Technical Specialist/Lab

Overview

The Technical Specialist is accountable for overall daily operation of the section including the instrumentation, training of staff, daily quality control, procedure manuals, introduction of new methods and employee assignments.

Responsibilities

• Oversees personnel in the performance of all tests and procedures in accordance with the applicable protocols contained in the procedure manuals.
• Reviews/updates procedures annually. Ensures procedures are reviewed by the Administrative Supervisor and Pathologists when changes are made or at least semi-annually.  Ensures procedures are in CLSI format.
• Assists the Administrative Supervisor in directing, assigning and scheduling personnel in such a manner as to achieve high levels of productivity while continuing to generate timely and accurate test results. On a daily basis, works to maximize scheduling of personnel, integration of diagnostic workflow with instrumentation, and communication with internal and external customers.
• Reviews quality control and proficiency testing to ensure diagnostic testing is accurate. Investigates and corrects discrepancies.  Makes recommendations to the Administrative Supervisor on quality control material/programs, proficiency surveys, CAP Q-Probe/Q-Track programs, and other programs or materials to ensure testing accuracy.
• Monitors punctuality and timeliness of employee arrival, breaks and meal times to ensure testing areas are covered appropriately. Assists the Administrative Supervisor in time and attendance management.
• Assists the technical staff by covering a work station when necessary.
• Ensures competency of all personnel by continuously evaluating and documenting performance. Provides input to the Administrative Supervisor on employee evaluations.
• Assists in evaluating instrumentation and new procedures as appropriate. Is responsible for coordinating on site evaluation and set-up of new instrumentation.  Serves as a primary contact for training, troubleshooting and instrument repair.
• Ensures section and personnel compliance with fire, safety, infection control and other hospital regulations and practices according to policies and procedures.
• Responsible for training and teaching theory and practical applications to newly hired personnel in orientation. Assigns mentors or serves as a clinical instructor for students in the section during semesters of clinical practice.  Participates and/or assists in teaching continuing education courses.
• Reviews professional journals, attends workshops, seminars and lectures to remain current in technical knowledge, instrumentation, techniques, regulatory requirements and procedures.
• Assists Administrative Supervisor and Laboratory Management in reviewing budgets, variances, strategic planning, goal definition, problem resolution and equipment acquisition.
• Answers customer inquiries about test results, methodology, specificity, sensitivity, and interpretation. Investigates customer complaints and initiates corrective actions when appropriate.

DCH Standards:      

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum education is a baccalaureate degree or equivalent in clinical laboratory science or biological science, with certification as a clinical laboratory scientist or medical technologist by one of the nationally recognized certification agencies: American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) preferred; the American Medical Technologist (AMT) or the American Association of Bio-analysts (AAB) acceptable. 

At least three years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting with at least one year of previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.

Abilities are demonstrated in areas of assigned responsibilities by successful completion of annual laboratory competency testing.  Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

Must possess manual dexterity and fine motor skills. Able to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of

time, reach and bend. Is able to lift a maximum of 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing

up to 20 pounds. Vision and hearing must be normal or corrected to within normal. Normal color vision for those tasks requiring color differentiation. 

Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, laboratory chemicals and hazardous material.  Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.  Physical presence on site is essential.  Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Frequent interaction with others in the Laboratory and other departments in person, by telephone or by email, to resolve issues with patient care that are impacted by laboratory testing.  Due to the emotional and/or emergency nature of patient care some customers may be unpleasant, angry or discourteous in their requests for Laboratory services.