Trainee TSSU Technician - Decontamination Unit (CDU)

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role:

Cowlairs Central Decontamination Unit (CDU) provides a comprehensive decontamination and sterilisation service to theatres, clinics and community services across the Glasgow area. The unit processes approximately 12 million reusable surgical instruments and medical devices each year. The successful candidate will work within the CDU/SSD undertaking decontamination, assembly, inspection, packaging and sterilisation of reusable medical devices. Full training will be provided, with staff expected to become multi‑skilled across all operational areas and work towards becoming a fully trained Assistant Technical Officer.

This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa or a Health and Care Worker visa. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is unable to provide candidates or employees with a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

2 x Permanent Roles 36 Hours

Cowlairs Central Decontamination Unit

Post 1 Monday to Friday 12pm - 8pm

Post 2 Friday, Saturday, Sunday 7.30am - 8pm

Key responsibilities:

The post holder will be responsible for supporting the safe and effective decontamination and sterilisation of reusable medical devices used in patient care. Duties include accurately inspecting, assembling and packaging surgical instruments, cleaning and maintaining decontamination equipment in line with required standards, operating washer disinfectors, sterilisers and other specialist equipment safely and correctly, maintaining full traceability of instruments throughout the decontamination process, completing all associated documentation, and ensuring compliance with departmental policies and procedures relating to health and safety, infection prevention, fire safety, security and quality standards. The role requires working across the decontamination, assembly/check/packaging and sterilisation zones and contributing to a flexible, team‑based service.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

• Completion of training in all aspects of CDU/SSD equipment operation and departmental procedures.
• Knowledge of decontamination processes and reusable medical devices.
• Understanding of the operation of washer disinfectors, sterilisers and associated equipment.
• Knowledge of different sterilisation methods and their suitability for specific instruments and equipment.
• Ability to learn and work within strict quality management and regulatory standards.
• Ability to support and assist in the training of new technicians.
• Good general standard of education.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Practical skills and manual dexterity.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Understanding of NHS policies and procedures, including:
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Health & Safety
• Environmental Policies
• Staff Governance
• Waste Management
• Knowledge of decontamination and sterile services processes is advantageous, although full training will be provided.

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom‑based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact:
Yvonne Jeffrrey, Assistant Production Manager, ,

Francis Haughey, Assistant Production Manager, ,

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates

This vacancy may close early due to a high volume of applications. We recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

This post may require a satisfactory PVG Scheme record check.

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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work‑life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full‑time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community . We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

For application portal or log‑in issues, please contact the Jobtrain Support Hub in the first instance.

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