Technical Specialist/Lab

Technical Specialist

The Technical Specialist has delegation to perform activities related to the technical operations of the laboratory in the specific department assigned. The Technical Specialist works in conjunction with the Supervisor for each shift within the department to achieve section specific goals and responsibilities. The Technical Specialist does not perform in a supervisory capacity, except where/when specifically delegated. The roles and responsibilities of the Technical Specialist are an extension of those delegated to the Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Leads troubleshooting and problem solving (equipment problems, QC issues, questionable results, etc.) with help from Pathologist. Oversees appropriate corrective actions, including results review.
• Monitors performance of all tests and procedures in accordance with the applicable protocols contained in the procedure manuals.
• Reviews/updates procedures annually. Ensures procedures are reviewed by the Administrative Supervisor and Pathologists when changes are made or at least semi-annually. Ensures procedures are in CLSI format.
• Assists the Administrative Supervisor in directing, assigning and scheduling personnel in such a manner as to achieve high levels of productivity while continuing to generate timely and accurate test results. On a daily basis, works to maximize scheduling of personnel, integration of diagnostic workflow with instrumentation, and communication with internal and external customers.
• Monitors punctuality and timeliness of employee arrival, breaks and meal times to ensure testing areas are covered appropriately. Assists the Administrative Supervisor in time and attendance management.
• Ensures competency of all personnel by continuously evaluating and documenting performance. Provides input to the Administrative Supervisor on employee evaluations.
• Assists in evaluating instrumentation and new procedures as appropriate. Is responsible for coordinating on site evaluation/validation/verification and set-up of new instrumentation. Serves as a primary contact for training, troubleshooting and instrument repair.
• Assists in monitoring section and personnel compliance with fire, safety, infection control and other hospital regulations and practices according to policies and procedures.
• Responsible for training and teaching theory and practical applications to newly hired personnel in orientation. Assigns mentors or serves as a clinical instructor for students in the section during clinical practice. Participates and/or 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.
• Assists Administrative Supervisor and Laboratory Management in reviewing budgets, variances, strategic planning, goal definition, problem resolution and equipment acquisition.
• Answers customer inquiries about test results, methodology, specificity, sensitivity, and interpretation. Investigates customer complaints and initiates corrective actions when appropriate.
• Actively participates in ongoing quality and process improvement activities
• Promotes a culture of teamwork, engagement, and team member and patient safety
• Section specific technical specialists perform duties requisite to their assigned department
• The technical specialist for Quality reports to the Laboratory Administrative Director and leads quality initiatives throughout the laboratories such as data collection and analysis, regulatory reporting, presentation to laboratory and hospital quality committees, attends committee meetings as assigned, coordinates with laboratory leadership on various quality improvement projects, reports progress and outcomes to the Laboratory Administrative Director, and other quality duties as assigned.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

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.

Working Conditions

Must possess manual dexterity and fine motor skills. Able to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time, reach and bend. Is able to lift a maximum of 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Vision and hearing must be normal or corrected to within normal. Normal color vision for those tasks requiring color differentiation.

Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, laboratory chemicals and hazardous material. 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.