Medical Lab Scientist Senior

Job Code: LA3385

About us

We are ushering in a new era of healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Community Health, part of the world-class UVA Health academic health system, we are committed to caring for the whole person by building meaningful connections with our patients in the local setting of UVA Health’s community hospitals, outpatient locations, and provider offices. By combining our team’s talent and expertise, the breadth of capabilities across the entire UVA Health system, and our dedication to community wellness, we are bringing expert care close to home. As a member of the UVA Community Health team, individuals contribute to patient care decisions, support advanced medical technologies, and experience the satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives every day.

JOB TYPE

Classification: Non Exempt

Supervises Positions:

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 Quality Control (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 to maintain appropriate levels are initiated to maintain operational continuity. Reagents are received, stored and 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 and 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. A smooth transition between shifts is facilitated. When acting as the Operations Supervisor, workflow and staffing are assessed and corrective actions are initiated, when appropriate, 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 (QA) monitoring efforts are led to implement improvements. Quality issues are reported and investigated promptly and accurately. Suggestions for Process Improvement are formulated and submitted for consideration on a routine basis. 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 in a correct and timely manner, utilizing appropriate resources. Assistance is provided as requested by staff and management to investigate and resolve problems. Problems resolution and documentation is reviewed to ensure completeness and accuracy. Customer complaints are handled professionally and in a timely manner. 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. Procedures are explained in an accurate manner. 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.

ORGANIZATIONAL DUTIES:

Communicates appropriately using good interpersonal skills. Positive, professional demeanor is projected through verbal and non-verbal communications. Information for patients and staff is delivered in a manner that is supportive, timely and understandable. Interpersonal conflicts are resolved using appropriate methods and organizational resources, including but not limited to Employee Relations Services and Faculty Employee Assistance Program. Diverse perspectives are acknowledged; language and behaviors are modeled that build inclusiveness in the work environment. Ideas and suggestions are clearly communicated. Clarification of communication is requested when appropriate. Serves, manages and supports internal and external customers. Privacy is maintained at all times for patient and employee information. Actions are initiated to meet or exceed customer/co-workers expectations in delivering service by implementing the I Make the Difference philosophy (Ownership begins with me; Greet customers by making eye contact and smiling; Provide positive, professional and prompt responses, e.g. helping visitors find their way; Close every interaction with – Is there anything else I can do for you?). Appropriate resources throughout the Organization are used consistently to meet customer needs. Relationships with staff in other work areas are fostered to meet internal and external customer needs. Positive working relationships with peers, management and customers are maintained at all times. Organizational Mission and Values of Accountability, Stewardship, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect and Excellence are evident in behaviors. Participates in performance improvement activities. Participation in Performance Improvement activities and initiatives is ongoing. Initiative is demonstrated to proactively diagnose and resolve problems. Change is met with positive, supportive behavior. Participates as a team member and is accountable for own work responsibilities. Time off is scheduled to avoid disrupting workflow. Help is offered to others to solve problems and complete tasks to facilitate communication and positive team dynamics. Productive work habits are consistently displayed. Accountability for actions and decisions is demonstrated in daily work. Feedback is solicited and accepted in a positive manner. Constructive input is offered to support the work unit.

Patient Care:

Shows a commitment to provide the highest level of patient care. Collects, labels, and prepares specimens for testing. Maintains required documentation for all lab procedures. Processes requisitions for testing. Prepares and distributes reports.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree - from an accredited college or university in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or chemical, physical or biological science or equivalent. Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Science program. OR Bachelor’s Degree to include 35 semester hours comprised of Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Math AND 5 years fulltime experience in Blood Bank, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Hematology. OR Bachelor’s Degree to include 30 semester hours in Biology and Chemistry AND 5 years fulltime experience in categorical exam area.

Experience:

3 years of experience as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist required. Technologist/Scientist Cert from ASCP or AMT-MT.

Licensure:

(BB, C, H, MT/MLS, M, MB) Required.

Additional Skills/Requirements Required:

All individuals certified ASCP beginning January 1, 2004 must participate and maintain ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) through the Certification Maintenance Program (CMP). All individuals who are certified AMT beginning January 1, 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 to perform quality control checks and troubleshooting of instrumentation. Knowledge of medical terminology to communicate with medical staff regarding laboratory procedures and results. 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 information about instrumentation in laboratory field. Ability to follow written protocols. Ability to work independently. Ability to communicate clearly.

Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred:

Competencies:

• Safety: Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices.
  • 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: Cooperates within a team to achieve goals and deliverables.
  • 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: Uses knowledge that is acquired through training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job.
  • 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.

The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Demand Code:

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: Yes
• On call responsibilities as directed: Yes
• Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes

The base compensation range for this role is $32.85 - $50.50 hourly.

Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education. Please note that the pay range does not include any applicable incentive compensation programs such as shift differentials, clinical ladders, and other incentives that may be available for those in eligible positions.