Medical Scientist Senior (Serology/Immunology)

Medical Scientist Senior –(Serology/Immunology)

Job Specification & Terms and Conditions

Job Title and Grade / Senior Medical Scientist (Serology/Immunology)
(Grade Code: 3877)
Campaign Reference / NRS0641
Closing Date / Friday, 27th April 2012
Proposed Interview Date / Week commencing 28th May 2012
Taking up Appointment / To be indicated at job offer stage.
Organisational Area / HSE West
Location of Post / Mid WesternRegionalHospital, Limerick.
Details of Service / The Mid-Western Regional Hospitals comprises of the Mid-Western Regional Hospital Dooradoyle, Mid-Western Regional Orthopaedic Hospital Croom and the Mid-Western Regional Maternity Hospital Limerick, which are currently based on three sites. The Mid-Western Regional Hospitals provide an extensive range of medical services, including both Inpatient and Out-patient. Diagnostic and Clinical support services are also provided.
Reporting Relationship / Reports to: Chief Medical Scientist
Purpose of the Post / The purpose of the post is to participate in the management and delivery of a high quality laboratory service.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities / Scientific / Professional
The Medical Scientist Senior (Serology/Immunology) will:

Maintain awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities

Perform to the highest professional standards and participate in developing and implementing a service that supports the clinical needs of patients and is consistent with the mission, vision, values and strategic plan of the HSE.

Supervise staff in service delivery, acting as coach / mentor as required

Delegate as is consistent in providing a high quality service

Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the values of the profession of Medical Scientist

Ensures that operational processes are implemented to standards of best practice / standard operating procedures

Demonstrate flexibility in accordance with the needs of the service

Liaise with other health care professionals as appropriate, fostering open, honest and clear communication

Co-ordinate, direct and supervise Medical Scientific, Laboratory Aide and trainee staff in laboratory activities

Be responsible for the quality of their work and carry out their duties in accordance with hospital policy

Participate and actively promote and develop the laboratory quality management system which is patient centred and which measures and audits performance and client satisfaction.

Ensure appropriate compliance with international and national guidelines and standards for the provision of Laboratory Services and actively participate in internal and external quality control and quality assurance.

Observe the strictest confidence when dealing with all aspects of patient or hospital information

In co-operation with the Consultant Microbiologist (Laboratory Director), Chief Medical Scientist, and other designated senior staff, play a leading role in the introduction of new ideas and methods according to HSE policy.

Evaluate and validate equipment, reagents, consumable items and research and development projects

Manage assigned areas of the Laboratory and participate in the routine workload.
Deputise for the laboratory technical manager (in his/her absence).

Health & Safety
The Medical Scientist Senior (Serology/Immunology) will:

Implement agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards

Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self, patient and others

Be aware of risk management issues, identify risks and take appropriate action; report any adverse incidents or near misses

Assist and cooperate with other staff in procedures aimed at accident prevention in the Laboratory

Adhere to department policies in relation to the care and safety of any equipment supplied for the fulfilment of duty

Take appropriate action where any malfunctions or defects in equipment are reported / refer to Chief Medical Scientist where required.

Education & Training
The Medical Scientist Senior (Serology/Immunology) will:

Participate in mandatory training programmes

Take responsibility for, and keep up to date with current practice by participating in continuing professional development

Actively promote continuous professional education and development

Monitor and maintain up-to-date personal training / retraining records in accordance with laboratory policy

Participate in annual joint review to consider: stated objectives and plans of the laboratory; roles and responsibilities of the staff member; personal objectives of the staff member; training and development needs of the staff member

Facilitate arrangements in and provide education and training for scientific, medical personnel and others as appropriate.

Administrative
The Medical Scientist Senior (Serology/Immunology) will:

Assist in managing resources ensuring that staffing levels and skill mix are appropriate and within the resources allocated

Assist in motivating team members on a day to day basis by agreeing goals and objectives in keeping with the hospitals anticipated performance system

Actively participate in the improvement and development of services by liaising with other Medical Scientists / Chief Medical Scientist

Ensure implementation of up-to-date procedures and policies

Ensure that effective systems are in place for the registration, custody and stock monitoring of materials held in the laboratory

Ensure that appropriate statistical and management information is provided as required

Engage in the development of the departmental objectives and be responsible for ensuring the delivery of the targets in relation to the designated area.

