Decontamination Technician

Job summary Applications are invited for a Decontamination Technician to work as a member of a busy team in all aspects of reprocessing surgical equipment, medical devices, instruments sets and endoscopes, including disinfection, sterilisation and delivery. Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification. Main duties of the job To undertake Decontamination Science duties and assist the Decontamination Technician Section Lead, in providing a specialised decontamination of medical devices service contributing to the clinical care of the patientResponsible for the receipt, disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, packing and distribution of Sterile Goods and Surgical Instruments, in one of the main sections of the Decontamination and Sterilisation unitWorking with soiled items returned from Theatres for Decontamination and Sterilisation or under Clean Room conditions working to Quality First instructionsTo be flexible in working in different sections of the Decontamination and Sterilisation unitTo work in accordance with the Department's Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Management Systems About us We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission.We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted Job description Job responsibilities COMMUNICATION To communicate, both verbally and electronically with other members of Staff and Management to ensure the continual and efficient running of the service and to the required high standardsTo assist in receiving Customer requests and progressing high priority itemsAbility to train other staff in aspects of decontaminationCommunicates with Theatres and other Departments when necessary to inform them of the status of their requirements KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE To gain and use their knowledge of Surgical Instruments in Producing a Quality First service to Theatres, Wards, Clinics and To Support and enhance the continual quality initiative ensuring Quality First approach to all aspects of work and to act as a Quality Auditor when required.Understanding of the procedure for Loan itemsAcceptance to work towards the NVQ Level 3 qualification in Infection Control & DecontaminationTo have the knowledge of the complete Decontamination ProcessTo have a knowledge of the Endoscope reprocessing processWorking towards or already have a Diploma in Decontamination ANALYTICAL & JUDGEMENT SKILLS Analyses data from spreadsheets regarding orders, deliveries, receipts, damaged items, repairs, loans or returnsA good working knowledge of all aspects of the Non Conformance process in the UnitDetermines the correct customer and obtains the correct requirement of Surgical InstrumentsMakes judgement when Passing or Failing a Cycle from the Independent Monitoring System through the Washers or Autoclaves PLANNING & ORGANISATION SKILLS Plans own workload under supervisionEnsures that their place of work is organised to produce the most efficient production of Surgical Instruments in the Decontamination processEnsure that all items are packed and collected or delivered at the required times and collection pointEnsures that all priorities are progressed accordingly PHYSICAL SKILLS A good working knowledge of keyboard, typing and computer skillsGood dexterity is required for the receipt, dismantle, clean and re-assemble of complex Surgical Instruments according to the written and verbal instructionsCapable of Moving, handling and storage of goods and equipmentAble to operate electrical tug trucks RESPONSIBILITY FOR PATIENT CARE Ensures the return of correctly decontaminated Medical Devices to be used in Surgical and Medical procedures in the required service timesEnsures that items are progressed in the most efficient way for continuation of instrument supplyEnsures that all aspects of Decontamination Protocols are followed to ensure optimum Patient Care For further details please see attached JD&PS. Person Specification Knowledge & Expereince Essential Demonstrable experience in a Production Environment. Proven knowledge of working with chemicals. Desirable Demonstrable experience in a supply or retail environment. Qualifications Essential Educated to GCSE Standard in English and Maths and a science subject grade 4-9 (A-C) or equivalent demonstrable experience in decontamination Willing to work towards apprenticeship NVQs at level 2 and 3. Desirable Completed Risk Assessment training. Aptitude & Attitude Essential Excellent administrative and numerate skills. Good communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate clarity and understanding.