Senior Neuro-Physiologist

Grade Code: 3607

€55,665 €57,295 €59,032 €60,817 €62,667 €64,385 €68,634 €72,890 LSIs

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale.  Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011).  Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

As per HR Circular 012/25 Please note that previous experience working in the public service counts only where the individual was employed directly by the relevant Civil Service/Public Body. It does not apply for temporary assignments with those bodies while engaged as an agency worker and employed by a private sector employment agency. Exemptions can be found at the following link.

HSE Guidelines on Terms and Conditions of Employment provides additional information. https://www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation/national-pppgs/guidelines-on-terms-and-conditions-of-employment/

The current vacancy available is a permanent and whole-time post.

A panel may be created for Senior Neuro-Physiologist, GUH, from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled.

Tel: 091 544678

Email:  marie.gately@hse.ie

We welcome enquiries specific to the role.

To support the delivery of high quality, consistent care, Networks of Care are being developed across the region which are multidisciplinary clinically led regional structures, which will provide leadership, set the strategy for the relevant clinical/care area, support quality, risk and safety structures/processes, and help support the regional leadership team in the assurance processes related to the relevant services.

The establishment of Networks of Care (NoC) across HSE West and North West, will support the sharing of clinical/specialty/programme expertise, strengthen the operational resilience, and ensure sustainable safe and quality services. Key components for the NoCs include:

• The provision of a regional wide clinical/care service under an integrated governance framework and providing the care group lens across the region/nationally.
• A standard system of governance; policies, audit meetings, quality assurance, incident reporting, incident management, risk management, oversight of regulation etc., across services in the Region.
• Risk stratification of patients to ensure that higher risk patients are dealt with at the most appropriate facility within the NoC.
• Quality assurance on the basis of one integrated service, although operating at different geographical sites; this will require data to be pooled across the NoC.
• A integrated approach to service delivery which ensures that each Integrated Health Area (IHA) delivers care appropriate to the resources, facilities and services available in that area.
• Accountable structures to support high quality education and clinical research, and active engagement with evolving regional academic structures.

An integrated approach to service delivery which ensures that each IHA in the Region delivers care appropriate to the population needs, resources, facilities and services available. The NoC will work closely with all stakeholders relevant to Network.

• Are supported by accessible health and social care services to live healthier lives,
• Have access to safe, high quality, compassionate, and integrated care, delivered by highly skilled and valued staff,
• Can be confident that we will deliver the best health outcomes and value through a culture that supports continuous improvement, excellence in clinical practice, teaching, research and innovation

Recruitment Department.

Portable monitoring in ICU/HDU/CTICU/NICU/IP-VTEEG /on Ward, OPD NCS clinics.  Provide urgent cover for paediatric and neonatal EEG studies during staff leave.

• Support the principle that care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree.
• Maintain throughout the Group’s awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.
• Performance management systems are part of role and you will be required to participate in the Group’s performance management programme.

Scientific/Professional

• Participate in patient care i.e., preparation and reassurance of patient.
• Record, measure and monitor selected neuro-physiological activities of patients as required by a clinician.
• Calibrate and maintain of all electro-encephalography equipment which, includes sterilisation where necessary.
• Calibration, maintenance and liaising with medical physics for routine repairs of all equipment. Ensure all equipment is in good working order. Cleaning of equipment and sterilisation of electrodes.
• Note medication and know its possible effects on the test to be carried out.
• In certain circumstances, modify procedures and know when and where either to carry out photic stimulation and hyperventilation as instructed by clinician and/ or in accordance with established practice.
• Initiate and participate in dealing with medical emergencies including Cardio/ Pulmonary resuscitation.
• Undertake portable testing in some cases.
• Undertake/ arrange routine sleep recording in some cases where resources permit
• Take history and interpret request forms.
• Observe, describe and report any abnormal behaviour occurring during procedures.
• Prepare departmental protocols for clinical investigations.
• Deputise for the Chief Neuro-Physiologist when required.

Administrative Duties

• Supervise and schedule appointments and assessment of workload.
• Ordering stationery, preparation of quotations for new equipment.
• Arranging equipment demonstrations on site.

KPI’s

• The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the Hospital’s service plan targets.
• The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets.
• Driving and promoting a Performance Management culture.
• In conjunction with line manager assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession.
• The management and delivery of KPIs as a routine and core business objective.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS:

• Employees must attend fire lectures periodically and must observe fire orders.
• All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately.
• Infection Control Policies must be adhered to.
• In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Acts 2005 and 2010 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits.
• In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the Hospital Buildings is not permitted.
• Hospital uniform code must be adhered to.
• Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management.
• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

 Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety

• The management of Risk, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.
• The post holder must be familiar with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.
• The post holder has a duty to familiarise themselves with the relevant Organisational Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate in the following areas:

o   Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives

o   Document Control Information Management Systems

o   Risk Management Strategy and Policies

o   Hygiene Related Policies, Procedures and Standards

o   Decontamination Code of Practice

o   Infection Control Policies

o   Safety Statement, Health & Safety Policies and Fire Procedure

o   Data Protection and confidentiality Policies

• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they become familiar with the requirements stated within the Risk Management Strategy and that they comply with the Group’s Risk Management Incident/Near miss reporting Policies and Procedures.
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they comply with hygiene services requirements in your area of responsibility.  Hygiene Services incorporates environment and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, cleaning, the management of laundry, waste, sharps and equipment.
• The post holder must foster and support a quality improvement culture through-out your area of responsibility in relation to hygiene services.
• The post holders’ responsibility for Quality & Risk Management, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety will be clarified to you in the induction process and by your line manager.
• The post holder must take reasonable care for his or her own actions and the effect that these may have upon the safety of others.
• The post holder must cooperate with management, attend Health & Safety related training and not undertake any task for which they have not been authorised and adequately trained.
• The post holder is required to bring to the attention of a responsible person any perceived shortcoming in our safety arrangements or any defects in work equipment.
• It is the post holder’s responsibility to be aware of and comply with the HSE Health Care Records Management/Integrated Discharge Planning (HCRM / IDP) Code of Practice.

Risk Management, Quality, Health & Safety

• Adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility.
• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (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. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
• Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Education & Training

• Engage in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with your Line Manager and staff as appropriate.

The above Job Description 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. 

Qualifications and/ or experience

(a) Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:

(i) Possess the BSc in Clinical Measurement from Dublin Institute of Technology.

Or

(ii) Possess the BSc in Clinical Measurement from Technological University Dublin.

Or

(iii) Possess an equivalent relevant scientific qualification (Level 8) as confirmed by the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science (IICMS).

Or

(iv) (a) Possess the Certificate in Medical Physics and Physiological Measurement (MPPM) from Dublin Institute of Technology.

Or

(iv) (b) An equivalent scientific qualification as confirmed by the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science awarded in or before 2005. (See Note 1*)

And

(v) All candidates must have a minimum of 3 years fulltime (or an aggregate of 3 years fulltime) relevant post qualification experience.

And

(b) Candidates must have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

Note 1*: In exceptional cases, where the IICMS are not in a position to validate pre 2005 qualifications, the Clinical Measurement Physiologist experts on the eligibility / selection board may, at their discretion, deem as eligible:

 HSE applicants who are currently employed as Clinical Measurement Physiologists, and who were employed in or before 2005, on the presentation of proof of their qualification/s that was acceptable on the commencement of their employment.

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.

• Technical knowledge of all relevant Neurophysiological techniques.
• Involvement in research work and keeping up to date with current practice and developments in field of Clinical Neurophysiology. Availability to pursue further study for higher qualification.
• Demonstrate sufficient professional knowledge to carry out duties and responsibilities of the role.
• Demonstrate a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role. Demonstrate evidence of computer skills including the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc good communication skills.

Planning & Managing Resources

• Demonstrate the ability to plan and deliver care in an effective and resourceful manner and the ability to manage self in a busy working environment.

Building & Maintaining Relationships (including Managing People)

• Ability to work on their own initiative and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate effective team skills and the ability to work with colleagues in the department and multi-disciplinary team members.
• Demonstrate leadership and team management skills.
• Demonstrate discretion and diplomacy in all matters.

Commitment to providing a Quality Service

• Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a user centred service.
• Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change.
• Display awareness and appreciation of the service user and the ability to empathise with and treat service users / others with dignity and respect.

Evaluating Information & Judging Situations

• Demonstrate problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Display the ability to evaluate information and make effective decisions especially with regard to service user care.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Display effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with other staff members, patients, public etc, and the ability to give constructive feedback to encourage learning.
• Demonstrate awareness and appreciation of the service user.

Eligible candidates must be:

(i)              EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii)            Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.

Ranking/Shortlisting/ Interview

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.

Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.

The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.

The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long term health condition.

For further information on the HSE commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, please visit the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion web page at https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/diversity/

Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.cpsa.ie

This job description 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.

A panel may be created for Senior Neuro-Physiologist, GUH, from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. 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 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

€55,665 €57,295 €59,032 €60,817 €62,667 €64,385 €68,634 €72,890 LSIs

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale.  Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011).  Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

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 16^th 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).

 * Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26 week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26-week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

All Mandated Persons under the Children First Act 2015, within the HSE, are appointed as Designated Officers under the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998.

Mandated Persons such as line managers, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, social workers, social care workers, and emergency technicians have additional responsibilities.

You should check if you are a Mandated Person and be familiar with the related roles and legal responsibilities.

Visit HSE Children First for further information, guidance and resources.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing a SSSS for the department/service^[1], as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.
• Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.
• Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.
• Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.
• Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures^[2].
• Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.
• Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.

Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.