Make the most effective use of information technology for both patient care and administrative support / participate in the management and development of the laboratory information systems

Represent the department at meetings, conferences, committees etc as assigned

Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace

Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health Service.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/ or experience / Candidates must, on the latest date for receipt of applications for this post:
1.
(a) Possess a Bachelor in Science (Applied Science) Honours degree (Biomedical option) from the University of Dublin/Dublin Institute of technology, Kevin Street
or
(b)Possess a Bachelor in Science Honours degree in Biomedical Science from the joint University College Cork - Cork Institute of Technology course
or
(c) Possess the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences of the Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street or the Cork Institute of Technology awarded prior to 1994
or
(d)Possess a recognised qualification at least equivalent to (a) or (b) above
or
(e)Possess a recognised qualification at least equivalent to ( c ) awarded prior to 1994
and
(f)Possess a postgraduate degree in the field of Medical Laboratory Science
or
(g)Have attained the Fellowship Examination of the Institute of Biomedical Science
and
(h)Possess Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science (FAMLS) or be eligible for fellowship
and
(i) Possess four years experience in a medical laboratory since qualifying as a Medical Scientist.

The requirements (f), (g) and (h) will not come into effect until 1st October 2009 in respect of a candidate who:

(a)holds a qualification set on in 1 (a), (b), (d) or (e)
and
(b)is a member of or is eligible for membership of the Academy of Medical Science (MAMLS) and was employed as a Medical Scientist (Medical Laboratory Technician) in the health service on or before 1st April 2000.
Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character
Age
Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age.
Post Specific Requirements /

Demonstrate experience in serological methods for the investigation of viral and microbial infection

Demonstrate experience in immuno-fluorescence techniques for the investigation of autoimmunity

Other requirements specific to the post / n/a
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge /

Demonstrate sufficient clinical knowledge and evidence based practice to carry out duties and responsibilities of the role

Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice

Demonstrate the ability to plan and deliver care in an effective and resourceful manner within a model of person-centred care

Demonstrate an ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy working environment

Demonstrate problem solving skills and the ability to effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions

Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a user centred service

Display effective communication and interpersonal skills

Demonstrate effective leadership and team skills

Display awareness and appreciation of the service users and the ability to empathise with and treat others with dignity and respect

Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change

Demonstrate ability to utilise supervision effectively

Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development

Demonstrate a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role.

Campaign Specific Selection Process
Ranking/
Shortlisting / Interview / A ranking and/or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for a ranking and/or short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.
Code of Practice / The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis. The Codes also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, feedback facilities for candidates on matters relating to their application, when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process, and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code Of Practice, Information For Candidates”.
Codes of Practice are published by the CPSA and are available on in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information For Candidates” or on
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job specification may be reviewed.
This job specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.

Medical Scientist Senior (Serology/Immunology)

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Tenure / The initial vacancy for this post is permanent. This post is pensionable. A panel will be formed from this recruitment campaign and future permanent or specific purpose vacancies of full-time or part-time duration will be filled from this panel. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at ”expression of interest” stage
Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.
Remuneration / The Salary scale (as at 01/01/10) for the post is:
(a)without FAMLS – (formerly Senior Medical Laboratory Technician): Euro 47,979 - 50,189 – 52,150 – 54,156-56,222 (pro rata)
(b)with FAMLS – (formerly Senior Medical Laboratory Technician):
Euro 47,979 – 50,189 – 52,150 – 54,156 – 56,222 – 58,253 –
60,344 – 62,414 -64,500 (pro rata)
Working Week / The standard working week applying to the post is: 35 hours per week as per Circular 005 / 2009.
HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).
Annual Leave / The annual leave associated with the post is: 29 days as per Circular 005/ 2009
Superannuation / Membership of the HSE Employee Superannuation Scheme applies to this appointment.
Existing Members who transferred to the HSE on 1st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those to which they were entitled at 31st December 2004.
Appointees to posts in the Mental Health Services which formerly attracted fast accrual of service should note that the terms of Section 65 of the Mental Treatment Act 1945 do not apply to New Entrant Public Servants as defined by Section 12 of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
Probation / Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months.
Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 / As this post is one of those designated under the Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.
Infection Control / All HSE employees must have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.