Medical Laboratory Scientist, Sr.

Job Description About Us We are welcoming a new era in healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper, we believe in caring for the whole person by getting to know – and making connections with – our patients. By combining the talent and expertise of our people, the breadth of capabilities across our system, and our commitment to helping our communities get better and stay healthy, we are improving the patient experience. As a UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper team member, you will have a voice in patient care decisions, support the most advanced medical technologies and feel a strong sense of satisfaction from making a difference in people’s lives every day. Job Type Classification: Non Exempt Job Summary Performs Quality Control (QC) and complex patient testing, develops skills and maintains competency in routine, “specials” and assigned laboratory areas. Patient tests and QC material tests are performed and results reported in accordance with departmental policy. Error rate is consistent with established departmental standards. Critical values are reported and documented per medical laboratory policy. Clinical correlation of results with other known patient parameters is incorporated in result verification per department procedure. Workload is prioritized and managed to meet expected Turn‑Around‑Time (TAT). Competence is maintained, and new skills are added as technologies change. Correctly uses supplies and reagents and assists in inventory management; inventory levels are assessed and steps taken to maintain appropriate levels. Reagents are received, stored, and their quality is verified properly prior to use following departmental policies. Reagents and supplies are utilized according to manufacturer and/or procedural instructions. Disposal of reagents and supplies is in accordance with safety guidelines. Performs advanced equipment troubleshooting and maintenance responsibilities. Routine and complex equipment maintenance is performed and documented on a scheduled basis, consistent with department policy. Instrument malfunctions are recognized, troubleshooting procedures are initiated, documented and resolved in a timely manner. Malfunctions are reported to the Lead Technologist or Manager for the area, or Manufacturer’s Technical Service is contacted for resolution as needed to maintain workflow and to schedule repairs. Processes required for instrument re‑entry into use are performed. Serves as a team leader; the role of Operations Supervisor is filled as needed to facilitate smooth transitions between shifts. When acting as the Operations Supervisor, workflow and staffing are assessed and corrective actions are initiated to maintain operational continuity and efficiency. As directed by the Lead Technologist or Manager for the area, product/method/new test development is coordinated and implemented as needed. Workstations are restocked with supplies to maintain a consistent workflow. Specimen status trends and issues are identified and corrective action is implemented, consistent with departmental policy. Peer interviewing is conducted in a fair and standardized manner. Initiates activities associated with quality, safety and compliance programs; quality assurance monitoring efforts are led to implement improvements. Quality issues are reported and investigated promptly and accurately. Suggestions for process improvement are formulated and submitted routinely. Compliance guidelines are applied to all testing and reporting activities. Laboratory operations are conducted to ensure a safe working environment at all times. Technical and/or operational studies and projects are coordinated or participated in. Serves as expert for analytical and technical questions and problems. Staff inquiries are addressed promptly, utilizing appropriate resources. Assistance is provided as requested by staff and management to investigate and resolve problems. Problem resolution and documentation is reviewed to ensure completeness and accuracy. Customer complaints are handled professionally and timely. Unresolved problems are communicated to management and other appropriate staff. Serves as a trainer, role model, and mentor for staff and healthcare professional students. Consultation related to job responsibilities, training and career development is provided to Clinical Laboratory Scientist 1, Clinical Laboratory Scientist 2, students and healthcare professionals as requested. Onboarding techniques are used to engage and retain new employees; training methods are selected to accommodate employee needs and maximize effectiveness. Training documentation is completed accurately in a timely manner. Assessment of trainees, including problems or concerns, is provided and documented constructively. Trainees are supervised at all times during performance and reporting of laboratory results. Professional behavior is modeled at all times during interactions. Responsibilities The organizational duties involve effective communication, fostering inclusiveness, and supporting collaborations across departments. Responsibilities include maintaining professional demeanor, resolving interpersonal conflicts, ensuring privacy, meeting customer expectations, and upholding organizational mission and values of accountability, stewardship, professionalism, integrity, respect, and excellence. Participation in performance improvement activities and proactive problem solving are expected. Teams are encouraged to adopt positive, supportive behaviors and maintain productive work habits. Qualifications Education Bachelor’s Degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, chemical, physical or biological science, or equivalent, with successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Science program. OR Bachelor's Degree including 35 semester hours comprised of Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Math AND 5 years full‑time experience in Blood Bank, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Hematology. OR Bachelor's Degree including 30 semester hours in Biology and Chemistry AND 5 years full‑time experience in categorical exam area. Experience 3 years of experience as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist. Technologist/Scientist certification from ASCP or AMT‑MT required. Licensure Required (BB, C, H, MT/MLS, M, MB). Additional Skills and Requirements (Required) All individuals certified ASCP beginning January1,2004 must participate and maintain ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) through the Certification Maintenance Program (CMP). All individuals certified AMT beginning January1,2006 must participate and maintain AMT Certification Continuation Program (CCP). Knowledge of current medical terminology to perform full range of laboratory tests. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and testing for quality control checks and troubleshooting instrumentation. Skill in performing a full range of laboratory tests. Skill in anticipating and reacting calmly to emergency situations. Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, hospital staff, and the public. Ability to read and understand instrumentation information in laboratory field. Ability to follow written protocols. Ability to work independently. Ability to communicate clearly. Additional Skills and Requirements (Preferred) Not specified. Competencies Safety Performs quality control testing to assure accuracy of patient testing. Performs equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. Practices safety policies to maintain a safe working environment. Performs all duties to satisfy regulations in preparation for inspections. Teamwork Provides information and consultation to requestors. Recognizes interdependencies with other areas and supports other staff as needed. Shares and initiates regular and professional communication with co‑workers. Participates in regular staff meetings. Technical Competence Performs competency and proficiency testing to assure maintenance of skills. Completes educational activities to continually improve skills and assists consultants. Participates in improvement of methods and processes. Physical Demands Medium to Heavy Physical Demand: The job requires constant standing, frequently walking, and bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull 100 lbs. For any weight over 35 lbs., use Safe Handling Equipment. This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. It may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of UVA Community Health. Other May require the use of safety equipment such as HEPA mask for infection prevention. On call responsibilities as directed. Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed. #J-18808-Ljbffr