Laboratory Technologist I

Responsible for performing testing procedures within laboratory departments including Histocompatibilty, Flow Cytometry, Infectious Disease, and DCU Limited-Service Laboratory.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

LABORATORY AND TESTING FUNCTIONS

1. Maintains competency and follows the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining records of patient test results within departments:

• ABO Blood Group Testing
• HLA Molecular Typing
• Flow Cytometry: T & B Cell Flow Cytometry Crossmatch
• Infectious Disease Donor Screening and Confirmatory Testing
• HLA Antibody Detection and Identification
• DCU Limited-Service Laboratory

1. Assists department Technical Specialists as needed.
2. Manages department supply and inventory.
3. Ensures adherence to instrument maintenance schedule.
4. Provides feedback to Laboratory Manager on entries of the laboratory call schedules.
5. Communicates with other staff including hand-off shift details by using the lab distribution email, verbal communication, and update the communication board to maintain continuity of workload among staff.
6. Demonstrates mastery of proper laboratory techniques, attention to detail, and limited number of errors (>95% accuracy)
7. Performs on-call responsibilities to support laboratory operations.
8. Identifies and reports problems, which may adversely affect test performance and patient outcome.  Report the problem(s) to laboratory leadership.
9. Performs quality control procedures as deemed necessary by Technical Specialists or Laboratory leadership.
10. Cooperates with Laboratory leadership to optimize the functions of MTN laboratory departments.
11. Informs Laboratory leadership of any information that may potentially impact the actual operation and/or strategic direction of the laboratory and/or organization.
12. Maintains records demonstrating that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
13. Adheres to the laboratory's quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed.
14. Follows the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
15. Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. A minimum of a bachelor degree in biological, chemical or physical science, preferably an undergraduate degree in clinical laboratory science, fulfilling the CLIA requirements for highly complex testing.
2. Ability to work a minimum of 40 hours per week and participate in 24-hour call.  Required to work for extended periods of time with few breaks.
3. Must maintain continuing education requirements either by holding a current ACHI certification or obtain 12 hours of continuing education hours each year. A minimum of 50% of these hours must be directly related to the science and application of histocompatibility and/or immunogenetics testing.
4. Must maintain a valid driver’s license in accordance with MTN motor vehicle policy.  Must have reliable   transportation to and from work.
5. Excellent organization and time management skills; ability to function independently and collaboratively; demonstrated problem-solving and creative thinking skills and well-developed personal stress management skills.
6. Ability to lift 50 pounds and transfer short distances.
7. Possess ability to operate telephones, computers and lab equipment.
8. Ability to speak and communicate clearly in order to accurately convey information in person or by phone.
9. OSHA Category I – Exposed regularly to bloodborne pathogens while performing assigned job duties.  Bloodborne pathogens protection is required.
10. Home internet and wireless phone access may be required.

MTN BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Belonging: Intentionally connects with colleagues by embracing differences and finding commonalities to create a workplace where all employees feel safe and genuine at work. Models the philosophy that lived experiences make individuals unique by respecting and seeking to understand beliefs, values and opinions that are new or different from their own. Represents through actions and influence, the idea that diverse perspectives make MTN stronger as we serve our mission.

Respect: Builds a positive and supportive foundation inviting open, honest, and clear communication. Fosters a sensitive, supportive, and trustworthy environment, which promotes active listening and strengthens rapport throughout all interactions. Cultivates teamwork through acceptance and inclusion by valuing differences and empowering strengths.

Excellence: Demonstrates excellence by going above and beyond, while maintaining compassion and humility in all interactions. Demonstrates a high rate of achievement and success for the organization through proactive objectives centered on the overall mission and vision. Consistently models a positive attitude, a willingness to help others, and a dedication to improvement. Takes full responsibility for their role and challenges themselves to find workable solutions.

Accountability: Demonstrates the highest ethical standards, by honoring commitments to each other and professional partners. Executes all interactions through honesty and transparency. Demonstrates responsibility and integrity through ownership of the mission. Utilizes resources appropriately.

Leadership: Empowers, mentors and encourages all staff, while displaying a high-level of professionalism. Demonstrates ability to cultivate teams and relationships through open lines of communication, honesty and respect. Handles challenges with compassion by developing trust through respectful feedback and support. Acts as a resource by providing the tools, which enable others to reach their highest potential.

It is the policy of Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment.  No person will be discriminated against in employment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnic origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, arrest record, or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.  In addition, the organization complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training, employee activities and general treatment during employment

MTN is committed to complying with state and federal disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position they desire, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of MTN’s mission.