LEAD HEMATOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST

Position Summary: 

The Lead Hematology Technologist is under general supervision of the Laboratory Manager and adheres to the Laboratory’s strategic objectives of the laboratory by planning, organizing, and supervising the assigned functions required to operate and maintain departmental activities and services. This person maintains confidentiality of all privileged information. This position requires a hematology specialist who is also capable of working in all areas of the laboratory. Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) has a full-service lab which includes Hematology, Coagulation, Chemistry, Microbiology, Urinalysis and Blood Bank. This candidate performs and monitors a variety of laboratory testing and processes, and assumes responsibility for problem solving, quality control, and routine equipment maintenance with minimal supervision and will at times, work alone. The applicant must support the mission, vision, values and strategic goals of Sage Memorial Hospital. This is a Joint Commission accredited Laboratory. SMH strives to provide the highest quality diagnostic information services in a professional, accessible and informative way. 

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform and monitor a variety of laboratory testing and analyses and assume responsibility for problem resolution, quality control, and routine equipment maintenance with minimal supervision.
• Perform waived, moderate and high complexity testing to contribute to the delivery of quality patient care.
• Standardizes, calibrates, performs preventive maintenance, and performs in-depth troubleshooting on laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Assists in the development and/or designing of new test procedures and/or methodologies; leads in the evaluation, correlation, and introduction of new instruments or procedures.
• Trains new or less skilled personnel procedures, equipment, and policies (safety, hospital, laboratory). Is a technical resource for the hematology area.
• Monitors results, quality control and proficiency testing results, applying rules and corrective actions according to department guidelines.
• Ensures maintenance schedules are followed, instrument validation/testing is done, and maintains appropriate records for certification and regulatory agencies.
• Responsible for quality assurance program for the hematology area with assistance from the Laboratory supervisor(s) and Laboratory Manager.
• Responsible for successful regulatory inspections of the hematology area(s).
• Actively leads and/or participates in process improvement activities and other duties as assigned.
• Communicate with the healthcare team and co-workers.
• Create and maintain a safe environment for self, co-workers and facility.
• Follow the laboratories procedures for specimen handling and processing, testing analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples.
• Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
• Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance.  
• Identifying problems that may adversely affect test results and either correct the problems or immediately notify the general supervisor, technical supervisor, laboratory manager, clinical consultant, or director.
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
• Good customer service skills are important for both providers and patients. 
• Work in all sections of laboratory (including but not limited to Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Bank, Microbiology, Coagulation, Urinalysis and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived Point of Care Testing) at acceptable levels of competency and in a timely manner.
• Analyze specimens using approved testing procedures in each lab department according to the procedure manuals. 
• Enter results and recognize normal, abnormal and critical values, search previous results (delta check), and inform medical staff as per policy.
• Prepare and send out tests to reference laboratory per standards. 
• Apply good troubleshooting skills in relation to controls, standards and calibrations.
• Perform phlebotomy on all age groups.
• Observant of standard safety precautions and procedures as per policy.
• Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies.
• Interact professionally with all staff members, patients, providers, hospital staff, technical & general supervisors, pathologists and the Laboratory Manager.
• Understand and follow the chain of command. 
• Participate in and attend all in-service and educational programs.
• Meet and comply with hospital personnel policy guidelines.
• Maintain and assign chemistry proficiency testing records and samples.
• Provide education to peer staff related to hematology principles and testing.
• Develop and maintain hematology training and competencies for all qualified lab staff. Educates technologists in preparing for annual competencies.
• Routinely write, update and/or edit hematology testing policies.
• Provide data for monthly, quarterly, and annual hematology reports. Provide data for quarterly meetings as required.
• Report hematology data monthly, quarterly, and annually as required.
• Work with our hematology reagents supplier to keep our supply agreement current.
• Keep the hematology department Joint Commission and CLIA compliant.
• Positively respond to other job-related duties not detailed in this job description, (This includes but is not limited to clerical, housekeeping and other assignments on occasional basis and as needed).
• Perform other duties as required. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s (preferred) and/or Associate’s degree (required) from an NAACLS accredited college or university in Medical Technology, or other relevant science. 
• Must have 60 semester hours including 24 hours of science that includes 6 hours chemistry, 6 hours biology, and 12 hours chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technologist in any combination.
• For individuals, outside of the United States, a translation of the education (equivalency statement obtained from a business dedicated to this service) that shows equivalence to the above requirements, must be met. 
• Must possess a valid American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Must possess and keep current certification as an MLT or MLS with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologist (AMT).  
• Must have at least 5 years of progressive experience in a hospital hematology department and/or possess a current Specialist in Hematology certification.
• Must be able to successfully pass the Employee Health Program requirements and background investigation.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:  

•    Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing is a must.

• Ability to speak Navajo language and /or familiarity with the Navajo way is preferred
• Knowledge of applicable tribal, federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, including CLIA and Joint Commission standards.
• Basic computer knowledge required.
• Knowledge of Meditech is preferred.

Physical Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to reach and grasp objects; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office, clinic or hospital setting with exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment and exposure to blood borne pathogens. Exposure to latex products on a routine basis. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Must be able to work flexible shifts and overtime when necessary. The outpatient department has a small laboratory, and you may be asked to work in that lab at various times.