Summary:

The laboratory specialist position is responsible for grossing all specimens received in the Pathology laboratory under minimal supervision using various methods. In addition, the lab specialist can use complex machinery and staining systems efficiently and solve routine problems. The lab specialist must be familiar with all laboratory policies and procedures. This position is also responsible assisting with specimen accessioning, inventory, supplies, cleaning and organizing of workstations, and compliance with all regulatory and operational procedures. Additional duties include communication with pathologists, direct leaders, and histotechnologists.

Essential Duties and Responsibilitiesinclude the following.Other duties may be assigned.

• Knowledge of anatomy, pathology and medical terminology required to perform job functions.
• Determines appropriate submission requirements, handing and tissue processing of specimens for requested procedures.
• Utilizes appropriate equipment effectively and efficiently for all histologic grossing and staining protocols.
• Performs complex stating techniques including immunohistochemical procedures.
• Specimen grossing with pathologist training, direct and indirect observations.
• Performs routine preventive maintenance, cleaning, and quality control on all lab equipment.
• Prepares and examines solutions, stains and completes quality checks.
• Able to complete data entry, specimen ID and tracking on the laboratory information system. Ensures integrity of patient identification throughout all laboratory processes. Familiar with HIPAA requirements.
• Confirms appropriate quality control reactions microscopically to determine accuracy.
• Completes case list and distribution assignments to pathologists.
• Retrieves and stores specimens properly for long term storage.
• Assists in maintaining accreditation standards, to include preventive maintenance, temperature logs, QC sheets and any additional tracking documentation.
• Completes work within established turnaround time.
• Assists with maintain adequate supplies for the histology lab.
• Troubleshoots equipment as needed.
• Maintains clean work area.
• Knowledgeable and completes review of each applicable procedure/policy.
• Completes and maintains all safety training requirements.
• Maintains flexibility in providing coverage for the histology laboratory.
• Maintains a professional demeanor and demonstrates commitment to maintaining diversity and inclusion.
• Any additional tasks requested by the histology supervisor and/or laboratory manager as needed.

Responsibilities:

Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include all technical operations of the lab from ASC conformity with requisitions to proper routing of specimens through reporting to physicians and facilities.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to adapt to changes, delays, or unexpected events in the work environment and change approach or methods to best fit the situation.
• Must be able to use time efficiently and prioritize.
• Must be able to observe and follow safety, security, and equipment procedures.
• Must be able to verbally communicate complex concepts in English and address sensitive situations, resolve conflicts, negotiate, motivate and persuade others

Education/Experience:

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a biological health science or a directly related field from an accredited institution.

• Licensed by FL DOH:
• Knowledge of pathology laboratory regulations CAP, CLIA. required
• Preferred 1-2 years of experience in a laboratory or research setting.

Communication Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures.Ability to effectively communicate information and respond to questions. Ability to interpret complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Math Ability:

Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as assessment of proper testing methods and validity, analysis.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to define problems, assist with the collection of data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to assist the supervisor with problem solving.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, comfortable working with laboratory information systems.

Equipment:

Familiar and demonstrates ability to work with all applicable laboratory equipment. Able to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of radiation and vibration.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit for 6 hours per day to embed, cut, perform data entry. The employee is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

Customer Service:

Ability to maintain operational initiatives to meet or exceed customer service standards and expectations in assigned section and/or across multiple areas in a timely and respectful manner.

Teamwork:

Ability to work collaboratively within the Pathology Laboratory and across functional areas. Understands that results have implications for patient, management, and operations of multiple areas of the organization.