Decontamination Technician

Job overview

· To ensure that dental equipment and instruments are decontaminated, prepared, quality assured, stored and distributed effectively according to Trust policies, procedures, guidelines and to ensure that the Trust meets the stringent requirements of NHS England Health Technical Memorandum (HTM Decontamination Dental Practices.

Main duties of the job

• To complete testing of autoclaves, washer disinfectors and ultrasonic cleaners.
• Adhere to local processes and HTM01-05
• Complete specific cleaning efficiency testing.
• Decontaminate and sterilise specialised re-usable dental equipment and instruments.
• To sterilise dental instruments using pressure vessels/autoclaves.
• To liaise with outside stakeholders to ensure a quality service.
• To be proactive in problem solving when equipment fails.
• To undertake administrative tasks within the clinic as required.

Working for our organisation

We have in excess of 5000 staff working over 50 sites, providing a diverse range of services. We strive to support an organisational culture that is welcoming, builds and celebrates inclusivity and diversity and provides a sense of belonging and trust.

The annual NHS Staff Survey gives our people the opportunity to tell us about their experience working at the Trust. For the 2023 survey just over 2800 colleagues gave us their views (58.5%). It was great to see from the results that colleagues are saying that:

• 89.7% believe they are making a positive difference to patients/service users;
• 73.3% would recommend the organisation as a place to work;
• 82.4% agree that care of patients and service users is the organisations priority;
• 76.7% would be happy with the standard of care for a friend or relative

Our results put us as 5th nationally as a Community, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities NHS Employer of Choice and 1st equal amongst all NHS Provider Trusts in the South West. However, we know we have more to do and will continue to drive forward our commitment to making GHC a Great Place to Work.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

· To manually clean dental instruments and equipment as required to manufacturer's guidelines instruments, safely use an ultra-sonic bath and use an automated washer disinfector effectively.

· To sterilise dental instruments using pressure vessels/autoclaves.

· To liaise with outside stakeholders to ensure a quality service.

· Be proactive in problem solving when equipment fails and be confident and competent when reporting any non-conformance.

· To disinfect laboratory work going to and from the lab according to the SOP.

· To report when stock levels are getting low and maintain good stock control.

· To check that dental instruments and equipment in store are within the acceptable of HTM 01-05 timeframe guidelines and reprocess non-compliant items.

· To document all daily testing and maintenance of machines and equipment as required.

· Comply with the highest standards required for daily documentation of all equipment.

· To undertake administrative tasks within the clinic as required.

· To deal with routine enquires and other matters.

· Participate and support the training of new staff members.

· Supervise learnings or new staff members.

Person specification

Aplication

Essential criteria

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent level of knowledge
• Clear and accurate recording skills, both digitally and written
• Able to use specialist decontamination equipment or receive training from an accredited course on washer disinfectors, sterilisers and ultra sonic cleaners

Desirable criteria

• Experience in decontamination process
• knowledge of HTM0105
• Knowledge of PPE, COSHH and disposal of hazardous waste and other health and safety processes

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• NVQ Level 3

interview

Essential criteria

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent level of knowledge
• Clear and accurate recording skills, both digitally and written
• Able to use specialist decontamination equipment or receive training from an accredited course on washer disinfectors, sterilisers and ultra sonic cleaners

Desirable criteria

• Experience in decontamination process
• knowledge of HTM0105
• Knowledge of PPE, COSHH and disposal of hazardous waste and other health and safety processes

When joining us, as well as becoming part of a team that makes a difference, we also offer:

• Free car parking at many of our sites
• 27 days leave plus bank holidays, increasing up to 33 days with long service
• A broad range of training and development opportunities, including apprenticeships up to Level 7 qualification.
• A multi-professional preceptorship programme for all Newly Qualified; Nurses, Nursing Associates, Internationally Educated Practitioners, Social Workers, Allied Health Professionals and Return to Practice Practitioners.
• Generous NHS pension and enhanced pay when if you work unsocial hours
• Flexible, family friendly and agile working opportunities
• Recognition and long service awards
• Fast Track physiotherapy
• Our Wellbeing line
• Access to discounts and salary sacrifice schemes; including Cycle to Work, Car scheme and discounts on travel, leisure and retailers.

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