Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist (DH5111)

Navajo Preference Employment Act

In accordance with Navajo Nation and federal law, TCRHCC has implemented an Affirmative Action Plan pursuant to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act. Pursuant to this Plan and corresponding TCRHCC Policy, applicants who meet the necessary qualifications for this position and (1) are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, or San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe will be given preference in hiring and employment for this position, (2) are legally married to enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, or San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and meet residency requirements will be given secondary preference, and (3) are enrolled members of other federally-recognized American Indian Tribes will be given tertiary preference.
Overview

POSITION SUMMARY

Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist are responsible for the oversight of assigned laboratory sections performing specimen processing, test performance and reporting test results in compliance with regulatory requirements, policy and procedures and the TCRHCC goal of quality patient care. The position is located in a laboratory that provides sub-specialties of service in a hospital setting; chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, phlebotomy, blood bank, microbiology, and clinical microscopy. The laboratory provides 24- hour coverage and incumbent’s work rotational, day, evening, or night shifts, weekends, holidays and occasional overtime. Initially trained to bench technologist functions then assigned to section(s) for lead duties.

Qualifications

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree in laboratory, biological, chemical or physical science, Healthcare or Healthcare Management related field.

License/Certification:

Current, unexpired Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Science certification from a nationally recognized certification agency

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience as generalist in each specialty of clinical, high complexity testing in a clinical laboratory

Other Skills and Abilities:

A record of satisfactory performance in all prior and current employment as evidenced by positive employment references from previous and current employers. All employment references must address and indicate success in each one of the following areas:

• Positive working relationships with others
• Possession of high ethical standards and no history of complaints
• Reliable and dependable; reports to work as scheduled without excessive absences
• Must be able to work in situations of little or no supervision
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of maintaining multiple communication channels
• Moderate computer skills and literacy for communication, records, forms, and ordering
• Able to respond appropriately in stressful situations
• Possess technical laboratory skills and understand how to operate complex equipment
• Moderate computer skills and literacy for communication, records, forms, ordering and statistical analysis
• Completion of above-satisfactory scores on all job interviews, demonstrating to the satisfaction of the interviewers and TCRHCC that the applicant can perform the essential functions of the job
• Successful completion of and positive results from all background and reference checks, including positive employment references from authorized representatives of past and current employers demonstrating to the satisfaction of TCRHCC a record of satisfactory performance and that the applicant can perform the essential functions of the job
• Successful completion of fingerprint clearance requirements, physical examinations, and other screenings indicating that the applicant is qualified to be employed by TCRHCC and demonstrating to the satisfaction of TCRHCC that the applicant can perform the essential functions of the job
• Submission of all required employment-related documents, applications, resumes, references, and other required information free of false, misleading or incomplete information, as determined by TCRHCC.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL EFFORT

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical :

Requires dexterous skill; must be able to handle tools effectively such as needles and precise laboratory instruments.

Possess stamina to handle work on feet for long periods. Occasionally must be able to lift at least 30 pounds. Involves exposure to physical risks, such as working with chemicals, blood borne pathogens, pathogenic organisms, and operating laboratory equipment. This position requires prolonged standing, frequent siting and walking, and occasional driving, bending, climbing, kneeling, crouching, twisting, reaching, and maintaining balance. Employe will occasionally be required to lift, push, or pull up to and over 100 pounds.

Mental :

Must have good analytical judgment, ability to work under pressure, a ttention to detail and follow instructions in order to perform the correct tests or procedures. P ossess technical skills and understand how to operate complex machinery. Ability to prioritize and coordinate a variety of issues while being frequently interrupted. Must communicate effectively and with tact in stressful situations. This position requires Prolonged ability to cope with a high level of stress, making decision under hid pressure, manage altercations, concentrate, a high degree of flexibility, handling multiple priorities in a stressful situation, working alone, a high level of patience, adapting to shift work, working in close & crowded areas, and coping with the anger/fear/ hostility of others.

