SPECIAL TESTING TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - LAB IMMUNOLOGY at Aultman Health Foundation – CANTON, Ohio

Entity: Aultman Hospital, Canton Campus

Position Summary:

Under the direction and supervision of the Assistant Manager of Microbiology, assists in directing personnel and resources in the most efficient manner possible and assumes responsibility for maintaining quality assurance in the department. Uses technical expertise and training to maintain the overall quality and timeliness of the services rendered. Assists in directing personnel and resources in the most efficient manner and assumes responsibility for ensuring ongoing quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing within departmental standards. Performs a variety of routine and complex laboratory procedures using standard and specialized techniques, instrumentation, and equipment on a wide variety of biological specimens to assist the physician in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Exercises professional judgment to recognize, prioritize and facilitate varying test requests and workload in an efficient manner. The Technical Specialist assumes responsibility and accountability for the accuracy of procedures performed.

Department Summary:

The Special Testing department performs a wide range of assays, including immunology, electrophoresis, allergen, and flow cytometry testing. Special testing staff work side by side with the Pathologists to ensure accurate performance, interpretation, and resulting of high complexity testing.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree, including twelve-month training in an approved program for Medical Laboratory Science, with certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist by an approved certifying agency or Bachelor of Science degree with MLT certification and/or necessary experience to be designated as a registry eligible MLS.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience working in Flow Cytometry required.
• Minimum 2 years’ leadership experience preferred

Department Specific Qualifications:

• Willingness and ability to fill the CLIA role of Technical Consultant, Technical Supervisor, and General Supervisor as defined by CAP for the following testing areas:
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Electrophoresis
  • Immunology

Job Skills:

• Highly organized
• Detail oriented
• Strong multitasking abilities
• Quick learner
• Ability to handle high stress/fast paced work environment
• Work effectively with coworkers
• Strong communication skills

Responsibilities & Expectations:

• Oversees all aspects of the Flow Cytometry, Electrophoresis, and other special testing areas including but not limited to accreditation and quality.
• Gate samples, request additional panels as needed, draft the entire flow report using predefined templates
• Works with peers and leadership to achieve hospital and departmental goals.
• Introduces and demonstrates new procedures, programs, and equipment to departmental and other hospital staff as appropriate.
• Assists with the selection, training/orientation and evaluates performance of staff. Makes recommendations for personnel actions.
• Performs technical research and development of new assays in Flow Cytometry under the direction of Flow Cytometry pathologist(s).
• Evaluate referral testing and makes recommendations on bringing testing in-system.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates the quality and critical aspects of service programs/modalities provided by the department including proficiency testing and quality controls and takes appropriate action to report and address identified issues.
• Monitors and maintains compliance with all regulatory requirements, accreditation standards and hospital policies.
• Maintains department and equipment and seeks to develop new program enhancements and strategies.
• Reviews and develops laboratory policies and procedures.
• Is responsible for the department's operational excellence and ensures that quality services are delivered in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and professional behavior standards.
• Collaborates with other departments to create systems and problem solve issues that impact departmental/organizational goals and patient care delivery.
• Actively participate in departmental and hospital committees and meetings as appropriate.
• Organizes and directs the daily activities of the laboratory and supervises the technical staff
• Responsible for coordinating all technical, logistical, and administrative functions to ensure prompt and accurate testing and reporting of results for all laboratory samples within established timeframes
• Delegates or resolves technical problems and ensures that remedial action is taken and documented when tests do not perform to specifications and that patient results are only reported when tests are functioning properly
• Assigns and reviews the workflow of all technical staff
• Exercise professional judgment to recognize, prioritize and facilitate varying test requests and workload in an efficient manner.
• Mentor students and new employees by providing a positive experiential learning environment.
• Think critically and work efficiently in high stress situations
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, nursing units, providers, and laboratory leadership.
• Uses Tools and Tones for High Reliability in order to promote a culture of safety.
• Accepts responsibilities and maintains an attitude conducive to a cooperative and productive work environment.
• Adheres to all policies described in the Aultman Hospital Code of Conduct and Employee Handbook.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Dayshift, Monday-Friday
• >50% of time spent in supervisory functions

Department Specific Working Conditions:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.

Hazardous Exposure Category: Select Category I, II or III and delete the other categories.

Choose the correct category. If you are unsure of your category, you can reference the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan and appendices A, B, and C (Standard Precautions) on Policy Tech.

Category I – Includes tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

All procedures or other job-related tasks that involve an inherent potential for spills or splashes of, or mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues are Category I tasks. Use of appropriate protective measures is required for every employee engaged in Category I tasks.

Physical Addendum: Please place one “X” in the appropriate box for the requirement.