Laboratory Technologist Level V

Duties & Responsibilities Purpose of Position: This class of positions encompasses the scopes of practice of clinical laboratory technologists and, where appropriate, cytotechnologists and histotechnologists, in accordance with Article 165 of the New York State Education Law and Title 10 of the New York State Public Health Law. Additionally, performs clinical laboratory work that varies in degree of difficulty and/or supervises a major program initiative or activity. All personnel perform related work, as appropriate to area(s) of assignment and licensure. Exercises primary scientific, technical, and administrative responsibility for the operation of a very large laboratory or group of laboratories engaged in one or more specialties of laboratory practice; or directs an ongoing clinical laboratory improvement program for clinical laboratories under permit; or supervises or participates in inspections to ensure that laboratory policies and procedures are in compliance with City, State and federal regulations. Examples Of Typical Tasks At a higher level, performs the typical tasks of Assignment Level I: Performs routine clinical laboratory tests and procedures for diagnosis and treatment on specimens submitted to the laboratory; enters raw data from instruments into computer to determine final results and records results on report forms, in record books, and/or in electronic form, as appropriate and required; and processes specimens and cultures, isolates and identifies micro-organisms, prepares and examines slides and smears. Operates and maintains laboratory equipment, and performs quality control procedures. Participates in internal and external programs of quality control and proficiency testing, as required by regulatory agencies. Prepares packages, labels, standardizes laboratory media, reagents, and controls to ensure that the laboratory is adequately supplied. Prepares reports, makes entries on charts, and maintains data and other records on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, as required. May oversee, monitor, and/or review the work of subordinate personnel, as required. At a higher level, also performs the typical tasks of Assignment Level II: Assists with complex analyses on laboratory specimens. In areas outside of specialty or competency, under direct supervision, performs functions which require limited technical skills; records results on laboratory report forms, in record books, and/or in electronic form, as appropriate and required. In water pollution control assignments, performs laboratory tests for fecal matter and microscopic algae; performs biochemical, plankton, zooplankton and other species analyses. Participates in non-routine testing in connection with research programs in specialty and subspecialty areas, utilizing standard laboratory tests; makes minor modifications which are compliant with acceptable laboratory practices; and records all pertinent data in detail. Maintains internal and external programs of quality control and proficiency testing, as required by regulatory agencies. Maintains laboratory records and prepares reports. Assists in on-the-job or classroom training of subordinates, new personnel, and other persons, as required. May supervise subordinate employees. Under direction, reviews the work of subordinates and evaluates and documents work performance; takes corrective action, when needed to maintain the work of the unit at a satisfactory level. Orders and maintains adequate amounts of media, reagents, and other supplies or assists supervisor with this function. At a higher level, also performs the typical tasks of Assignment Level III: Maintains a program of quality control and participates in a program of quality assurance. Advises staff on appropriate methods and techniques. Oversees the ordering and maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment as well as the preparation, packaging, labeling, and standardization of laboratory media and reagents; and records results and pertinent data of prepared products or oversees this function. Prepares labels, packages, and standardizes laboratory media, reagents, controls and specimens for use in analyses. Prepares work orders for laboratory repairs. Assists in developing and revising laboratory policies and procedures. Conducts tests and/or other complex analyses. Designs and maintains charts, logs, and other records. Testifies in court or other proceedings as an expert witness. May prepare correspondence and narrative/statistical reports. May participate in or supervise the preparation, administration, and rating of laboratory proficiency test programs. At a higher level, also performs the typical tasks of Assignment Level IV: Plans and conducts training sessions for laboratory personnel in various laboratory techniques, and trains subordinates in new procedures and job skills, as needed; counsels subordinates on methods and techniques appropriate for use in complex technical problems or unusual developments in their assignments, consulting authoritative literature, when necessary. Oversees a program of quality control and reviews such program performed by subordinates; participates on an individual basis and as a laboratory supervisor in all governmental proficiency test programs. Prepares or oversees the preparation of laboratory samples for use in simulated and splitsample proficiency testing of clinical and other laboratories, and follows-up by physical inspection of laboratory; submits written or electronic critique of test results. May visit laboratories to ensure that laboratory policies and procedures are in compliance with City, State, and federal regulations, or to investigate public complaints; devises appropriate corrective action plans based on problematic findings. Performs complex tests on specimens submitted to the laboratory, and records results on report forms, record books, and/or electronic form, as appropriate and required; answers written or oral inquiries regarding areas of specialty from hospital or laboratory personnel and other inquirers; represents the health care system in court and provides expert testimony on pertinent laboratory findings; prepares technical and other reports on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, as required. Assists in the preparation of annual budget requests. Interviews applicants for the laboratories, and provides appropriate liaison between laboratory staff and those ultimately responsible for administrative policies. In addition to performing the typical tasks of Assignment Levels I - IV at a higher level, as described above, also performs the following: Directs all operations of a group of laboratories providing diagnostic services; directs the operations of the section providing proficiency testing and training programs for clinical laboratories. Initiates, plans, organizes, coordinates and schedules special studies related to improving services of the laboratories; modifies their techniques, or devises new methodologies. Supervises and monitors the work of the laboratory examiners or consultants inspecting laboratories under permit. Designates and initiates the study of new materials or methods to improve diagnostic procedures. Directs and initiates the study of new materials or methods to improve diagnostic procedures. Assists in the preparation or revision of specifications for laboratory layouts and/or their equipment. Consults with manufacturers, vendors, and contractors concerning laboratory planning and/or equipment. Appraises the need for laboratory supplies and equipment; prepares and forwards requisitions for their acquisition. Prepares annual budget requests. Prepares required activity and progress reports at scheduled intervals. Minimum Qualifications Valid license as a clinical laboratory technologist, cytotechnologist, or histotechnologist issued by the NYSED. For Appointment to Levels IV and V In addition to meeting the qualification requirement of Assignment Level II, candidates must also meet one of the qualification requirements of a laboratory supervisor as outlined in Title 10, Section 58-1.4 of the New York Public Health Law. Special Notes Qualifying experience is not limited to New York State. Candidates that are solely licensed or issued permits to practice as cytotechnologists or histotechnologists may only be assigned work, including supervising personnel performing laboratory work, in a laboratory discipline/specialty appropriate to their license or permit. Candidates that are licensed or hold permits to practice as clinical laboratory technologists may be assigned work, including supervising personnel performing laboratory work, in all laboratory disciplines/specialties. #J-18808-Ljbffr