Clinical Lab Scientist - Laboratory - Full Time 8 Hours Variable Shift (Nights and Evenings) (Non-Union, Non-Exempt)

About the Role

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs clinical laboratory testing of biological specimens, applying professional knowledge under the direct supervision of the section Technical Coordinator and ultimately responsible to the Director of Laboratory Services. Testing personnel are responsible for specimen processing, test performance, and reporting test results.

Responsibilities

• Able to analyze and prioritize work duties.
• Identify and solve technical problems and difficulties during routine testing.
• Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, maintenance performed, and approval of appropriate technical coordinator.
• Assist in developing a recording system to ensure necessary controls in work steps are documented.
• Assist in developing and installing quality control standards to assure accuracy in test results.
• Assist in training and orienting new employees and students.
• Assist the section supervisor in reviewing and solving quality control problems.
• Assume the role of section supervisor when required.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either correct the problems or immediately notify the general supervisor, technical supervisor, clinical consultant, or director.
• Contribute to a safe, organized, and efficient workplace by complying with established hospital and departmental policies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the theory behind the tests being performed, requiring a degree of skill commensurate with education, training, or experience, and technical abilities.
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Perform only those high complexity tests authorized by the laboratory.
• Ensure professional development by assuming responsibility and accountability for current competency, licensure, and credentialing files.
• Ensure Staff Clinical Laboratory Technicians and other trainees are prepared for their responsibilities by providing objectives, instruction, and guidance as appropriate.
• Follow the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
• Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Foster continued improvement in the quality of patient care by actively evaluating current work systems and suggesting or supporting positive changes.
• Initiate, suggest, and, if necessary, implement technical and administrative changes upon approval of the appropriate technical coordinator.
• Maintain records that demonstrate proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples.
• May assist the section supervisor in preparing and writing procedure manuals.
• May calibrate instruments and assess the accuracy of the equipment; perform first-line preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment including optical, electronic, and mechanical apparatus; institute necessary service in the absence of the section or shift supervisor or as required.
• May review all outgoing reports for technical and clerical errors as requested. Notify the technical coordinator when supplies are at a low level.
• Perform all routine and new test procedures which are complex and require professional judgment when assigned to a specific work area.
• Perform patient responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for the patient's age.
• Perform phlebotomy or assistance in the front office as necessary.
• Promote an atmosphere of professionalism and cooperation by interacting with others in a calm, courteous, and helpful manner.
• Provide accurate and timely test results by performing assigned tests in accordance with established procedures and policies.
• Read the results of tests and examinations and interpret them in terms of the quality of the test performed and the definitiveness of the results as they relate to each other and to different age groups.
• Recognize administrative changes in staffing and scheduling and adapt to these changes.
• Recognize departures from a norm (for different age groups) and understand the scientific and theoretical reasons for such deviation.
• Respond to the needs of the department and hospital by performing other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or related field (required).
• Valid State of California license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (required).
• Microbiology experience (preferred).

Pay

The hourly salary rate range for this position is $50.76 - $68.22. When extending an offer of employment, factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, State, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations are considered.