Environmental:

Employee may have prolonged exposure to infectious disease, hazardous or moving equipment, and loud noises and occasional exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity and unprotected heights.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Serves as a member of the laboratory leadership team held to a higher expectation. Expected to display superior customer service, dedication, positive attitude, confidence, reliability and eagerness to take on responsibilities.
2. Follows the laboratory’s established policies, processes and procedures for specimen collection, handling and processing, test analysis, reporting, and maintaining records of patient results in all laboratory specialties.
3. Performs and documents Corrective Actions when test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance.
4. Reviews and verifies staff adheres to the laboratory’s Quality Assurance policies by performing and documenting all Quality Control activities, instrument verification and procedural calibrations, and instrument preventative maintenance. Utilize statistical analysis skills to report instrument verification acceptance.
5. Performs proficiency testing and document attestation that proficiency testing samples are tested according to protocol(s).
6. Maintains skills and knowledge required for performing tests methods for proper instrument use, performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration procedures related to each test performed.
7. Recognizes factors that influence test results and skills required to assess and verify the validity of patient test results.
8. Maintains inventory control to assure adequate supplies and reagents needed for continuous laboratory operation(s).
9. Actively participates in the maintenance of Laboratory Accreditation by adhering to standards in safety, performance improvement, document control, quality assurance, proficiency and competency.
10. Develops and maintains working relationship with the Medical and Nursing staff regarding the processing of specimens and evaluation and interpretations of results. Provides verbal consults in various aspects of the clinical laboratory.
11. Oversees the day-to-day work assignments of assigned laboratory personnel and ensures that workload is complete.
12. Develops, maintains and reviews assigned sections’ processes and procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining patient result records.
13. Assigns proficiency testing to laboratory personnel and document attestation that proficiency testing samples are tested according to protocol. Analyze fallouts and report Corrective Action to the Laboratory Quality Coordinator.
14. Collaborates with laboratory leadership to evaluate, modify or adapt new methods or revise standard techniques to improve or expand services.
15. Collaborates with laboratory leadership and laboratory staff to evaluate, maintain and modify the section/s quality assurance program when indicated. Verify new instruments and/or methods according to the Laboratory’s Quality Assurance program. Define tolerance limits utilizing statistical methods and effective quality control procedures.
16. Collaborates with laboratory leadership in strategizing fiscal budgets for assigned section/s and assures compliance within the budgetary limitations. Evaluates new equipment, recommends and justifies the purchase of equipment and supplies.
17. Plans, implements, coordinate, and review the preventative maintenance programs, quality control programs, and troubleshooting processes for each instrument in their assigned section/s.
18. Ensures assigned proficiency testing is completed and submitted to the QA Coordinator in a timely manner. Collaborates and analyzes corrective action as need for any testing shifts or fall-outs.
19. Instrumental in completing training and competency of testing personnel rotating through assigned section/s.
20. Coordinates laboratory training for non-laboratory personnel or affiliate student programs.
21. Collaborates in coordinating meetings with fellow section leaders to communicate improved patient care.
22. Collaborates with laboratory leadership and the clinical care team to communicate pertinent information, changes, and new services.
23. Responsible for electronic health records data entry pertinent to patient service role.
24. Instrumental in collaboration with laboratory leadership team to update laboratory policies, processes, and procedures .
25. Collaborates and reports to the laboratory leadership team of any need for reviewing and investigating staff occurrence reports, customer complaints, work in accordance with involved personnel to develop solutions and implement corrective action.
26. Supports performance Improvement initiatives and instrumental in carrying necessary tasks as directed by the Director of Laboratory Services, Assistant Director of Laboratory Services and Quality Section Coordinator.
27. Participates in departmental workflow and/or testing teams as related to electronic health record or other project initiatives.
28. Ensure proper PPE is worn at all times while on duty including but not limited to, face mask, gloves, gown, isolation gown, NIOSH-approved N95 filtering face piece respirator or higher, if available), and eye or face shield.
29. Complete all donning and doffing tasks in a safe acceptable method and discard of used PPE accordingly. (see CDC website for most current updates)
30. Complete task training for all routine cleaning and decontamination processes for all surfaces contaminated by a communicable disease to ensure a high level of patient, visitor, employee and external customer satisfaction
31. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.