Overview

The POC Specialist is accountable for the accuracy and reliability of all laboratory testing provided by Point of Care staff within the client’s office. The supervisor assists hospital directors and managers by advising on supervision of staff performing POC testing. 

This postion requires 75%- 100% travel. Ideal candidate will recide in Louisiana. 

Responsibilities

• The POC Specialist plans and schedules POC activities for clients as needed. 
• The POC Specialist assumes responsibility for the proper application of laboratory policies and procedures while providing oversight of Quality Control and Proficiency Testing ensuring regulatory compliance. 
• Metrics for POC testing are maintained by the POC Specialist and provided by the 15th of each month to the Quality Assurance Manager
• Provides reports daily, weekly, monthly or as needed and reviews with QA Manager or Technical Manager.
• Responsibility for equipment validation, correlation, linearity and precision lies with the POC Specialist. 
• POC Specialist, will oversee regulatory preparation, i.e. CAP, CLIA. POC Specialist is responsible to keep abreast of all changes in POC testing and regulations and serves as the subject matter expert
• The POC Specialist is responsible for investigating, reviewing, overseeing and implementing all new POC assays. 
• The POC Specialist is responsible for making regular rounds to all entity units to speak with managers/directors to ensure quality and patient care and to maintain rapport and a cohesive working relationship with staff and physicians. 
• It is imperative the POC Specialist possess exemplary customer service skills. He/she must work with laboratory management team members and laboratory staff in a collaborative basis to ensure the teamwork necessary to support POC testing
• The POC Specialist is required to address all POC issues. 
• Maintains POC testing equipment inventory list. 
• Maintains POC test list by site and location. 
• The incumbent actively supports and complies with all company and departmental policies and procedures. 
• Assures that all point of care testing (POCT) is performed in accordance to department policy and procedure and in accordance with the CLIA'88 and Department of Health State guidelines and standards.
• Responsible for the on-going maintenance of a detailed POC policy and procedure manual following selecting a format that meets accreditation and licensing requirements. 
• Responsible for recommending and endorsing test methods, to include validation, documentation and installation of test systems initially and semiannually thereafter. 
• Resolves technical issues with equipment and reagents in accordance with established policies and procedures. 
• Administers Quality Assurance programs, evaluates and reports findings, and issues and maintains corrective action responses. 
• Ensure that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the Laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Enforces department policy and removes POCT access when a tester has violated policy. 
• Develops orientation programs for POC testing staff. 
• Develops orientation programs for lab staff on POCT procedures and database monitoring. 
• Maintains and oversees the POCT laboratory central processing station (computer hardware/software) to ensure timely reporting of testing, Quality Control, billing, and regulatory compliance.
• Establishes necessary budgetary controls and maintains costs at an acceptable level. Prepares reports detailing departmental activities, revenues, expenses, etc. as needed. 
• Prepare POC budget for all entities. 
• Attends department and laboratory management meetings and committees as required. 
• Informs the Regional Director of Laboratory Services of any problems associated with the proper performance of test procedures. Shares all complaints concerning the validity of test results, turnaround times, etc.
• Oversees equipment and test supply inventories to assure adequate supplies for uninterrupted operations.
• Maintains records of Quality Control and Proficiency testing as required for regulatory agencies. 
• Assists with in-house and off-site inspections and educational programs as required.
• Adheres to all established laboratory safety requirements. Required to use (a) personal protective equipment, including latex gloves (b) engineering controls and/or (c) work practice controls as directed by management.
• Actively supports and complies with laboratory policies and procedures. 
• Performs other job-related/miscellaneous duties as assigned by the Technical Manager or Regional Director of Laboratory Services.

Qualifications

• At least five (5) years work experience in the core laboratory

Preferred Work Experience:

• Two to three years of point of care experience preferred. 

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Physical activities include frequent walking, sitting, bending, lifting, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting and squatting. The ability to lift up to 30 lbs. in weight to a height of 5 feet and carrying moderately light loads for a distance of 50 feet. Color vision is required for accuracy in work. Atmosphere and environment associated with a clinical laboratory setting – toxic and/or hazardous chemicals/specimens with unpleasant odors. 

Knowledge:

• Basic theoretical and operational knowledge of laboratory technologies and POC testing required. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, i.e., Word, Excel, Power Point, Project, etc. as well as POC software. 
• Working knowledge of computer hardware, interfaces and peripherals. 
• Knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures. 
• Basic knowledge of HIS and LIS computer operations and interfaces. 

Skills:

• Possess the communication skills necessary to effectively manage client concerns. 
• Communication skills necessary to handle telephone inquiries from clients. 

EDUCATION Bachelor’s Degree(Required)LICENSECERTIFICATIONS MT (ASCP)(preferred) 

Louisiana license required 

EEO

Quest Diagnostics is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is to recruit, hire and promote qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by state or local law. Quest Diagnostics observes minimum age requirements established by federal, state and/or local laws, and will ask an applicant for verification when deemed necessary.