Lab Technician I

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The position of Lab Technician I is responsible for preparing specimens and the laboratory for analysis, performing analysis, recording results, and troubleshooting and resolving problems.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs tests as authorized by the Laboratory Director and commensurate with the Lab Technician's education, training, experience, and technical abilities.
2. Adheres to the laboratory's procedures for handling and processing specimens, analyzing and reporting test results, and maintaining patient records.
3. Maintains records demonstrating that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
4. Adheres to the laboratory's quality control policies. As such, documents all quality control activities, including instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
5. Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting and corrects the problem if reasonably possible. Otherwise, the position immediately notifies the general supervisor, technical supervisor, clinical consultant, or director.
6. Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
7. Complies with all accreditation (CLIA, API, CAP, HIPAA, OSHA) standards and complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements
8. When processing a patient sample, analyzes all necessary samples (including calibration, QC's, etc.) on LC-MS-MS for confirmation. Sends reports to the Assistant Lab Technician for scanning, along with the requestion forms.
9. Verifies and ensures that standards and quality controls are properly functioning, in compliance with standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements.
10. Demonstrates appropriate use of information systems (LIS, EMR, software, internet, etc.)
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of settings and with a wide variety of people and different organization levels.
• Highly organized with the desire and ability to effectively track projects from start to finish.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently and with little to no supervision.
• Demonstrate consistent reliability, integrity, and dependability.
• Setting and achieving high goals and standards of performance.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and keep others on the schedule.
• Take initiative to do to redo inadequate or incomplete work, even if it is not yours.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Consistently demonstrate ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary.
• Minimize non-productive time and fill slow periods with activities that will enable you to prepare to meet the future needs of the company (education, organizing, housekeeping, assisting others).
• Organize job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within established time frames.
• Consistently demonstrate ability to take the initiative to make decisions/choices without direct supervision.
• Adhere to administrative and departmental policies.
• Demonstrate regular attendance and timeliness.
• Do not incur excessive overtime.
• Remain conscientious in regard to personal hygiene.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and ability to reference them from appropriate sources.
• Demonstrate adherence and support of company-wide service standards as evidenced by observation and feedback from patients, family members, and other clients.
• Must interact and exchange personnel, and outside agencies on a frequent basis while respecting the confidentiality of patient information.
• Must be able to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Must be able to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, or oral form
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate a high attention to detail.
• Strong organization, filing, and time management skills.
• Basic computer literacy and typing.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

One of the following is required:

1. Licensed MD/DO/DPM
2. Doctoral, Master's, bachelor's or associate degree in a laboratory science
3. Education or experience equivalent to an Associate's degree in a laboratory science and at least one of the following:
4. Graduated from a clinical laboratory training program
5. Three months of experience in each specialty of high complexity testing performed

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are expected to include 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Thursday). Occasional overtime may be required. The position operates in a professional office environment and the incumbent, in the course of performing this position, spends time writing, typing, speaking, listening, driving, seeing (such as close, color and peripheral vision, depth perception and adjusted focus), sitting, walking, standing, and reaching. The incumbent may operate any or all of the following standard office equipment including but not limited to multi-line telephone system, postage mater, facsimile machines, calculator, photocopy machine, computer/printer, and coffee maker. The incumbent may operate medical equipment. The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.