Lab Technical Specialist Microbiology

Job Summary

The Technical Specialist is a highly specialized role within specialty areas (e.g., Blood Bank, Chemistry, Cytology, Hematology, Microbiology, Cytometry, Molecular Diagnostics) requiring a high level of skill. The Technical Specialist, in their role as Testing Personnel as defined by CLIA, may perform waived and non-waived testing. Under general supervision, carries out all policies and performs all tests in accordance with the department's standard operating procedures. Works independently in an efficient and organized manner to assure accurate results and records. The work requires a professional level of knowledge to read and interpret accurately test results used by providers in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The Technical Specialist, in their role as Technical Supervisor or General Supervisor as defined by CLIA, may be delegated the responsibility of the technical oversight of the training areas including the day-to-day supervision or oversight of the laboratory operation related to personnel in training, performing testing, and reporting results. Under the general supervision of the Technical Director and Clinical Supervisors, the Technical Specialist-Education is responsible for supervision of trainees at their assigned workstations including Quality Control (QC) review, training, competency assessment of staff.

Essential Functions

• The testing personnel are responsible for specimen processing, test performance and for reporting test results.
• Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples.
• Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
• Follow the laboratory's established corrective action policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
• Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the general supervisor, technical consultant, technical supervisor, clinical consultant or director.
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Creates, documents, maintains, plans and implements the training programs including competency assessments for new procedures adapted into the Specialty Labs, and manages the competency review process with Supervisors and Technical Director, including the Compliance Officer as needed.
• Reviews and approves completed training paperwork and documentation, ensuring that all training documents and signoffs are documented and maintained in Media Lab Compass module, supported by the Senior Technologists, and administrative staff in the Specialty Lab.
• Trained on new processes to bring a training and education lens to the development and creation of SOPs for new processes.
• Assists with determining whether a new competency assessment needs to be created.
• Reviews and determines whether existing training material reflect the current workflow used in the lab and reviews and approves any required updates to training guidelines.
• Develops the training procedures for technical staff and students, both rotating from affiliated programs and for the MGB MLS Training Program.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree Medical Technology required or Bachelor's Degree Laboratory Sciences required. Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No. Licenses and Credentials: Medical Technologist (ASCP) - American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) preferred. Experience: Experience in a Specialty Laboratory 3-5 years required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• The knowledge, both practical and theoretical, of tests and procedures necessary to review findings and advise and direct subordinates in action.
• Demonstrates advanced level of analytical skills and judgement.
• Must have understanding of computer technology and its application to analytical procedures and quality control.
• Must have a comprehensive understanding of laboratory equipment and its operation, maintenance and repair and analytic techniques.
• Must have the ability to work independently, evaluate situations and act appropriately.
• Detailed knowledge of applicable federal, state and accreditation requirements.
• Ability to multitask and manage validations and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced computer skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of test principles, equipment operation and computer system operations.
• Make appropriate decisions, develop and complete follow-up actions in conjunction with lab leadership.
• Must be able to perform as a senior team member, providing direction and guidance to less experienced technologists.
• Must have the ability to pay careful attention to detail and to adhere to written protocols, including communication to supervisors when issues are identified.
• Must be able to perform as a team member.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with numerous staff including physicians, hospital personnel, employees, and patients.