Lab Technical Specialist Microbiology
Newton-Wellesley Hospital(NWH)

Full time day shift.

$10,000 Sign On BOnus paid after 90 days! Free Parking and benefits from Day ONE!

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The technical specialist's role includes all aspects of the Medical Laboratory Technologist (MT I, MT II); he/she performs a variety of laboratory tests for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. As a medical laboratory technologist s/he may perform laboratory procedures across the major areas of the laboratory, or concentrate activity in one area such as Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology, or Microbiology as described in the attached addendum

In addition to standard technologist duties, the Technical Specialist assumes additional responsibility for various tasks to assist in the day-to-day functioning of the department, including, but not limited to: ordering supplies and reagents, writing, reviewing, and/or revising policies and procedures, quality control and assurance oversight, and any other duties as appropriate and requested by the manager/supervisor.

Assumes responsibility for the assigned department in the absence of the supervisor.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

In addition to the duties and functions of a medical technologist/technician:

• Coordinates technical functions and activities in designated department of the clinical laboratory in cooperation with the supervisor/clinical manager.

• Acts as a technical resource for the laboratory and other hospital staff.

• Assumes responsibility for the section/shift in the absence of the supervisor.

• Takes responsibility for timely communication of any problems/issues with equipment, supplies, or personnel to the supervisor/clinical manager.

• Ensures that department staff is kept informed of operational issues/concerns.

• Reviews periodic reports to ensure that: established turn-around time qualifiers are met; outliers are addressed as needed; missing samples are tracked.
• Monitors department/shift workflow to accomplish daily objectives according to established schedules.
• Complies with, and assists others in complying with, established standards and practices/procedures.

• Initiates service calls; follows through on return/replacement for defective supplies.

• Uses supply ordering system and/or obtains purchase orders as applicable.

• Ensures adequate levels of supplies/reagents.

• Monitors physical environment to ensure that any issues with temperature, humidity, or general plant condition are addressed; may require submission of work orders for correction.

• Performs, documents, and/or assigns quality control and proficiency testing, and maintains accurate records.

• Maintains all required records, reports, statistics, logs, files, and slides. Assists supervisor/clinical manager in preparing and maintaining department in a ready-state for unannounced inspections that may include (but are not limited to) CAP, Joint Commission, FDA, DPH.

• May be responsible for the training, supervision and evaluation of students and others during their clinical rotation.

• Participates in competency assessment of department staff that may include: initial competency evaluation of new hires, annual competency assessment of incumbent staff, and remedial competency assessment for performance issues.

• Participates in week-end and holiday rotations; may be required to cover evening and night shifts to support operational needs of the department.

• Prepares and/or monitors department schedule to ensure adequate department/shift coverage.

• Demonstrates knowledge of applicable regulatory standards that may pertain to the department that may include: CAP, AABB, FDA, DPH, and Joint Commission. Reports problems or situations that may be contrary to prevailing compliance requirements.

• Responds to physician/patient/customer/staff inquiries or needs promptly and thoroughly.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Responsible for complying with hospital's employee health requirements.

• Maintains professional growth through attending seminars, workshops, conferences or other activity; provides documentation/certificate of attendance.

• Attends mandatory in-service education offerings, and completes assigned course-work or competency assessments within established time frames.

• Adheres to CareFirst Standards for Performance Excellence when dealing with coworkers, physicians, nurses and all others within and outside of the laboratory and hospital; demonstrates professional behavior at all times.

• Supports department/hospital goals and mission.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Serves as acting supervisor of staff in absence of supervisor/clinical manager.

May be required to carry a pager and respond when called.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Monitors department/shift operation and staff schedule to minimize use of overtime and/or premium labor. Where applicable, uses preferred or contracted vendors to obtain better pricing for goods or services. Assists with selection of products/vendors to ensure the most financially responsible selection of necessary supplies and reagents.

Ensures that reagents/products are utilized appropriately to avoid outdates and discards. Assists with purchase orders and budget preparation.

