Laboratory Specialist: Transfusion Medicine

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Has primary oversight of the technical application of clinical laboratory analysis in the following area: Transfusion Medicine. Oversight includes regulatory compliance within respective area of specialty, development and maintenance of current training materials, competency materials as well as support for competency and proficiency of all staff involved in clinical laboratory patient testing and is the primary resource for quality assurance activities, and the general supervisors/specialist assistants in their respective areas.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Serves as CLIA defined technical supervisor/consultant that collaborates with management to develop, update and maintain policies and procedures to direct and guide technical staff in performing clinical laboratory analysis in accordance with the standard of care and manufacturer, regulatory and Medical Center requirements.

3. *Responsible for providing information regarding procedural changes and coordinates staff review of new and/or revised procedures; requests feedback from staff on potential changes.

4. *Collaborates with management in providing technical orientation/training for technical staff members and other ancillary department staff members. Responsible for ensuring adequate training to competently perform test procedures and record/report test results promptly, accurately and proficiently.

5. Schedules regular training debriefs to ensure competency/readiness of trainee with general supervisor and technical staff management.

6. Responsible for following up with staff with technical/competency issues that resulted in a Bsafe.

7. *Responsible for distributing materials and communicating information to ensure that testing personnel meet regulatory educational, competency and safety requirements; creates individualized development plans to ensure ongoing competency and consistency in performing assigned duties per laboratory policies and procedures.

8. *Performs testing at all levels of complexity in accordance with manufacturer, regulatory, policy and procedural requirements.

9. Primary Evaluator of evolving methodologies and technologies in conjunction with laboratory administration; anticipates and plans for supply/reagent, equipment and/or instrument acquisition to accommodate future needs and growth of department in support of the Bryan Medical Center mission and vision.

10. Assists management in reviewing and confirming service and reagent rental contracts to ascertain the terms of the contract

11. *Primary owner for instrument, equipment and method evaluation, validation and implementation while ensuring compliance with manufacturer and regulatory requirements (project management). Collaborates with IT and Beaker analysts on new test builds to ensure IT connectivity and reporting of electronic reports.

12. *Responsible for equipment and instrument maintenance and ensuring adequate stock of reagents and supplies are always available; monitors equipment/instrument/reagent performance; reviews maintenance documents for completeness and accuracy; reviews all repair and service agreements for his/her area of specialty.

13. *Oversees troubleshooting of malfunctioning reagents, equipment, instrumentation and other testing processes and determines appropriate backup procedures in collaboration with management.

14. *Responsible for identifying appropriate proficiency testing for all clinical laboratory analysis performed at Bryan Medical Center and follows up appropriately on proficiency testing deficiencies within an appropriate timeframe.

15. Responsible for developing, implementing and reviewing the laboratory quality control program to ensure compliance with manufacturer and regulatory requirements in conjunction with the Quality Manager. This includes creating IQCPs, QC forms, and developing workflow processes.

16. Ownership in Reviewing and verifying the accuracy of test results, quality control results, proficiency data and quality assurance data on an assigned basis; initiates quality improvement plans (QIPs) and applies appropriate Lean tools; communicates and reviews problems and corrective action plans with management on a routine basis.

17. Responsible for creating and implementing appropriate and acceptable cost saving measures (ROI); anticipates future needs and collaboratively explores alternative processes to adapt to the changing healthcare climate; ensures that test procedures, runs and results meet the needs of the customers.

18. *Collaboratively works with management in the preparation, planning, and participation of inspections conducted by and/or for regulatory agencies, including interim and off-site inspections as needed.

19. Conducts performance assessments and evaluations of technical abilities of testing personnel.

20. Collaborates with management to develop and implement the operating and capital budgets.

21. Follows Medical Center protocols in communicating and releasing patient protected health and financial information.

22. Participates in departmental and inter-departmental meetings, and committees. Follows up with assigned tasks and projects.

23. Primary contact and adjunct faculty for precepting, mentoring, assessing and advising students enrolled in the UNMC Medical Laboratory Science Program and other MLS programs.

24. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

25. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

26. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk "*". Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of clinical laboratory regulatory agency compliance standards and protocols.

2. Knowledge of clinical laboratory technical applications and methodologies.

3. Knowledge of quality improvement, budgetary and financial methods and practices.

4. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

5. Ability to evaluate employee compliance with laboratory policies, competency and safety regulations.

6. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

7. Ability to problem-solve and make decisions in line with the Bryan Mission and Vision, Medical Center protocols and regulatory agency requirements.

8. Ability to develop written policies, procedures, memoranda and training materials, including flow charts and workflow mapping.

9. Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and work effectively as a team member.

10. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel, medical staff, volunteers and ancillary departments.

11. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

12. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

13. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science from an accredited institution required. Medical Laboratory Scientist certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology certification (MLS(ASCP)CM) or equivalency required. Minimum of two (2) years clinical laboratory experience in high complexity testing required. Prior training, supervisory, and customer service experience preferred.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Specialist designation in area of oversight from the ASCP Board of Certification or equivalent desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) Characterized as sedentary work requiring exertion up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Must be able to distinguish and discriminate between colors.