Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Hem/BB)

This position may require temporary relocation to other TONHC facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, Casa Grande, and San Xavier Health Center.

About the Role

The purpose of this position is to serve as a Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the Hematology/Blood Bank Section of the Tohono O'odham Nation Sells Hospital Laboratory Branch. This role involves performing work leader assignments for three or more Clinical Laboratory Scientists, conducting medical laboratory procedures including phlebotomy and highly complex analyses, evaluating abnormal patient results, operating and maintaining complex laboratory equipment, and setting up and monitoring quality control.

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 in hematology, coagulation, chemistry, urinalysis, microbiology, rapid test methods, and referral specimen processing.

The incumbent reports to the Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Supervisor), who reports to the Clinical Director.

Responsibilities

• Defines reference values/ranges using statistical methods, sets up and monitors record-keeping systems, and implements effective quality control/quality improvement/proficiency procedures.
• Identifies the need for change in quality assurance programs for Hematology, blood bank, coagulation, and urinalysis.
• Prepares reagents and maintains stores of general and special products for functional and immunologic assays in hematology, blood bank, coagulation, and urinalysis sections.
• Performs routine, complex, highly complex, and unusual tests and studies requiring specialized knowledge and skill (e.g., fibrinogen, fibrin split products, platelet function tests, degradation studies).
• Performs phlebotomy and orders all tests requested by outpatient department RNs or providers.
• Evaluates the validity of data within the test system and assay procedures, integrating and correlating test data with other laboratories, peer groups, proficiency data, and patient data.
• Creates, uses, or modifies logic schemes to determine corrective actions for identified problems.
• Determines if additional information is needed to clarify test results and confers with physicians on further tests as necessary.
• Performs routine, complex, and unusual tests in Hematology, Immunohematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Clinical Chemistry, Endocrinology, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Microbiology, Mycology, Mycobacteriology, and Virology.
• Serves as the work leader of the Hematology/Blood Bank Section, ensuring completion of clinical laboratory scientists' work assignments.
• Articulates and communicates assignments, projects, problems, actionable events, milestones, and deadlines.
• Advises specialists in other laboratory sections or hospital departments on advanced hematology, coagulation, and urinalysis techniques.
• Trains or arranges training for staff in the Hematology/Blood Bank Section on methods, techniques, and teamwork.
• Provides leadership to staff within the Hematology/Blood Bank Section.
• Monitors and reports on work status and progress, ensuring adherence to instructions on priorities, methods, deadlines, and quality.
• Prepares reports and maintains records of work accomplishments and administrative information.
• Evaluates, modifies, and adapts new methods, policies, or procedures to improve analysis quality and compliance with regulations (CLIA 88, HCFA, JCAHO, CAP, OSHA).
• Compares new methods with existing or reference methods by evaluating cost, convenience, and efficiency.
• Assesses advances in medical technology for hematology, blood bank, coagulation studies, and urinalysis procedures.
• Recommends and initiates actions to correct identified problems.
• Provides instructions, training, and explanations in tasks and job techniques.
• Anticipates needs and makes day-to-day adjustments based on established priorities.
• Acts as the Supervisor in their absence on a rotating basis.
• Maintains clinical skills and competency in all laboratory sections.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, or a closely related field.
• Four years of work experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in a laboratory.
• Knowledge of the Tohono O’odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of professional medical technology principles, practices, and theories unique to hematology, blood bank, coagulation, and urinalysis.
• Ability to consult with physicians and providers on diagnostic protocols.
• Knowledge of related disciplines such as antineoplastic therapy and pharmacology.
• Knowledge of specimen collection, storage, processing, and transport standards.
• Skills and knowledge to perform phlebotomy on all age-specific groups, including neonates, children, adults, and geriatric patients.
• Ability to perform complex and infrequent tests, evaluate and implement new methods, and select supplies and equipment.
• Ability to perform work leader duties and maintain privileged, confidential information.
• Ability to work independently, meet strict timelines, and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with employees and the public.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.

Qualifications

Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background check and a National FBI fingerprint check are required. 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 tribal employer’s insurance requirements to operate program vehicles. Based on department needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O’odham language and English.