Asymptomatic COVID Test Site Operative

Post Title: Asymptomatic COVID Test Site Operative

Grade/Pay rate: Pay rate of £10 PH incl 

Hours of Work: 3.0- 7.5 hours per day expected

Contract Status: Fixed term Contract

Reports To: Test Site Team Leader 

Asymptomatic testing is the testing of people with no symptoms of COVID-19, in order to identify anyone who may unknowingly be carrying the virus, so that they and their household can be instructed to self-isolate. The intention of asymptomatic testing is to reduce the transmission of the virus. It has been reported nationally that up to 1/3 of cases are asymptomatic. People with symptoms must stay at home and arrange a PCR test- this testing is not for them.  Asymptomatic testing is carried out using Lateral Flow Devices (LFD) which are self-administered by test subjects, guided and supported by processing operatives. The LFD then takes 30 minutes to return a result.

Test Site Operatives will be directly supported by a Team Leader. Test Site Operatives will be trained to carry out the following roles:

• Registration Operative: these team members welcome and support the students and staff being tested. They oversee the registration of key information. 

• Processing Operative: these team members support students and staff to self-administer swabbing and then process the sample

• Results Recorder: these team members monitor the LFD tests as they process and record results after 30 minutes

The testing team will operate large-scale student and staff asymptomatic testing, working with students, school staff and additional external staff. Applicants will need to be able to be flexible at this point as the length of the post will depend on the scheduling of mass testing, where all students must be tested twice on their return to school and staff should be tested twice weekly. We have approximately 1,600 students and over 160 staff.

The school has become proficient in running small-scale testing for students and staff during the current lockdown. 

All test site team members will undergo training on all aspects of testing. All staff will wear designated PPE following NHS guidance strictly. This includes wearing a face mask and visor and so team members must be able to wear face masks for prolonged periods of time. 

All those students and staff who are tested will have given consent (parental consent for younger students). 

If you think that the post of Test Site Operative appeals to you, please read on.

Specific Duties:

• Take part in and successfully pass the relevant training modules. These are clear and manageable online modules amounting to approximately 2hours, which will be followed and supported by on-site run throughs

• Supporting in the set-up of the test site each day/restocking of the site as appropriate 

• Supporting school students and staff to be able to self-administer swabbing 

• Processing LFD tests 

• Registering school students and staff at the registration desk and ensuring correct identification of their test

• Accurately managing a range of LFD devices as they process, reading and recording results 

• Employing safe operating procedures and adhering to expected practices 

Criteria for Selection – Experience, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills and the ability to motivate, support, encourage and clearly explain to young people aged 11-18 

• Good organisation skills and the ability to maintain accurate records 

• Confidence and positivity 

• Ability to be on your feet for long periods of time 

• Ability to manage calmly in a busy environment 

• Problem solving skills 

• Ability to follow guidelines and set processes

• Team player skills 

Experience of working with people in leisure or hospitality settings would be highly suitable Training :

An appropriate training package is in place for operators to be trained to be able to conduct the test in a safe and effective manner.  Elements of this training will be assessed, and no-one will be able to commence duties until assessed elements are undertaken and passed.  This package includes the following:

• Using NHS videos which demonstrate how physical tests are conducted and each of the roles involved 

• Reading materials outlining the infection prevention and control measures and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment, including the proper procedure for donning and doffing PPE and an understanding of how to deal with any contamination or other untoward incidents

If you think that this role is for you, you should apply using the school’s application form which can be found here http://www.brentsidehigh.ealing.sch.uk/89/staff-vacancies

Completed applications should be sent to Tara Roach, PA to the Headteachers, at T.Roach@Brentsidehigh.ealing.sch.uk Potential applicants are also welcome to email any questions about the role. 

Deadline for applications: 12 noon Monday, 2 March, 2021

Interviews will happen remotely during the weeks commencing Monday 1 March and Monday 8 March

The school is committed to safeguarding children and the successful applicant will be required to apply for an enhanced disclosure from the DBS.  Further information can be found at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs