Anatomical Pathology Technician-Higher (Cellular Pathology-Mortuaries) in Leeds

Applications are invited from candidates who hold the RSPH Certificate and Diploma/Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology for a full-time permanent post in the Mortuaries. Applications may be considered from candidates with relevant mortuary experience who are willing to complete the necessary qualifications for a trainee role. These candidates would be employed under annex 21 until completion of their qualification.

The post is suitable for someone who is highly motivated, enthusiastic and a good team worker. This is a challenging and varied role in a busy and sometimes distressing environment. The postholder will be required to demonstrate high levels of sensitivity and confidentiality, good verbal and written communication skills, a high degree of organisation and time management, and the ability to work closely with the Mortuary team on a daily basis for the benefit of the community we serve. You must be able to work flexibly and adapt to the changing demands within the team. The position will include rotation, working between the LGI & SJUH mortuaries. The department operates an out-of-hours On-call rota for evenings, bank holidays and weekends, participation in the rota will be required.

Main duties of the job:

• Perform routine day to day tasks of the mortuary.
• Carry out routine and advanced post mortem procedures on both adult and paediatric patients.
• Prepare and facilitate visits for deceased patients and communicate with bereaved relatives.
• Train and supervise other AP Technicians (APT's) and Mortuary support workers (MSWs).
• Communicate with colleagues, clinicians, funeral directors, HM Coroner, HM Coroners Officers, Police and other external hospital and mortuary staff.
• Assist in the general management requirements of the department, the compliance of the audit schedule, cleaning and maintenance etc.

Knowledge, skills and experience required:

In order to carry out the job sufficiently and effectively you need to have successfully studied for a Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology (RIPHH). In addition, you will need to have wide experience within the speciality, including a thorough understanding of the range of working practices relating to advanced autopsy, forensic and infection procedures. You will need to have developed a range of competencies and specialist knowledge within the discipline through wide practical experience, in-house training and structured study and will continue to develop your skills and knowledge. You may be required to assist in the general management of the department. Any training required for this will be provided. Basic computer skills are essential to carry out your work.

Core behaviours and skills:

• Gain new knowledge through experience, formal study and participation in relevant training schemes.
• Be a leading member of a team providing a clinical technical service.
• Train others and demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate.
• Work independently when and as required by the service, for instance when working on-call.
• Communicate clearly and effectively whether orally, graphically or electronically.
• Plan, and prioritise, the workload of the section in the absence of the Mortuary Manager or Senior APT Site lead.
• Work with precision and follow accurately the documented standard operating procedures.
• Operate highly complex mortuary equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform routine, infectious and advanced post mortem procedures.
• Prepare patients for visits.
• Comply with the Health and Safety requirements of the mortuary service.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records relating to patient information.
• Input, manage, extract and interpret patient data using the departmental computer system.
• Contribute actively towards the improvement of general service quality by participation in relevant discussions with other team members and leaders of other sections within the speciality.
• Remain competent in established procedures and develop new skills subject to the requirements of the service.
• Undertake tasks that contribute to the general management of the speciality.
• Take account of changes in service delivery by demonstrating a flexible approach to work.

Core knowledge and understanding:

• Coordinate the day-to-day activities of the mortuary in the absence of the Senior APT Site Lead.
• Perform a wide range of routine and advanced post mortem procedures on both adult and paediatric patients, including advanced autopsy, forensic and infection procedures.
• Teach and train other anatomical pathology technicians, mortuary support workers and assist with the teaching of trainee pathologists.
• Demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate.
• Handle property belonging to the deceased in a secure manner.
• Maintain stock control and requisition items as required.
• Have knowledge and understanding of current national legislation and guidelines relevant to the speciality.
• Participate actively in departmental quality assurance activities.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.

Principal duties & areas of responsibility:

• Perform a wide range of routine and advanced post mortem procedures on both adult and paediatric patients.
• Assist in dealing with all aspects of "Increased Risk" cases Hazard group 3 e.g., HIV, Hepatitis C, T & B and COVID.
• Plan the day-to-day activities within the mortuary in the absence of the Senior APT Site Lead, and provide cover on other sites as required.
• Give professional advice, and communicate accurately sensitive and/or complex information to users of the service.
• Provide training to support and technical staff.
• Ensure the security of the mortuaries is maintained at all times.
• Contribute to general departmental management by performing, subject to consultation, such tasks as delegated by the Mortuary Manager.

This list is not exhaustive and the changing needs of the service from time to time may require the development of other appropriate tasks and skills. These will be fully discussed with the post holder in advance of their implementation.

Special working conditions:

The jobholder will have frequent exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions e.g., frequent exposure, in controlled conditions, to body fluids, contaminated tissues and fluids (infection risks), and handling decomposed and injured bodies. The nature of this work is highly distressing and highly emotional e.g., dealing with child and infant deaths, disfigured bodies and communicating with bereaved relatives. This job requires a high degree of dexterity and precision e.g., dissection technique and reconstitution of bodies.

Person Specification:

• Wide experience within mortuaries.
• RSPH Certificate & Diploma or Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology.
• Good interpersonal skills, good communicator.
• Ability to work flexibly.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Dexterity – Good hand / eye coordination.

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.