Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

Cellular Pathology invites applications for the post of Associate Practitioner to join their friendly team. An excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and suitably experienced individual supporting the full range of services with the opportunity to rotate and work in a number of areas within Cellular Pathology.
We receive ~48,000 Histology & Cytology requests annually
The department supports ROSE clinics, a Mohs service & there is scanning equipment to support the digital agenda. The post-holder will be encouraged to participate in this project as we progress to a fully digitised pathology service. We are also in the process of rolling-out a new laboratory information management system.
The laboratory is IBMS approved for training and is UKAS accredited. CPD is actively encouraged.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. 

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will be required to assist and be involved with the processing all types of specimen presented to the Cellular Pathology Department for analysis, thereby supporting the provision of accurate and timely diagnoses & the production of appropriate analytical data.

You will be required to become skilled in the latest techniques and equipment in conjunction with traditional methods of investigation to meet the requirements of the role.

You will need to be an excellent communicator & be able to work effectively as part of large team.

You will need to have an excellent attention to detail & possess good manual dexterity.

You will need to be able to prioritise workload & adjust to accommodate unexpected events &/or changes in demands

Experience of working in a Cellular Pathology laboratory, particularly undertaking microtomy, is desirable

The department operates 6am-7pm Mon-Fri & Sat 7am-5pm & therefore some Saturday working is required. The successful candidate will also be expected to participate in the rotational Bank Holiday service-approx. 1 per annum, currently not Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day or Good Friday.

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications / training required

Essential criteria

• GCSE level qualifications, including English language, maths and a science subject or equivalent.
• NVQ 3 leading to Foundation Degree in Health Sciences (or equivalent level of knowledge)

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Demonstrable experience in clinical laboratory
• Experience with handling electronic data and fluent keyboard skills
• Experience of setting up and implementing internal processes and procedures

Aptitudes and skills required

Essential criteria

• Data entry and keyboard skills
• Demonstration of good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative and without supervision.
• Good literacy skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Excellent numeracy skills
• Demonstrate high degree of concentration and attention to detail
• Demonstrate capabilities to manage own workload and make informed decisions in the absence of required information, working to tight and often changing timescales
• Ability to prioritise tasks.
• Ability to handle clinical samples.
• Understand the importance of confidentiality and trustworthy.
• Conscientious, methodical approach to duties
• Showing willingness to learn and improve
• Promotion of equality of opportunity and good working relations (providing practical leadership).
• Willing to work flexibly and as part of a team
• Deal calm and politely with personnel who are working in areas of pressure

Desirable criteria

• Capability to plan over short, medium and long term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if large numbers of applications are received.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date of this post, please presume that you have not been selected for interview.

Applicants from University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust whose posts are considered to be ‘At Risk’ will be given prior consideration for this post

Our Trust runs the return to practice course each year for nurses who have been out of the profession and wish to return. To find out more please visit our website:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/WorkingHere/Typesofjob/Nurses/Returntonursing.aspx

http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/   Information on Southampton as a place to live and enjoy

https://www.uhs-vle.co.uk/   See what fantastic training and development we have on offer at UHS

http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthamptonHospitals learn about the Trust through visiting our YouTube channel 

Getting to Work

Application can be made for parking on site at UHS or through one of the park and ride schemes. This will be based on specific criteria to determine eligibility for site parking as this can be very limited.  UHS encourages staff to utilise other green methods of getting to work such as cycling or walking where possible. UHS is well connected through bus services to the city centre and other areas.

Please note that we will not accept any applications or queries via agencies, under any circumstances.

Our staff are positive about working at UHS and rate us above average compared to other NHS Trusts in the Staff Attitude Survey. We are rated strongly on a number of areas including teamwork, communication and engagement.

Equality remains at the centre of all Trust policy making, service delivery and employment practice with all employees being given equality of opportunity to develop, apply for promotion and have working arrangements that enable them to achieve a manageable work-life balance.

The Trust actively promotes a work environment free from harassment and discrimination and provides training for managers and staff to ensure this happens. The Trust also closely monitors recruitment activity, training and development and employment practices to ensure equality of practice with regard to race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status and age.

As a service provider the Trust ensures equality of access and delivery of our services through the provision of interpreter services, facilities for the disabled and sensitivity for patients ethnic and religious differences and needs.

Relocating to Southampton

If you are thinking of moving to the Hampshire area, please find below a link to our website which offers guidance on finding accommodation:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/relocating-to-southampton

The Trust is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided on this form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.