PURPOSE OF POSITION

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 in order 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS

Specimen Processing

• Assists accessioning as needed to input specimen collection and receipt information into the lab information system
• Assists in the centrifugation and aliquoting of specimens adhering to established procedures as needed
• Verifies that specimens meet the individual test requirements prior to testing
• Refers unusual test requests and questions regarding specimen acceptability to the Unit Director or section Pathologist
• Assists in the registration of ALS and/or drawstation patients as needed

Specimen Testing

• Responsible for composing all section procedure manuals and revising those manuals when necessary
• Successfully operates available instrumentation for testing purposes
• Maintains instrumentation/equipment in good working order using the assistance of "key operators" and manufacturer field and technical service representatives
• Provides technical information to laboratory "customers" as well as staff and appropriately directs questions to the Unit Director as indicated
• Communicates technical changes and updates to staff in a timely fashion as indicated
• Conducts training, coordinates delegated training, and assists the Unit Director in on-going training efforts with new and existing personnel
• Recognizes deviations from expected results and completes investigation and follow-up
• Uses alternate method (s) when applicable to insure accurate results when interfering substances are present (ie. hemolysis, lipemia, cold agglutinins)
• Follows the written departmental procedure (s) when performing all testing
• Organizes work during heavy workload period and directs staff to areas needing assistance
• Responds to STAT requests according to established protocol

Quality Control

• Reviews and follows-up on all QC Exception Reports
• Investigates Variance Reports (internal, external, Midas)
• Participates in and assigns proficiency testing as required. Reviews returned scores, investigates any unacceptable proficiency testing and follows-up with the Unit Director and/or section Pathologist as needed
• Reviews Corrective Action logs and follows-up with staff and/or Unit Director as needed

• Performs quality control procedures as required by CAP and departmental protocol
• Recognizes QC trends and initiates corrective action when necessary

• Properly documents when QC is outside of the established guidelines for acceptability and takes appropriate corrective action according to established procedures
• Participates in process improvement projects and Lab QA meetings

Continuing Education

• Refers to the procedure manual for technical information to aid in decision making
• Reviews department bulletin board daily, if applicable
• Reviews procedures yearly relative to the scope of testing
• Participates in technical workshops, seminars and other continuing education when possible
• Documents continuing education and forwards to the Unit Director for placement in the employee's file

Equipment Maintenance

• Assures instrument preventative maintenance is performed according to department guidelines and manufacturer specifications in order to insure proper equipment operation

• Consistently follows prescribed maintenance procedures without "short cuts"
• Identifies and investigates instrument problems according to instrument trouble-shooting guidelines
• Calls manufacturer's "hotline" when necessary and notifies the Unit Director when "emergency" service is required
• Maintains all records pertaining to preventative and emergency maintenance according to department protocols

Reagents and Supplies

• Maintains adequate reagent and supply levels for continual testing while promoting cost effectiveness
• Receives, properly labels, and stores in-coming supplies, reagents and controls
• Prepares reagents and controls according to established procedures

Safety

• Follows Universal Precautions at all times

• Reads and follows Hospital safety and infection control guidelines
• Reads and follows Laboratory safety and infection control guidelines
• Participates in fire drills as required
• Completes any Laboratory safety education as assigned
• Uses the Tools & Tones for High Reliability in order to promote a culture of safety

Professionalism and Communication

• 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 Hand book
• Follows all policies of the Pathology Department as described in the Lab Policy Manual.
• Communicates with all persons in a polite and professional manner
• Adheres to the hospital dress code and maintains a professional appearance
• Arrives at work on time and begins work promptly
• Returns promptly from lunch and breaks, following established guidelines
• Uses spare time for work-related activities
• Performs other necessary duties and tasks as assigned by the Unit Director or section Pathologist

Personnel

• Follows-up on technologist related errors with the technologists involved, forwarding information to the Unit Director for additional follow-up as indicated
• Ensures that staff follow the hospital/department safety and infection control procedures
• Assists the Unit Director in directing the efficient use of personnel based on their technical abilities and workload needs by making and/or altering work assignments
• Performs Competency Assessment (s) for department employees as required by CAP
• Schedules personnel for daily assignments and makes changes as needed to cover vacations, call-offs and other issues that may arise
• Exercises delegated authority for the Unit Director to:
  • Direct personnel to work in areas needing assistance
  • Alter personnel work assignments to effectively complete testing during call off or short staffing situations
  • Act as the "in-charge" individual as assigned
  • Respond to negative employee conduct or performance. These instances must be reviewed by the Unit Director for follow up and/or appropriate disciplinary action
  • Communicate concerns of employees to the Unit Director
• Upholds and practices the highest level of professional integrity in all daily work functions, including confidentiality of patient records

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

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Department Hours: 24 hours/day, 365 days/year
• Work hours are assigned by the Unit Director and/or Technical Specialist and can be on any shift depending upon the staffing needs of the department
• Requires Saturday/Sunday and Holiday rotation
• Requires occasional paid overtime before or after normal working hours, if approved
• Works in a well-lighted and ventilated laboratory

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS ADDENDUM

PURPOSE: To identify specific functions job requirements and work environment factors that could affect job performance.

O = Occasionally = 0- 33% of the work shift or 0- 32 repetitions.

F = Frequently = 34-66% of the work shift or 32-200+ repetitions.

C = Constantly = 67-100% of the work shift or 200+ repetitions.

N = Not essential job requirement.

F Standing

F Walking

N Lifting (70 pounds)

N Carrying (70 pounds)

N Pushing (70 pounds)

N Climbing with (70 pounds)

O Stooping/Bending

O Twisting/Turning

N Kneeling/Squatting

N Crawling

O Reaching Up/Reaching Forward

Additional information concerning physical requirements for the position:

None