Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist IV

Formerly Puget Sound Blood Center and Lane Blood Center, Bloodworks is backed by more than 70 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. A national leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks has been chosen to serve more than 90 hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska – partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. We are local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based.

We have a wonderful new job opportunity for an Immunohematology Laboratory Specialist IV to join our Immunohematology Reference Lab. The incumbent will perform clinical laboratory testing under routine and emergency protocols in the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory—with carer progression and training for the Lead – Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist position.

Principal responsibilities include but are not limited to: – As Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist IV:

Within the department:

• Assist in setting department goals and objectives consistent with Bloodworks’ mission.
• Consistently model values of Bloodworks and coach for the same expectation; contribute and build upon current practices and procedures in support of values, mission, and goals.
• Ensure all applicable department documents and procedures are adhered to by staff and report discrepancies to department management.
• Participate in interviews and assess qualifications based on the needs of positions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with coworkers and customers.
• Exhibit respect for others and help others willingly.

As a member of the leadership team:

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrate trust in each other and have assurance that issues discussed will be kept in confidence.
• Provide timely and honest feedback to team members regarding how the team functions.
• Challenge and offer support to peers to ensure each department/group is contributing to the success of the organization.
• Function effectively within the team and participate and contribute constructively to produce results in a collaborative manner
• Ensure the department’s actions comply with laws, regulations, and Bloodworks policies and practices.
• Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and follow safety procedures to minimize risk to self and nearby individuals.
• Responsibly support the department budget.
• Proactively recommend systems, resources, and procedures to achieve the department’s success.

Principal responsibilities include but are not limited to: - As Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist IV:

Daily Operations

• Perform daily workups of complex antibody problems and red cell reference testing according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Fill orders for blood, meeting required Turn Around Time (TAT).
• Perform donor antibody identification and investigate ABO/Rh type discrepancies.
• Perform antibody ID using tube, gel, and solid phase methods.
• Perform warm autoantibody evaluations using matched cells, adsorption, and/or elution techniques.
• Able to use enhancing reagents and enzymes in the evaluation of complex antibody problems.
• Perform extended transfusion reaction evaluations.
• Perform neonatal evaluations and antibody titers.
• Perform Kleihauer-Betke tests and calculate the appropriate dose of Rh immune globulin.
• Serve as IRL Lead in the absence of Lead/Supervisor to coordinate assignment of workload to applicable IRL staff according to each staff member's training and ability.
• Report results of tests performed to physicians, other health care and laboratory professionals, and institutions.
• Serve as initial consult to external laboratory professionals and physicians regarding the clinical significance of results, with support from the Bloodworks’ Medical Staff.

Operational Support

• Maintain and track inventory levels of antigen-typed units and supplies for testing.
• Participate in initiatives to meet requirements for the American Rare Donor Program for the laboratory to maintain AABB IRL accreditation.
• Maintain proficiency in freezing and thawing/washing of rare units.
• Process unusual or complex requests for service or information. Consult with management or BW Medical staff regarding these requests as applicable.
• Prepare and QC reagents and serum for use during daily operations.
• Participate in special research and development projects as assigned.

Quality & Process Improvement

• Suggest procedural/job aid revisions and report changes in working conditions or external events that may influence standard operational processes.
• Understand and participate in QA functions of the laboratory. Report and if required appropriately document incidents involving unusual circumstances or failure to follow written standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate documentation and training associated with the implementation of new/revised SOPs, forms, and/or job aids when there are changes to equipment, reagents, and/or methods.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation of all testing, research, validation, and training performed.
• Perform and document equipment QC and maintenance.
• Review daily workup documentation final reports for accuracy/completeness,
• Coordinate billing for testing services provided.
• Maintain consistent and frequent communication with Medical Staff and department management representatives.
• Perform applicable actions associated with maintaining routine product QC according to regulations and/or standards.

