342 - Technical Specialist - Haemobank (VA)

Bloodworks Northwest is backed by more than 70 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. A national leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks has been chosen to serve more than 90 hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska – partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. We are local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based.

We have an excellent new job opportunity for a Technical Specialist to join our Quality Systems team here at BloodworksNW. The incumbent in this role will need to have specific responsibilities and possess a high level of primary expertise and/or Center of Excellence in one of these areas: Transfusion Services Laboratory Information Systems, Technical Development and Training, Equipment Management, Process Management, Reagent Management, Clinical Trials and Remote Allocation, with an expectation to serve as backup for each other from time to time. Provide technical expertise and leadership associated with the development and implementation of new and revised methods for the Transfusion Service Laboratory (TSL). Support departmental projects and participate in interdepartmental projects in accordance with established priorities and timelines. Coordinate Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) revisions and validations. Design, coordinate, and develop appropriate evaluations of new or revised methods to ensure changes are effective.

Principal Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

As a member of the leadership team:

• Demonstrate trust in each other and have assurance that issues discussed will be kept in confidence.
• Provide timely and honest feedback to team members regarding how the team functions.
• Challenge and support peers to ensure each department or group contributes to the organization's success.
• Function effectively within the team and participate and contribute constructively to produce results collaboratively.
• Ensure the department's actions comply with applicable laws, regulations, and Bloodworks policies and practices.
• Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and follow safety procedures to minimize risk to self and others.
• Responsibly support the TSL budget.
• Proactively recommend systems, resources, and procedures to achieve the department's success.
• Ensure the workforce's safety by implementing safety policies and monitoring incidents.
• Provide timely and honest feedback to department leadership regarding the team's overall function and performance.
• Maintain confidentiality.
  
  
  

Within The Department

• Assist in setting department goals and objectives consistent with Bloodworks' mission.
• Consistently model values of Bloodworks and coach for the same expectation; contribute and build upon current practices and procedures in support of values, mission, and goals.
• Ensure all applicable departmental documents and procedures are adhered to by staff, and report any discrepancies to department management.
• Participate in interviews and assess qualifications based on the needs of positions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with coworkers and customers.
• Exhibit respect for others and help others willingly
  
  
  

Technical Specialist - Center of Excellence: HemoBank/Remote Allocation:

• Assists in maintaining and reviewing remote allocation metrics.
• Collaborates within TSL and other Bloodworks Northwest departments on projects impacting the BloodTrack program, including changes to the TSL computer system and/or blood product inventory.
• Performs troubleshooting for BloodTrack/HaemoBank errors or connectivity issues and initiates appropriate resolutions and/or nonconformance reports.
• Serves as an RA liaison to external customer sites, BWNW IT, and internet service providers regarding the BloodTrack RA program.
• Assists in coordinating the installation of new and/or replacement BloodTrack storage devices at customer sites in partnership with the additional department and customer resources.
• Assists in designing and performing hardware and software validations related to BloodTrack implementations and upgrades.
• Participates in training for new BloodTrack customer sites and provides ongoing education for new staff at existing sites.
• Performs as a high-level Technologist in support of TSL benchwork as assigned.
  
  
  

Assists in the development and revision of BloodTrack SOPs and job aids.

• Participates in on‑call support services for the RA program.
• Assists with software and hardware updates for BloodTrack systems and storage devices, including completion of related validations, quality control, preventive maintenance, and repair activities.
• Supports evaluation of inventory levels and ensures appropriate utilization of inventory at remote BloodTrack storage sites.
• Actively participates as a member of the Transfusion Services and Bloodworks teams by promoting collaboration, effective communication, and a positive working environment.
• Coordinates activities related to implementing new methodologies and equipment, including evaluations, development studies, process mapping, hazard analysis, SOP creation, validation coordination, and customer‑impact assessments.
• Assists in training staff responsible for sample receipt, testing, product manufacturing, product release, equipment maintenance, and calibration, as applicable.
• Ensure full compliance with the standards outlined in the Bloodworks Vehicle Safety and Training Policy when operating or riding in company vehicles.
• Complies with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as written.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Must qualify as Testing Personnel, High Complexity Testing, under CLIA personnel requirements found in Subpart M of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Technician, or Bachelor of Science degree in clinical laboratory science (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• MT(ASCP), MLT(ASCP), or similar certification preferred.
• Two years of relevant supervisory and/or team leadership experience preferred. Must maintain Transfusion Service skill proficiency, equivalent to a Technologist III level.
• Strong IT background preferred.
  
