Research Assistant, Dr. Yorgason

Job Summary:

Performs administrative, information, technical and clerical functions required to facilitate the workflow and efficient operations of the department.  Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:  participation in biorepository process, delivery of blood specimens to lab, word processing, data collection and entry, generating reports, maintaining supplies, troubleshooting office equipment and other administrative support functions.

Major Responsibilities:

• Serves as first point of contact for potential biorepository donors.  Includes obtaining informed consent of participants, tagging the patient’s chart as research tissue donor, initiating collection form, delivering required blood specimens to the lab, identifying the date and time of surgical procedure, and communicating with OR and pathology staff.

• Utilizes effective communication skills to discuss informed consent with potential biorepository participant.  Maintains a positive working relationship with the staff of ancillary areas, such as pre-anesthesia testing, laboratory/pathology, physician offices and tumor registry.

• Manages supplies/equipment in Cancer Life Center.  Orders supplies for research department and orders and maintains necessary supplies for biorepository.

• Participates in the biorepository process by reviewing surgery schedule with research nurse to identify potential participants and reviews pre-anesthesia testing schedule to identify time to meet patients.  Tags patient chart as a potential tissue donor.  Meets with patient to obtain informed consent, ensuring that original consent is placed in patient chart and that copies go to patient and research office.  Ensures that blood specimens are picked up and delivered to pathology in a timely manner.  Initiates blood and tissue collection forms.  Maintains communication with surgeon’s office, operating room, and pathology staff.  Prepares thank you letter for director of pathology signature and mails to biorepository participants.

• Manages data through manual entry and utilization of multiple computer programs.  Demonstrates proficiency in computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Cerner, etc.).  Creates appropriate data bases as needed as well as reports.  Schedules any room reservations as needed for meetings.  Picks up and distributes mail.  Assists Oncology Research Supervisor with printing, copying and delivery requirements.  Maintains electronic biorepository log.  Obtains copy of biorepository patient’s pathology report through Cerner.  Prepares and delivers biorepository shipping log to pathology department to accompany specimen samples when shipped to main repository.  Prepares and ships biorepository patient information packet for shipment to main repository, to include log, copy of informed consent, pathology report, and abstract.

• Assists in the planning, coordination, and implementation of continuing education for Community Outreach programs.  Includes participation in annual MCCG and Cancer Life events such as American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Susan B. Komen’s Race for the Cure, Code MED, the Great American Smoke out, and any other health fairs related to the care and concern of the oncology patient.

• Participates in activities to ensure compliance in surveys.

• Maintains professional growth and development.  Remains current on required research-specific certifications such as Protection of Human Research Participants and HIPAA compliance.  Attends available educational opportunities.  Takes initiative and performs tasks whenever possible without requiring instruction.  Maintains flexibility and demonstrates cooperative attitude.

Education Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalency certification required.

Work Experience Required:

• A minimum of one year experience with computer programs and public contact required.  Must have demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work in a stressful environment with little or no supervision.  Healthcare experience strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Must be able to assist Director and others in administrative tasks.  Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication and computer skills.  Must be flexible in working with others from diverse backgrounds and with different management styles.  Must be computer literate.  Must handle confidential information in a sensitive manner. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to use visual acuity to see monitor screen, computer and hard copy materials.  Must be able to hear and verbally communicate in person and over the phone or radio. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time (up to 2 hours).  Must be able to comprehend and learn operation of various office equipment.  Must have functional range of motion of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines, upper and lower extremities with a grip strength of 50-60# specific to job evaluation.  Must be able to forward reach, overhead reach, bend, squat, kneel and apply proper body mechanics during the transfers and transport supplies and/or equipment using proper body mechanics. Must be able to lift up to 10# specific to job evaluation.

• Works in hospital, clinical and/or assistive living, office indoor environments. Must be able to remain calm under emergency situations. Must be able to utilize appropriate universal and specific precautions for protection from potential exposure infectious or communicable diseases.  Tolerate high noise, busy atmospheres and noxious odors

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.