Blood Collection Officer

Job description

We are delighted to be recruiting for a number of Blood Collection Officers based around Ireland for our client Sport Ireland to assist their Anti-doping Unit.

About Sport Ireland

Sport Ireland is the designated National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) in Ireland. The specific roles of Sport Ireland Anti-Doping are defined under Section 4 of the Sport Ireland Act (2015). Sport Ireland is based on the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin and functions include the dissemination of the guidelines and codes of practice, the standards of good conduct and the elimination of doping in sport. Sport Ireland also undertakes actions that are deemed appropriate to combat doping and protect clean sport. These actions include the national testing programme and intelligence and investigation. As part of the testing programme, Sport Ireland directs the collection of samples and the management of these test results. It also undertakes to attend hearings on anti-doping cases as required. Sport Ireland operates in full compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code.

Blood Collection Officer

Blood Collection Officers (BCOs) are professionally trained, qualified and experienced phlebotomists. BCOs are required to collect blood samples in accordance with WADA’s International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI). This involves collaborating with a Doping Control Officer (DCO) on testing missions to collect blood samples from athletes and ensuring the correct aftercare procedures are conducted.

Sample Collection Personnel, as an entirety, is at the forefront of the anti-doping program carried out by Sport Ireland and plays an important role in protecting the rights of athletes to compete in doping-free sport.

BCOs will be independent contractors who receive offers for testing athletes on a mission-by-mission basis according to Sport Irelands needs.

Key tasks

• The BCO shall assist the DCO in all aspects related to the blood sample collection session.

• Collaborating with a DCO to undertake testing missions for athletes in the out-of-competition setting, which often involves visiting the athlete’s home or training facility.

• Attending sport competition events to undertake blood testing missions in the in-competition setting.

• Undertaking blood sample collection duties as part of the Sport Ireland’s national anti-doping program in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code provisions and guidelines set out by Sport Ireland.

• Ensuring the integrity of the blood sample collection process.

• Accurately and adequately completing the procedures and administration duties associated with the role of BCO, including report and notes writing.

• Contributing to the development or improvement of procedures for BCOs.

Professional skills

• Professionally trained, qualified and experienced phlebotomist – evidence of qualification from a recognised medical education institution or university and proof of local registration or certification will be required on application.

• Completion of first aid training and certification and able to deliver first aid, if required.

Personal skills

• Excellent English written and oral communication skills are essential.

• Sensitivity, understanding and calmness under pressure.

• Ability to interact in a professional manner with athletes, their support personnel, and other Sample Collection Personnel.

• Strong sense of discretion, confidentiality and handling of sensitive and confidential data.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills with attention to detail, ability to set and manage priorities.

• Interest in sport, with a sensitivity to sports ethics.

• Have a flexible schedule of availability, assignments are on demand.