Laboratory Technical Specialist - Microbiology at Ellis Medicine – Schenectady, New York

Work in collaboration with the Supervisor of the department and the Administrative Laboratory Director to ensure that all departmental procedures and policies are complied with appropriately. The Laboratory Technical Specialist will be able to perform all duties of the Medical Technologist. In addition, the Laboratory Technical Specialist will be responsible for technical aspects of the department including: ensuring regulatory compliance, computer file maintenance, writing procedures, review of quality control results, maintaining instrumentation, completion of ongoing competency assessment of staff and carrying out other necessary functions as defined by the Department Supervisor and Administrative Director. The Laboratory Technical Specialist will utilize technical expertise and leadership qualities to aid in problem solving within the department. The Laboratory Technical Specialist will be able to oversee operations of the department independently, on a day to day basis.

Requirements:

• ASCP or AMT certification as a Medical Technologist required.
• Must be licensed as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist by the New York State Education Department.
• Baccalaureate degree in Medical Technology or related science field.
• Previous experience working as a Medical Technologist with proven expertise.
• Must meet NYS Department of Health qualifications for Medical Technologist as stated in Public Health Law Part 58.1-1.5 and also qualify as a Laboratory Supervisor as stated in Part 58-1.4 of the same law.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for accuracy and timeliness of testing performed in the department. Monitors departmental Turnaround time and reviews quality control data routinely.
• Ensures staff Competency within department, reviews and performs competency assessments and ensures staff receives training as needed to perform job functions.
• Acts as a technical advisor to the department, assists supervisor to identify quality issues in testing and makes recommendations for addressing issues.
• Work with department supervisor to meet departmental goals. Assist in evaluating and implementing new testing methodologies. Key operator on major pieces of equipment
• Oversees computer functions in the department. Monitors data flow to insure interfaces are running properly in department. Works with IT department with computer system requirements. Computer changes are made in relation to lab service needs.
• Monitor and maintain a working supply of standards, controls, reagents and other materials necessary for the proper function of the department. Supplies are adequate to produce lab results as requested by customers. Work with Materials Management as required (day shift leads).
• Maintain and update knowledge of laboratory medicine as well as hospital policies, procedures and guidelines. Provide staff education as required. Research new methodologies. Completes hospital educational requirements and utilizes opportunities to learn whenever scheduling allows. Coordinate staff training as needed.
• Assists department supervisor in various clerical and technical duties.
• At the direction of the supervisor, the Laboratory Technical Specialist will be responsible for planning schedules to ensure adequate coverage to meet department and shift needs. This will include adjusting daily work assignments in response to staffing shortages or workload demands in order to complete testing within acceptable turn-around times.
• Equipment problems are resolved to ensure that lab services are maintained. Alternate methods are implemented. Vendor support is utilized. Issues are documented. Supervision is notified. Validation studies are performed and analyzed. Keeps supervisor informed of equipment issues. Implements established contingency protocols to ensure that lab services are maintained.
• Quality control data is thoroughly reviewed for required adjustment or remedial action. All quality control problems are documented and reported to the supervisor. Patient results are not released until quality control problems are corrected. Supervision is informed of issues. Day shift Laboratory Technical Specialist will submit monthly reports to commercial QC programs.
• Assist supervisor with proficiency testing review and necessary actions.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Assigned special projects as needed. Accepts additional tasks as assigned by supervisor to maintain the operation of the laboratory and support the organization’s initiatives.
• Writes procedures. Trains staff as needed.
• Assists supervisor with Regulatory compliance needs. Familiar with regulatory agency standards. Directly involved with the regulatory agency survey process.
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures related to: Mandatory education, Annual health assessment, Licensure verification

Ellis Medicine is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will prohibit, discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, domestic violence victim status, known relationship or association with any member of a protected class, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law violates federal, state and, where applicable, local laws , reproductive health decisions or source of payment, consistent with applicable legislation and to comply with the laws pertaining thereto.

Salary Range: $33.71-50.56 /hour Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.