A. Job Knowledge and Skills:

1. Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

2. Familiar with typical laboratory operations including use of computer systems.

3. Can prioritize work to achieve established turn-around times while maintaining operational efficiency.

4. Experienced with a wide range of instruments and/or testing techniques.

5. Capable of following written procedures, both technical and administrative.

6. Adept at troubleshooting instrument problems and knowing when to escalate problems to the next level.

7. Can recognize problems with samples that could impact test results.

8. Communicates effectively with both internal and external customers.

9. Functions as a team player at all times.

10. Able to act as trainer/mentor to coworkers, new employees and/or students.

B. Education:

1. Qualified under CLIA as High complexity Testing personnel (42.CFR 493 1489)

2. Associates degree in laboratory science.

3. Bachelor's degree in medical technology or related science from an accredited school preferred.

4. Specialized knowledge/skill in a specific laboratory discipline acquired through advanced training desirable.

C. Experience:

1. Specialized knowledge/skill in a specific discipline acquired through advanced training or previous work experience of at least two years (full-time).

2. Previous experience as a lead technologist preferred.

3. For the technical specialist generalist, experience in more than one area of the clinical laboratory is preferred.

D. License, Certification and/or Registrations:

1. Nationally recognized certification as a medical technologist preferred.

2. Certification in a specialty category may be acceptable in lieu of medical technologist certification.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Working with blood and/or other potentially infectious biohazardous material that may include urine, serum, plasma, or other body fluids and tissues. Possible exposure to unpleasant/irritating chemicals or odors. Environmental conditions such as noise and temperature fluctuations should be expected. Working in a confined space; sharing resources such as computer terminals or equipment may be necessary.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS OF JOB DESCRIPTION:

Constantly - 75% or more of the worker's time is spent in the activity

Frequently - 25% to 75% of the worker's time is spent in this activity

Occasionally - 5% to 25% of the worker's time is spent in this activity

Rarely - 5% or less of the worker's time is spent in the activity

NA - not applicable

GENERAL TASKS

Basic activity being performed

C

F

O

R

N/A

Comments

Standing

X

Standing

X

Sitting with back support

X

Sitting without back support

X

Reaching-

Overhead

X

Forward

X

Lateral

X

Low

X

Stooping

X

Bending at waist

X

Crouching

X

Bending at knees

X

Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Stairs

Crawling

X

Twisting

X

Balance

X

Other _Repetitive motions

X

Pushing Tasks by weight-

5 lbs

X

5-15 lbs

X

15-40 lbs

X

40-75 lbs

X

75-100 lbs

X

Pulling Tasks by weight-

5 lbs

X

5-15 lbs

X

15-40 lbs

X

40-75 lbs

X

75-100 lbs

X

Lifting Tasks by weight-

5 lbs

X

5-15 lbs

X

15-40 lbs

X

40-75 lbs

X

75-100 lbs

X

Sensory Requirements:

Visual Activity-

Close paperwork

X

Monitor - CRT

X

Color vision required

X

Visual monotony

X

Auditory Activity-

Conversation

X

Monitoring Equipment

X

Telephone

X

Transcription

X

Background noise

X

Sensory Discrimination-

Hot/Cold, Sharp/Dull

X

Qualifications
Job Knowledge and Skills:

1. Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

2. Familiar with typical laboratory operations including use of computer systems.

3. Can prioritize work to achieve established turn-around times while maintaining operational efficiency.

4. Experienced with a wide range of instruments and/or testing techniques.

5. Capable of following written procedures, both technical and administrative.

6. Adept at troubleshooting instrument problems and knowing when to escalate problems to the next level.

7. Can recognize problems with samples that could impact test results.

8. Communicates effectively with both internal and external customers.

9. Functions as a team player at all times.

10. Able to act as trainer/mentor to coworkers, new employees and/or students.

B. Education:

1. Qualified under CLIA as High complexity Testing personnel (42.CFR 493 1489)

2. Associates degree in laboratory science.

3. Bachelor's degree in medical technology or related science from an accredited school preferred.

4. Specialized knowledge/skill in a specific laboratory discipline acquired through advanced training desirable.

C. Experience:

1. Specialized knowledge/skill in a specific discipline acquired through advanced training or previous work experience of at least two years (full-time).

2. Previous experience as a lead technologist preferred.

3. For the technical specialist generalist, experience in more than one area of the clinical laboratory is preferred.

D. License, Certification and/or Registrations:

1. Nationally recognized certification as a medical technologist preferred.

2. Certification in a specialty category may be acceptable in lieu of medical technologist certification.

EEO Statement
Newton-Wellesley Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.