Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (LIS/POC)

PLEASE NOTE - This position may require temporarily relocation to other TONHC Facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center.

Position Summary

The position serves as the Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist in an inpatient, outpatient, and referral facility, which provides support to physicians in diagnosing hemostatic and metabolic disorders with responsibility for integrating software within the hospital computer system and overseeing the ancillary Point of Care (POC) program. This position is responsible for performing work leader assignments for three (3) or more Clinical Laboratory Scientists engaged in laboratory duties and performing medical laboratory procedures, including phlebotomy, highly complex analyses, and infrequently required tests; evaluating abnormal or unusual patient results; operating and maintaining complex laboratory equipment; and setting up and monitoring daily, weekly, or monthly quality control.

Scope of Work: The employee is responsible for planning, implementing, and developing the clinic's laboratory section, which includes phlebotomy, general/routine laboratory testing, solving highly complex diagnostic problems, and modifying or adapting new methods or techniques to improve or expand services specific to the following areas: hematology, coagulation, chemistry, urinalysis, microbiology, rapid test methods, and referral specimen processing. The work typically requires making decisions about how the LIS or Ancillary (POC) Testing Programs should be organized. The Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Supervisor) makes assignments by setting the overall objectives and general approach; the incumbent and Supervisor generally confer on deadlines and priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Depending on the area of assignment, an incumbent may not be required to perform some of the duties listed below):

• Perform phlebotomy and ordering of all tests requested by outpatient department RNs or providers.
• Responsible for training all hospital personnel in the Laboratory Information System (LIS) in the various Laboratory (Medical Technology) Computer Applications.
• Responsible for recommending appropriate access levels and menus for all.
• Follow appropriate security policy guidelines for all Laboratory Branch employees, including designation sensitivity level for all positions.
• Acts as the primary contact person for the Laboratory Branch to disseminate information about the Laboratory Computer System (e.g., upcoming repairs, instrument interfaces, etc.). Serves as the subject matter expert (Medical changes, Technology), advising the DIST Staff of technical requirements of the Laboratory.
• Works with other Clinical Laboratory Scientists when new equipment or methodologies are introduced and provides assistance to integrate them into the Laboratory Computer System.
• Responsible for the maintenance and security of the computer hardware and personal computers in the Laboratory Branch. Refers needed hardware repairs to DIST Staff.
• Request through the Supervisor changes in the software to accommodate changes in Laboratory methodology and procedures.
• Prepare any output requested by the Supervisor, DIST Staff, or other service requests related to workload, Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), utilization studies, and other requests specific to Laboratory software.
• Responsible for training personnel and monitoring of all ancillary Point of Care (POC) testing (waived complexity) for schools and outlying TONHC facilities
• Monitors use of the computer resources and make recommendations to the Supervisor, and the DIST Staff, regarding the allocation or reallocation of resources.
• Develops, implements and monitors appropriate policies, procedures, and record keeping documentation necessary to meet the standards of accrediting or regulatory agencies. Prepare for site inspections.
• Recommends and initiates actions to correct problems identified to meet requirements.
• Evaluates and recommends to the Supervisor changes or additions to the Laboratory Branch's ADP Security Procedures.
• Provides instructions, training, and explanation in tasks and job techniques and makes written instructions, reference materials, and supplies available.
• Provides proficiency test materials and evaluates the validity of data in relation to test system and assay procedures. Integrates and correlates test data with other Laboratory and patient data to conclude the normality of a system.
• Evaluates, modifies, or adapts new methods or revises standard techniques to improve or expand quantitative, accuracy, precision, specificity, or proficiency of analyses (e.g., evaluates new test systems, kits, and equipment and recommends procurement of use).
• Anticipates needs and progress of work and makes day-to-day adjustments according to established priorities, obtaining assistance from the Supervisor or DIST staff on problems that may arise, such as backlogs, which cannot be promptly addressed.
• Contribute to a team effort.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of professional Medical Technology principles, practices, and concepts (and the theories and techniques unique to Laboratory sciences), sufficient to perform studies.
• Advise management, and develop plans for methodologies, which the computer can accomplish for established testing and reporting procedures; monitors and corrects problems associated with Laboratory computerization at the facility;
• Evaluates, modifies, and implements new methods and participates in the selection of software equipment.
• Knowledge and skill are sufficient to consult with peers on the Hospital computer system and software to adapt and maintain software programs for accomplishing Laboratory work by the computer.
• Knowledge of related disciplines such as diabetic and anemia therapy and pharmacology to coordinate the Laboratory software package with other Laboratory components and select and evaluate the section's procedures.
• Knowledge of waived testing protocols and standards, medico-legal responsibilities, accrediting agency requirements, and Federal and State laws and regulations sufficient to ensure that the Laboratory software package and Laboratory Computer Program plans and procedures are consistent with requirements.
• Independently plans and carries out the assignments, develops the techniques to be used, coordinates the work with others, including DIST Staff, Medical Staff, and other Hospital staff.
• Keeps the Supervisor informed of progress and potential problems.
• Knowledge of regulatory licensing and accrediting agency requirements to assure compliance with standards. Knowledge of quality controls checks, correction, and documentation of corrective actions.
• Knowledge of guidelines includes PHS, HAS, I.H.S. regulations and policies, and other U.S. Government and accreditation standards for laboratories.
• The skills and knowledge to perform phlebotomy procedures on all age-specific groups to include neonates, children, adults, and geriatric patients.
• Ability to maintain privileged, confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, or closely related field, and four years of work experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in a laboratory, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience closely related to the clinical laboratory scientist's duties and responsibilities.
  
  

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements

• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and a National FBI fingerprint check are required to determine suitability for employment, including a 39-month driving record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham language and English as a condition of employment.