Technical Group Leader - Pathology Lab

Under the general direction of the laboratory supervisor performs a wide variety of laboratory tests and procedures of moderate complexity (histology and immunohistochemistry), as defined by CLIA `88, in a diagnostic laboratory) and have five years of Immunohistochemistry experience as a certified Histotechnologist, as well as documented expertise in the technical specialty, and the ability to provide leadership in the area of specialty.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Develops new tests and new testing specialty by consulting and working with physician directors of lab sections.
• Orders and/or maintains inventory of all supplies related to the operation of the specialty area.
• Implements a best workflow or practice model for the area of technical specialty.
• Trains all other assigned staff in the technical specialty, and ensure that all training documentation is complete.
• Assesses competency of staff to perform testing in the specialty area, and consults with Supervisors and Physician Directors on needed corrective actions.
• After specialized training and required experience, performs moderate complexity tests and interprets them for performance and accuracy.
• Acts as a resource and interprets tests for laboratory users in a manner consistent with level of training and knowledge.
• Reviews testing and/or procedures performed by other staff to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies as required when deemed qualified to do so by the section supervisor.
• Ensures accurate specimen identification and specimen labeling consistent with section and departmental standard operating procedure.
• Ensures sample testing is performed within the defined 18 24 hour turnaround time set by the department.
• Identifies labeling problems or discrepancies; informs other laboratory sections about patient identification problems.
• Performs instrument and equipment maintenance as defined by each instrument manufacturer. Recognizes instrument, equipment or methodology problems and/or discrepancies and brings them to the attention of the Supervisor.
• Performs QC procedures and assesses Quality Control data according to Section Policy and Procedures.
• Recognizes technical and non-technical problems/discrepancies in laboratory operations and brings these problems/discrepancies to the attention of the appropriate parties. These may include Supervisor, Physician Director, or Service Company.
• Performs analytic testing and assesses the validity of their results according to Section policy and procedures.
• Maintains proficiency for all designated LIS functions as outlined in section specific policies and procedures.
• Assist other laboratory sections as needed when directed by supervisory staff members.
• Participates in Quality Advancement/Quality Improvement activities according to Departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains initial and annual competency documentation as outlined in section policies and procedures.
• Attends departmental continuing education classes during the year.
• Participates in scientific or service related continuing education classes.
• Attends all scheduled staff meetings or, if unable, accepts responsibility for reading meeting minutes during work time.
• Supports education of students, Pathology residents, new staff and others through participation in teaching activities, which may be didactic, and/or "bench side ".
• Supports technical training of departmental staff members, encompassing new employees, new procedures and cross training.
• Communicates all important information regarding the laboratory (i.e. Inventory, testing status and instrument status) to fellow staff members.
• Answers the telephone according to departmental policy; responds to inquiries/requests.
• Works cooperatively with other laboratory staff members and takes initiative to determine where assistance is needed and renders assistance.
• Reports all incidents, safety hazards or accidents to appropriate personnel.
• Attends mandatory safety education sessions to keep informed of changes regarding safety issues.
• Respects patient and employee confidentiality.
• Keeps equipment and work area neat, orderly and well stocked; puts supplies away when received.
• Performs assignments with a minimum of direction and is available to help others.
• Maintains open communication with Supervisors and Medical Directors.
• Plans and prioritizes tasks and adjusts to variable workloads.
• Assesses the inventory on a weekly basis in assigned work area and notifies Supervisor of supply needs.
• Utilizes Medical Center's values as the basis for decision-making and to facilitate the division's mission.
• Follows established Hospital Infection Control and Safety procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned or needed.

Adheres to all of BMC's RESPECT behavioral standards.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The

above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

EDUCATION:

Requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in an applied science (Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry).

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

Preferred: Certification by American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) as a Histology Technologist.

EXPERIENCE:

Five years of clinical laboratory experience as an IHC specialist as well as documented expertise in the technical specialty, and the ability to provide leadership in the area of specialty.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of clinical laboratory science and standards necessary to perform moderate complexity tests as defined by CLIA and ability to interpret results.
• Analytic abilities to perform moderate complexity testing as defined under CLIA 88 to interpret findings, perform calculations, calibrate instruments, review moderate complexity testing performed by other employees as defined by CLIA guidelines and so forth.
• Ability to maintain compliance with all regulatory agency (e.g. JCAHO, CAP, FDA AABB) requirements.
• Manual/visual dexterity necessary to prepare specimens, prepare solutions, screen specimens and operate a computer software system. Requires English verbal and written language skills sufficient to exchange information with physicians, interact with other technologists, etc.

Skills :