Technical Specialist/Lab

About the role

The Technical Specialist performs activities related to the technical operations of the laboratory in the specific department assigned. They work in conjunction with the Supervisor for each shift within the department to achieve section-specific goals and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversees troubleshooting and problem-solving (equipment problems, QC issues, questionable results, etc.) with help from Pathologist.
• Makes appropriate corrective actions, including results review.
• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Ensures competency of all personnel by continuously evaluating and documenting performance.
• Assists in evaluating instrumentation and new procedures as appropriate.
• Serves as a primary contact for training, troubleshooting and instrument repair.
• Maintains section and personnel compliance with fire, safety, infection control and other hospital regulations and practices according to policies and procedures.
• Trains and teaches theory and practical applications to newly hired personnel in orientation.
• Assists in teaching continuing education courses.
• Reviews professional journals, attends workshops, seminars and lectures to remain current in technical knowledge, instrumentation, techniques, regulatory requirements and procedures.
• Answers customer inquiries about test results, methodology, specificity, sensitivity, and interpretation.
• Investigates customer complaints and initiates corrective actions when appropriate.
• Promotes a culture of teamwork, engagement, and team member and patient safety.
• Participates and/or assists in teaching continuing education courses.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Requirements

• Minimum education is a baccalaureate degree or equivalent in medical laboratory science or biological science with certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Technologist or Clinical Laboratory Scientist by one of the nationally recognized certification agencies American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) preferred; the American Medical Technologist (AMT) acceptable.
• A minimum of three (3) years of certified laboratory experience is required; experience in laboratory quality management preferred.
• Abilities are demonstrated in areas of assigned responsibilities by successful completion of annual laboratory competency testing.
• Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

Qualifications

• Must possess manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Able to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time, reach and bend.
• Able to lift a maximum of 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.
• Physical presence on site is essential.
• Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Frequent interaction with others in the Laboratory and other departments in person, by telephone or by email, to resolve issues with patient care that are impacted by laboratory testing.
• Due to the emotional and/or emergency nature of patient care some customers may be unpleasant, angry or discourteous in their requests for Laboratory services.