Donor Session Assistant; Band 2

MPA Recruitment are currently seeking Band 2 Donor Session Assistants on behalf of our client, the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS).

This is an excellent opportunity to join a dedicated Donor Services team supporting blood donation sessions across Northern Ireland.

As a Donor Session Assistant, you will play an important role in providing a safe, caring and welcoming experience for blood donors throughout the donation process. You will work alongside registered nursing staff and the wider donation team to ensure sessions run smoothly and donors receive a high standard of care and customer service.

Full training will be provided, with candidates required to complete training and a competency assessment before working unsupervised.

Please note: This role involves supporting donors throughout the donation process and removing blood donation needles at the end of the procedure. It would therefore not be suitable for anyone with a significant needle or blood phobia.

Donor Care & Customer Service

• Act as a first point of contact for donors attending blood donation sessions.
• Welcome donors in a friendly, professional and reassuring manner.
• Check donor status and direct donors to the appropriate station.
• Keep donors informed of waiting times and any delays.
• Provide post-donation care, refreshments and appropriate advice.
• Monitor donors throughout the donation process and identify any signs of an adverse reaction.
• Assist registered nursing staff in caring for donors who become unwell.
• Respond appropriately to donor concerns and elevate issues when required.
• Maintain the dignity, privacy, wishes and beliefs of all donors.
• Support donor retention and encourage new donor recruitment through excellent customer service.

Donation Session Support

• Assist with the set-up and dismantling of blood donation sessions.
• Load and unload equipment and supplies.
• Prepare and check equipment and materials before sessions.
• Carry out appropriate quality and safety checks.
• Assist with the preparation and handling of blood donation packs and documentation.
• Ensure blood packs, sample tubes and associated documentation are correctly labelled and completed.
• Assist with monitoring the donation process and ensuring procedures are followed accurately.
• Support the safe removal of the donation needle from the donor's arm following the donation.
• Seal and inspect completed donations in accordance with relevant procedures.
• Assist with the safe storage and transportation of collected blood and samples.

Administration & Quality

• Accurately record activities and maintain appropriate documentation.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of donor and service-user information.
• Follow all relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and organisational policies.
• Work within agreed quality standards to support donor and patient safety.
• Report any incidents, concerns, equipment defects or issues to the appropriate member of staff.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment.
• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements following appropriate training.
• Participate in audits, training, performance reviews and ongoing development.

Driving & Travel

• Drive donation teams to and from blood donation sessions using NIBTS vehicles.
• Drive both manual and automatic vehicles, including 9-seater vehicles where required.
• Complete basic vehicle safety checks using the approved system.
• Assist with transporting blood, samples, equipment and supplies between donation sessions and headquarters.
• Travel extensively across Northern Ireland as required by the service.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must be able to demonstrate:

• 4 GCSEs at Grades A-C, including English Language and Mathematics, or equivalent qualifications.
• A current full UK driving licence valid for use in the UK and access to a car on appointment, subject to the applicable reasonable-adjustment arrangements.
• Willingness and ability to work irregular hours and travel extensively as required.
• Good communication skills.
• The ability to work methodically and accurately.
• Reliability, good timekeeping and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Desirable Experience

The following would be advantageous:

• Previous experience working in a customer-focused or patient-focused environment.
• Experience providing care, support or assistance to…