Laboratory Technician - Rheumatology

Position Summary:

Responsible for the management and compliance of laboratory services and all components of laboratory services in alignment with the Washington Department of Health and CLIA guidelines. In collaboration with Theratest leadership, and laboratory medical directorship, this position serves as a triad partner to ensure safe handling, testing, quality assurance, and oversight meets all state and program guidelines. The lab technician works closely with a variety of physicians/providers as well as clinic staff to ensure laboratory operations meet the objectives of patient care.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform patient testing on the automated platform, the DSX by Dynex
• Verify the test procedures performed and establish the laboratory test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test
• Enroll and participate in an HHS approved proficiency testing program
• Establish a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed (internal and external controls, split samples etc) and establish the parameter for acceptable levels of analytic performance AND ensure that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process (pre-, analytical and post-)
• Resolve technical problems and ensure that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications
• Must ensure that patient test results are not reported until ALL corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly
• Must identify training needs and ensure that everyone performing tests receives regular in- service training and education appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed
• Evaluates the competency of all testing personnel by:
  
  • direct observation of routine patient test performance
  • monitoring the recording and reporting of test results
  • reviewing of worksheets, quality control records, proficiency testing results
  • direct observation of performance of instrument maintenance and function checks
  • assessment of test performance through testing previously analyzed specimens, internal blind testing samples or external proficiency testing
  • assessment of problem-solving skills
  
  
  
  
  
• Responsible for monitoring test analyses and specimen examinations to ensure that acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained
• Assuring that all remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications
• Ensuring that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is properly functioning
• Responsible for specimen processing, test performance and reporting test results
• Perform ONLY those high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training or experience
• Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results
• Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens

Competency Statements:

• Outstanding communication and management skills, and an ability to work collaboratively with physicians/providers, peers, clinical staff, and admin staff
• Ability to operate in high-pressure situations
• Excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated innovative approach to problem resolution
• Broad knowledge of laboratory services and laboratory sciences/services
• Effective communication skills both in written and verbal presentation with a communication style that is open and foster trust, credibility and understanding

Work Environment

This job is primarily in a laboratory setting and uses laboratory equipment and standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines

Potential Occupational Safety/Health Hazards:

• Office hazards
• Ergonomic Injuries
• Poor Lighting and Eye Strain
• Indoor Air Pollution
• Fire Safety

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

• This is a full-time position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with business needs.
• Must be able to accomplish any and all duties with little to no assistance.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Qualifications - External

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Laboratory Sciences or related field
• 3+ years of relevant experience in laboratory services

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters: (Clinical Laboratory Sciences)
• ASCP or AMT certification
• Immunology experience or ELISA experience
• Supervisory experience

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $28.94 to $51.63 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.