SYBP Healthcare Science Assistant Apprentice

Job overview

Are you looking for an exciting new challenge in a place to take your career to the next level? Would you like to join a friendly, progressive, innovative team and play a part in the transformation of pathology services across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw? Do you want to work in a fully UKAS-accredited, modern laboratory environment where you can make a difference?

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals are offering the exciting opportunity to undertake a Level 2 Healthcare Science (HCS) Apprenticeship within the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Pathology (SYBP) Directorate primarily based at The Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield.

Healthcare Science Assistants (HCSAs) perform a range of low risk, routine technical and scientific procedures usually within one broad area of HCS, following specific protocols and in accordance with health, safety, governance, and ethical requirements. HCSAs work using standard operating procedures, initially under direct supervision but increasingly with experience, under indirect supervision.

HCSAs are required to actively engage in studying towards the Healthcare Science apprenticeship which includes a BTEC level 2 diploma.

This post is to support the provision of laboratory diagnostic services by assisting and providing a range of diagnostic procedures, as appropriate, at different sites in the SYBP area under the direction of the Pathology Discipline Leads.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be required to work under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists and Biomedical Science Assistants and will be trained to:

• Perform pre-analytical checks of sample integrity
• Use the laboratory and hospital computer systems to book patient samples in
• Answer the phone and help resolve queries
• Load samples onto analysers, where appropriate
• Help maintain stock levels and, where appropriate, replace reagents on analysers
• Perform basic laboratory and point of care tasks within their specialism, as appropriate
• Train in phlebotomy to take samples from patients, as appropriate

The apprentice allowance as specified in the Minimum Wage Regulations will be paid for the first 12 months.  The rate will increase after 12 months in line with these regulations for anyone that is age 19 or over.

This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term contract basis for a period of 14 months due to this being an apprenticeship/training programme. The fixed term contract status of the post holder will be reviewed in accordance with the Trust's legal obligations regarding fixed term contracts.

A learner/applicant must be a UK, EEA, or EU resident for at least the past three years to undertake an apprenticeship training programme.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.

When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.