Training & Competency

• Train new Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist(s) who will be performing routine work in IRL.
• Support (mentor) newly trained Immunohematology Laboratory Scientist(s) in their performance of IRL functions. Guide staff performance, provide feedback and corrections as needed; and provide input on staff work performance.
• Coordinate direct observations for annual and training competency programs.
• Keep current with emerging technologies and trends within the field of red cell reference.
• Complete CAP/AABB Survey Assignments within the allotted timeframe.
• Train Medical Fellows during rotation.
• Provide technical support for Transfusion Service Laboratory personnel.
• Comply with all applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as written.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Must qualify as Testing Personnel, High Complexity Testing, under CLIA personnel requirements found in Subpart M of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• A Bachelor of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or other Biological Science or equivalent is required.
• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Blood Bank Technologist (BB), or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) and a minimum of five years of laboratory technical experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) including at least one of the following:
• Certification as a Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) is preferred.
• A minimum of 4 years of Immunohematology Laboratory experience is required.

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to comply with Bloodworks’ Mandatory Vaccinations policy
• Requires ability to comprehend the criticality of the testing being performed, as it relates to the blood components being prepared for transfusion, or organs being transplanted. Includes a fundamental understanding of the financial value of the testing reagents, blood components being prepared, and the necessity to follow all regulatory rules and regulations (AABB, CFR, EU, CLIA, HIPAA, and WA State), including FDA’s “Good Manufacturing Practices”.
• Required mental activities involve the continuous use of teamwork. Required mental activities used less frequently include interpersonal skills, and the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English (all used frequently); decision making, creativity, customer service, independent judgment and/or independent action, the performance of basic mathematics, and the performance of accurate proofreading and correct spelling (all used occasionally); and the use of discretion, presentations/teaching, problem analysis, negotiation, mentoring, the performance of basic mathematics and programming, and the performance of advanced programming (all used rarely).
• Required physical activities include frequent standing, walking, talking, reaching, feeling, hearing, handling, and repetitive motions of hands/wrists. Required physical activities used less frequently include stooping, sitting, bending, and repetitive motions of feet (all used occasionally); and kneeling, crawling, and climbing (all used rarely).
• The ability to push, pull, and lift an average of 40 pounds throughout the day is required, as is the ability to carry an average of 20 pounds throughout the day.
• Significant manual dexterity is required to operate various instruments and to perform required data entry.
• Must be capable of performing independent work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Functional proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Telecommuting is not offered in this role.
• This is a highly regulated agency and is subject to meeting various regulatory agency and accrediting body rules and regulations. These may include but are not limited to, FDA, AABB, CLIA, and CAP.
• Job conditions to be expected include extensive travel, substantial overtime, and on-call status (frequent); heavy lifting, constant standing, extensive close work with computer screens, and sleep deprivation (occasional); and evening meetings (rare).
• Ability to write position is “on-call” for up to 12 days each month.
• The position requires extensive computer and close work; occasional heavy lifting, constant standing, substantial overtime, and on-call status; as well as infrequent off-shift work.
• Position requires intermittent work (up to 30 minutes on each occasion) in cold rooms (1 – 6oC) and walk-in freezers (-35oC).
• Bloodworks is a community-supported non-profit organization. As such, (from time to time) the incumbent can expect to work with volunteers.
• As this is an essential position with direct responsibility to donors and/or patients, the incumbent should be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts and/or possibly at a different location during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies.
• Ability to work scheduled holidays and weekends.
• This position has direct exposure to blood-borne pathogens.

Shift: Tuesday through Saturday; Monday through Friday of 2 weeks rotation; second shift 3 pm to 2330pm.

Benefits and Perks:
Employees regularly scheduled for 24 hours per week are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with family coverage also available. Also, able to participate in retirement plans (401a & 401b), consolidated paid leave program (4.8 – 6.8 weeks of time off accrued per year, based on length of service), subsidized backup childcare program, subsidized transit program, educational reimbursement. Candidates hired from outside of our service area may be eligible for a relocation assistance bonus*

• Conditions apply

Bloodworks Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.