Trainee Advanced Practitioner - Histology in Basildon

We are currently recruiting for a Trainee Advanced Practitioner to join our remarkable and dynamic Histology team. This is a great step up for a Specialist BMS in management with a specialism of Histological Dissection. The post holder will be required to complete the IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histological Dissection and contribute towards managing a team of Biomedical Scientists, as well as Junior and Support staff. This role is part of a team which provides an efficient and effective Histology service to Hospitals and the local GP community. As an important member of our team, you will be fundamental in making a positive difference to our healthcare service. You will receive regular training and coaching to develop your skills and to support you in your working life. We seek candidates who are passionate with good interpersonal skills and the drive to develop their career within our supportive environment.

Main duties of the job

• Organise and manage teams of Biomedical Scientists, junior staff and Support staff performing biomedical analyses and processes, managing workload processing to comply with both Quality Standards and Key performance Indicators. This will be on more than one site or across specialisms.
• To dissect Histological specimens in line with RCpath guidelines under the supervision of an Advanced Practitioner and Pathologist.
• To complete the Diploma of Expert Practice (DEP) in Histological Dissection working towards professional skills and advanced knowledge required.
• Maintain the standards of conduct required by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Ensure compliance with all policies as required by regulatory directives, accreditation bodies and local management.
• Provide expert technical advice to clinicians as to the appropriateness of tests, timescales and scientific guidance as required.
• Have expert operational and technical knowledge to perform and manage specialist analytical procedures.
• Produce and manage Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• To be responsible for External and Internal Quality Assurance in area of responsibility.
• Reporting on, and completing corrective actions required to address any areas of poor performance, including, where required, staff performance management.
• Ensure all documentation required for Quality Management System is recorded and maintained.
• Communicate efficiently, courteously and with clarity at all times, whether face to face, telephone or electronic methods referring enquiries to senior staff where appropriate.
• To assess new techniques and equipment for their suitability for adoption by the Cytology department.
• Plan and organise audits and audit calendar.
• Participate in any Technical, Training, Quality, Audit and Management meetings as required.
• Utilise the laboratory LIMS, Q-Pulse quality monitoring system and other application software according to authorised protocols including assisting in computer data entry in all areas of the laboratory.
• Plan and prioritise work allocations, training plans, for both yourself and junior staff, responding appropriately to the needs of routine and urgent activities.
• Work with the Cellular Pathology Operations manager and Principals, to provide the day-to-day management of staff within Cellular pathology.
• Provide management, training and professional leadership to staff in your area of responsibility, this includes monitoring their performance against laboratory standards and their training plans.
• Report and investigate all incidents and adverse events entering the information in the CAPA module of Q-pulse in a timely manner, conducting Root Cause analysis and remedial action as required.
• Demonstrate ongoing competency against training plans and by peer assessment and participate positively in CPD (continuous professional development) activities through academic or practical experience.
• Be proficient in use of ERP system (Axional) and authorise orders against delegated authority policy.
• Management of consumables and conduct stocktakes in line with iPP policies.
• To assist in Clinical trials in areas of responsibility as directed.
• Initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development.
• Be an ambassador for Diversity and Inclusion.
• Complete all statutory, mandatory and essential training within timeframes specified.
• Observe safety regulations and attend mandatory fire, manual handling and other courses as required.
• Report all incidents and adverse events to managers and assist in the investigations of any incidents.
• Participate in risk assessment monitoring.
• Ensure that the equipment within area of work is maintained and operated as per SOPs.

Person Specification

• HCPC State Registration as a Biomedical Scientist, with continued CPD
• Completion of a specialist portfolio in Cellular Pathology
• MSc / IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma or equivalent
• High level working knowledge of Histology techniques and practices at post honours degree level
• Expert interpretive and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work across different sites in a 24-7 work environment if and when required.
• Good knowledge of computer applications and LIMS including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Statistical Packages.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.