Grafton/Hartford Blood Bank Technical Specialist

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs all duties of the bench staff in the specialty (i.e., Medical Technologist, Histotechnologist). Performs technical research and development under the direction of the Supervisor/Manager and in coordination with the Research & Development Committee.
• Works with the Supervisor to develop and implement quality control and quality assurance policies and procedures; directly responsible for validation of processes. Ensures that work is completed in a safe and efficient manner.
• Monitors laboratory safety practices and corrects hazards that exist. Monitors workflow and makes necessary adjustments to complete work in an appropriate time frame. Monitors the preventive maintenance program and regulatory compliance standards to ensure they are met. Participates in the inspection process.
• Provides financial evaluations as part of procedures, instrumentation, and/or reagent evaluations.
• If needed, assists the Supervisor with preparation of work schedules.
• May develop and coordinate technical staff development including competency testing. Instructs students, residents and new staff as assigned and reviews competencies as needed
• Provides technical expertise to any site as needed; provides technical consultation to both internal and external clients.
• Reviews laboratory results and quality control for accuracy and validity. Documents appropriate information for quality assurance/improvement according to established protocol.
• Utilizes all required computer information systems appropriately.
• Assists in improving the quality and efficiency of laboratory procedures, policies, and processes. Assists in writing new technical procedures and policies and revising current procedures.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

License/Registration/Certification Required: Medical Technologist (MT) or

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Histotechnologist (HTL)

American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC)

Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences or equivalent

Experience Required: Typically requires 2 years of experience as an instrument key operation

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Position involves moderate and/or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA ’88. 
• Excellent interpersonal  and communication skills.  
• Knowledge of computers with basic understanding of word processing and spreadsheets. 
• Thorough knowledge of statistics and ability to apply statistical rules/analysis to laboratory decision-making processes.  
• Proven ability to simultaneously handle multiple tasks

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires ability to consistently handle multi-tasking, meet established timeframes, and recognize assignments that may be delegated.  

Ability to work well in stressful situations, maintaining professional composure at all times.  

Ability to articulate knowledge of topics under discussion.  

Ability to build and support a highly cohesive and functional team are critical characteristics.   Ability to effectively and appropriately communicate in all situations.  

Ability to balance research findings with ACL technical limitations.  

Ability to effectively instruct associates in new procedures and technologies.      

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.