  
  

Specific Job Skills Include, But Are Not Limited To

• The Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds is required, as is the Ability to push up to 40 pounds.
• Must be able to prioritize activities effectively and to continuously re-prioritize to accommodate tight deadlines and a varying workload.
• Significant manual dexterity is required to operate various instruments and to perform the required data entry.
• Ability to express ideas clearly in written and verbal communication.
• Intermediate-level proficiency with MS Word and MS Excel required; expert level preferred.
• Intermediate level proficiency with Visio, MS Access, MS Project, and MS PowerPoint preferred.
• Requires Ability to comprehend the criticality of the testing being performed, as it relates to the blood components being prepared for transfusion, or organs being transplanted. Includes a fundamental understanding of the financial value of the testing reagents, blood components being prepared, and the necessity to follow all regulatory rules and regulations (AABB, CFR, EU, CLIA, HIPAA, and State), including the FDA's "Good Manufacturing Practices".
• Required mental activities involve continuous use of teamwork. Required mental activities used less frequently include interpersonal skills, and the Ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English (all used frequently); decision making, creativity, customer service, independent judgment and/or independent action, the performance of basic mathematics, and the performance of accurate proofreading and correct spelling (all used occasionally); and the use of discretion, presentations/teaching, problem analysis, negotiation, mentoring, the performance of basic mathematics and programming, and the performance of advanced programming (all used rarely).
• Required physical activities include frequent standing, walking, talking, reaching, feeling, hearing, handling, and repetitive hand/wrist motions. Required physical activities used less frequently include stooping, sitting, bending, and repetitive foot motions (all used occasionally), and kneeling, crawling, and climbing (all used rarely).
• The Ability to push, pull, and lift an average of 40 pounds throughout the day is required, as is the Ability to carry an average of 20 pounds.
• Possess and maintain a driver's license for at least 3 years.
• Valid State Driver's License in the State of residence, with an acceptable driving record.
• Use of a company or personal vehicle for company business requires an acceptable driver's record as defined by the vehicle policy.
• Must meet MVR standards required by Bloodworks Vehicle Safety and Training Policy.
  
  
  

Working Conditions

• Telecommuting is not offered in this role.
• This is a highly regulated position subject to the rules and regulations of various regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies. These may include, but are not limited to, the FDA, AABB, CLIA, and CAP. Job conditions to be expected include extensive travel, substantial overtime, and on-call status (frequent); heavy lifting, constant standing, extensive close work, and sleep deprivation (occasional); and evening meetings (rare).
• Ability to work scheduled on-call for up to 15 days each month.
• Bloodworks is a community-supported non-profit organization. As such, (from time to time) incumbents can expect to collaborate with volunteers.
• As this is an essential position with direct responsibility to donors and/or patients, incumbents should be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts and/or possibly at a different location during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies.
• Ability to work scheduled holidays and weekends.
• This position has direct exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
• The other thing is that this person will work the bench 4-5 days a week as needed, while supporting Remote Allocation on call.
  
  
  

Benefits And Perks

Employees regularly scheduled for 24 hours per week are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with family coverage also available. Also able to participate in retirement plans (401a & 401b), consolidated paid leave program (4.8 – 6.8 weeks of time off accrued per year, based on length of service), subsidized transit program, and educational reimbursement. Candidates hired from outside of our service area may be eligible for a relocation assistance bonus*

Bloodworks Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.