What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Histology Technician position at Optum?
The Polyclinic is seeking a Lead Histology Technician to join their team in Seattle, WA!
HOURS
5:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Monday - Friday
LOCATION
Madison Center
SUMMARY
Under the general supervision and guidance of the Laboratory Services Manager, provide technical supervision of a small staff of laboratory personnel performing routine technical laboratory work in preparing tissue for microscopic studies for
diagnostic or training purposes. The Lead Histology Technologist fulfills staff technologist duties and performs with proficiency and understanding, the tests and procedures assigned to the Histology Department. The position is responsible for processing, embedding, cutting and staining of tissue blocks, accurate reporting of results, quality control, teaching, special projects, equipment maintenance and all other duties assigned by the Manager.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for SOP updates.
Facilitate scheduling of work flow.
Assist Lab Manager in other duties pertinent to efficient running of our lab.
Demonstrates and promotes technical expertise related to production of histolopathological slides.
Researches, troubleshoots, and resolves histology related inquiries and problems within the laboratory.
Responsible for counting inventory and ordering.
Promotes teamwork environment and acts as an example.
Assist Lab Manager with new tests/procedures/methods.
Assist Lab Manager with providing sufficient technical supervision, guidance and training to techs and lab assistants in histological procedures.
Evaluate work for technical correctness.
Review completed slides for quality of technical work and for performing a variety of non-standardized techniques and procedures requiring delicate and precise preparation.
Performs both routine and complex special procedures with the understanding of tissue structures, techniques, principles, theory and instrumentation.
Able to process, embed, cut and stain all types of tissue specimens received in the Histology Department.
Coverslip stained sections, verify that the staining shows adequate cellular distinction, label, and distribute to the pathologist responsible for reviewing the case.
Assures specimen labeling requirements are met and necessary clinical information is available as needed.
Demonstrates general knowledge of pathological and physiological conditions that affect test results and tissue staining.
Selects and maintains appropriate tissue blocks to serve as controls for Special Stains. Maintains all documentation that insures that all Special Stain control blocks have been adequately tested. Cuts and labels control slides for Histology, Special Stains and IHC.
Recognize and troubleshoot both routine and complex problems and assist other Histotechs and lab assistants with technical problems.
Monitor quality control results and take immediate and proper action when controls are unacceptable.
Follow defined procedures with only supervisor or pathologist approved modifications or deviations.
Complete all instrument function verification, maintenance, and documents according to procedure in Histology area.
Ensure that equipment defects and malfunctions are reported and repaired.
Maintains a neat, clean, and orderly work area. At the end of the day’s work; is responsible for the cleaning of his/her microtome, filing his/ her cut blocks and cleaning any soiled glassware.
Responsible for the proper handling and disposal of all biohazardous materials and chemically hazardous materials including the neutralization or recycling of chemicals before disposal or reuse.
Cuts slides for IHC testing or other send outs in conformance with procedures and submits them for analysis.
Takes on additional responsibility for training Laboratory personnel including Laboratory Assistants and other Histotechs in Histology procedures.
Maybe be asked to write/ update Operating Procedures.
Assists supervisory staff in monitoring workflow and insuring that work/ staining priorities are met for the department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Certification:
An Associate or Bachelor’s degree and HT/HTL (ASCP) certification is required.
Experience:
Five years working experience as a Histology Technician/Technologist with a least two years experience as a Lead or Senior Technician in histology setting is preferred.
Full COVID-19 vaccination is an essential job function of this role. Candidates located in states that mandate COVID-19 booster doses must also comply with those state requirements. UnitedHealth Group will adhere to all federal, state and local regulations as well as all client requirements and will obtain necessary proof of vaccination, and boosters when applicable, prior to employment to ensure compliance. Candidates must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Interested in learning more? Let’s talk about our opportunities and your career growth!