancer Screening IT module and SSP professional practice module at level 6 or 7. Both courses  may require a residential stay and can be held at locations around the country. In the current climate however they may be delivered virtually. Successful completion of the SSP professional practice module is a mandatory requirement of the post and if the applicant was unsuccessful they would be unable to remain in the role. The trust will ask applicants to commit to remain working for them for 12 months after successful completion or training monies may be reclaimed.

We encourage interested applicants to contact the screening team to discuss the role in more detail and enquiries should be directed to Claire Chesters, Lead Specialist Screening Practitioner, Lora Langford or Michelle Neild, Deputy Lead Specialist Screening Practitioners.

In the event of exceptionally high levels of response, we reserve the right to close the post before the date stated above in order to prevent the number of applications received being unmanageable. You are advised to submit your completed application form as soon as possible to have the best chance of being considered.

Full details of role and responsibilities can be seen in the Job Description.