Donor Session Assistant

Donor Session Assistant
Location: Belfast & Omagh / Various locations across Northern Ireland
Hours: Monday-Friday, flexible hours between 8:00am and approximately 9:30pm
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Contract: Temporary

About the Role:

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.

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Key Responsibilities:

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 escalate 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.

What We're Looking for?

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 members of the public.
• Previous experience within a healthcare, clinical, hospitality, retail, care or customer service environment.
• Experience working as part of a busy team.

Full training will be provided, so previous blood donation or clinical experience is not essential.

Skills & Attributes

The successful candidate will have:

• A caring, compassionate and professional approach.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• The ability to remain calm and reassuring when supporting donors.
• A reliable and flexible approach to working hours.
• The ability to follow detailed procedures and instructions.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Confidence working in an environment involving blood donation and needle removal.

Additional Information:

• An Enhanced Access NI Check may be required for this role.

What we can offer you:

At MPA Recruitment, we're committed to supporting you throughout your placement. We can offer:

• Full training and competency assessment before you work unsupervised.
• The opportunity to gain valuable experience within a specialist healthcare service.
• Dedicated support from your MPA Recruitment Consultant.
• Weekly pay.
• Holiday pay.
• The opportunity to develop your customer service, donor care and healthcare support skills.
• Experience working alongside experienced healthcare and nursing professionals.
• The opportunity to strengthen your CV with experience within the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service.
• Support throughout the registration, compliance and onboarding process.
• Access to future healthcare opportunities through MPA Recruitment.

Why Apply?

• Full training provided - previous blood donation experience is not required. Gain valuable experience within a specialist healthcare environment. Develop your communication, customer service and donor-care skills. Work as part of a supportive and professional team. Make a real contribution to the blood donation service across Northern Ireland. An excellent opportunity for candidates from healthcare, care, retail, hospitality or customer service backgrounds. Build your CV and open the door to further opportunities within healthcare.

How to Apply:

To apply, send your CV to or contact our office on for more information.

MPA Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer.