Health Care Support Worker – Microbiology job at Glasgow Full Time NEW

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role:

Band 2 roles are not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa routes.

All other roles will be assessed for sponsorship eligibility in line with current Home Office requirements. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) can only issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) where these are met.

The laboratory processes around 400,000 specimens per annum and in addition to routine microbiology sections, also provides a paediatric Microbiology service to the Royal Hospital for Children and Cystic Fibrosis Microbiology service for CF adults and children. The laboratory holds UKAS accreditation for ISO 15189 standards as a single managed unit together with the Microbiology laboratory at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. As a Health Care Support Worker within Microbiology, you will play a vital part in delivering a high-quality, safe and effective diagnostic service across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Working alongside Biomedical Scientists and wider laboratory teams, you will support the processing and preparation of clinical specimens that directly inform patient care. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role ideal for someone who takes pride in accuracy, teamwork and maintaining high professional standards. You will be supported by strong leadership, robust training and opportunities to develop your skills within a large and respected NHS organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde offers a collaborative working culture, job security and the chance to make a meaningful difference to the health of our communities.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

• Microbiology Laboratory at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
• 36 hours over 7 days of the week

Days, evenings, weekends and public holidays

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare, process and register clinical specimens accurately for laboratory testing
• Support Biomedical Scientists with routine laboratory procedures and basic testing
• Operate laboratory equipment safely including centrifuges, analysers and autoclaves
• Maintain accurate records using laboratory IT systems and manual documentation
• Communicate effectively with clinical staff, patients and external services as required
• Ensure compliance with infection control, health and safety and quality management procedures
• Assist with training, mentoring and supporting less experienced staff

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

• Three Highers at grade C or above including Biology or Chemistry and Maths, or an equivalent science qualification such as SVQ Level 3
• Completion of a relevant modern apprenticeship or equivalent accredited learning
• A good understanding of biomedical science principles and laboratory practices
• Awareness of infection control, health and safety and quality standards within a clinical environment
• Strong keyboard skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a busy laboratory setting
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training, development and shift working arrangements

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact:
Operational Manager, Sylvia Rennie, [email protected], 0141 354 9152

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates

This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible.

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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

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