Clinical Laboratory Scientist VI

Summary

Position Summary    

To act as a senior specialist in providing Clinical Laboratory Scientist duties in analyzing specimens, performing cultures on specimens, performing quality control testing, troubleshooting equipment problems, performing instrument maintenance, processing patient specimens, and preparing in-house and referral patient data for reporting.  To produce accurate test results for all patients.  To provide technical direction to other employees, as directed. The CLS VI demonstrates technical skills above that of a CLS V, and performs the following essential responsibilities.

Essential Duties    

1. Performs high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory supervisor, manager or director and reviews testing performance as applicable.
2. Follows the laboratory’s and NJH established policies and procedure manuals.  Reviews and signs laboratory and personnel SOP on an annual basis.
3. Participates and maintains records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens. Reviews and coordinates proficiency testing as directed.
4. Adheres to the laboratory’s quality control policies, documenting all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.  Performs QC review as necessary.
5. Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.  Performs root cause analysis of events as directed by supervisor.
6. Follows GxP (e.g., GLP, GCLP, GCP, etc.) standards as defined by different national and international organizations (e.g., ISO, FDA, OECD, etc.) when appropriate for clinical or preclinical trials.
7. Performs, observes, and reviews competencies (including age-specific competencies and/or non-   human species) as identified through the departmental competency program. Assists in   competency tracking of peers as directed.
8. Appropriately uses the computer systems in the department, including proper use of order/reports/charging, and maximizes personal proficiency.  Responds appropriately to email and other forms of communication within 4 hours.  Is responsible for dissemination of important information to departmental team.  
9. Takes initiative to improve laboratory operations and performs extra projects of increasing complexity and skill and completes projects as directed and approved by the supervisor.
10. Attends continuing education programs sponsored by National Jewish, manufacturer in-services and/or professional society programs.   Obtains at least 12 approved CEU credits per year including but not limited to the following: webinars, lunch and learn seminars, seminars, etc.
11. Is responsible for maintaining and ordering appropriate levels of reagents and consumables in the laboratory at all times.
12. Performs error correction, photocopy and data entry and compilation as required. Compiles customized data for clients/studies as directed.
13. Follows all laboratory and institutional policies and procedures (operational, departmental, personnel, billing, use of computer and safety for example).  Directs team to ensure NetLearning is completed in a timely manner.
14. Follows set guidelines to troubleshoot/correct assay problems or instrument malfunctions.  Performs maintenance and works with supervisor in troubleshooting QC or instrument problems.  Identifies and assists in troubleshooting with peers and makes oneself available to be a resource for troubleshooting.
15. Participates in preparation for inspections where required including revision of laboratory manuals and procedures.  Identifies areas of risk in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
16. Functions as technical supervisor or general supervisor (per CLIA and CAP) as applicable.
17. Works on studies as required by director or clients.
18. Works with referral facilities (doctors, laboratory supervisors, nurses) and nursing/medical staff to answer questions regarding available testing. Resolve problems and complaints as directed 
19. Writes and reviews procedure manuals and documents. May review the work of peers to       ensure compliance with CLIA personnel requirements, as directed.
20. Provides direction and guidance in testing operations as needed.
21. Responsible for implementation and validation, under leadership of the laboratory supervisor, of new procedures, as well as new regulations introduced by governing bodies.
22. Demonstrates by example specific biosafety standards for the laboratory and protocols for handling potentially infectious material.

Core Values

1. Be available to work as scheduled and report to work on time.
2. Be willing to accept supervision and work well with others.
3. Be well groomed, appropriately for your role and wear ID Badge visibly.
4. Be in compliance with all departmental and institutional policies, the Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct and completes NetLearning by due date annually.
5. Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the institution.
6. Adheres to safe working practices and at all times follows all institutional and departmental safety policies and procedures. 
7. Wears appropriate PPE as outlined by the infection control policies and procedures.
8. Demonstrates compliance with all state, federal and all other regulatory agency requirements.

Other Duties    

1. Performs as a back-up to staff absences and vacancies, as necessary.
2. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies    

1. Laboratory Knowledge: Has thorough knowledge of disease states and diagnosis involved in laboratory testing methods; has thorough knowledge of clinical laboratory methodology and keeps abreast of developments in alternate methodology, emerging trends and new competitors.
2. Creativity: Recognizes the need for new or modified approaches to systems and processes; is creative in changing processes, systems, methods, products, structure and services; will be creative in solutions in areas beyond their own.
3. Customer Focus: Brokers customer and physician relationships with other complementary service providers or departments; actively seeks to understand customer, physician and patient needs beyond current assignment or project; proactively shares new knowledge with colleagues, clients and physicians.
4. Decision Quality: Owns the decision and is accountable for outcomes; makes good decisions, based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment.
5. Drive for Results: Leads the laboratory in productivity and assists others in increasing their personal productivity; is extremely engaged with the work and is willing to go above and beyond to meet and/or exceed department objectives and needs; collaboratively works with internal and external customers to identify and pursue a shared goal; listens to internal and external customers’ needs and creates/designs strategic or tactical plans to address those needs; drives the completion and maintains ongoing monitoring of laboratory initiatives.
6. Informing Communicating: Deals diplomatically with sensitive situations and considers suitability of times and place for such discussions; coaches others in writing techniques and appropriate communication forums.  Addresses issues as they arise or within an appropriate time interval; effectively uses all forms of communication; Informs coworkers/leadership of when work product may be affected. Identifies key issues to pursue for maximum input rather than arguing every point; demonstrates ability to restate others’ positions accurately—reflecting both facts and feelings; maintains long-term objectives while resolving short-term challenges. 
7. Adaptability: Thrives on multiple changes in direction or assignments; explains rationale for change to others and encourages their support.  Balances competing demands of multiple projects by setting priorities, communicating change, and meeting deadlines; recovers quickly from setbacks and maintains focus under stress; can handle multiple changes in direction or assignments; consistently learns quickly when facing new problems; embraces change and unfamiliar tasks; consistently analyzes both success and failure to determine how to improve; maintains open mind and willingness to try new ideas or approaches; analyzes both success and failure to determine how to improve; has a desire to learn. 
8. Professional Relationships: Turns conflict situations into learning experiences with positive outcomes for relationships and work; participates in and leads focused, collaborative, results-driven teams; coaches others on forming and maintaining quality professional relationships; works to establish a positive environment with all staff consistently.
9. Perseverance/Resourcefulness: Has impressive ability to find ways over, under, around and through barriers; invents new paradigms; actively works to apply new approaches to existing challenges; regarded as a source of information by others.
10. Problem Solving: Comes up with many potential sources for answers; leads team in problem definition or key issue identification; solves problems creatively when others have become discouraged and negative; proactively explores new ideas and solutions and has repeat success in bringing problems or projects to positive resolution; able to rapidly perform complex analysis, accurately assess situations and thinks beyond the problem.

Minimum Qualifications    

1. BS in Science and MT Certification (certified by taking "general knowledge" ASCP  or equivalent) and  4 years related work experience required

2. Master’s degree and 7 years related work experience.

3. BS in Science and ASCP area specific certification test and 7 years related work experience.

Salary Range: $29.37 - $38.28