Clinical Laboratory Scientist III - Hematology (Full-time, Monday - Friday, 6:00am-2:30pm)

Organization Overview, Mission, Vision, and Values

Our mission is to improve the health of people in the communities we serve through compassionate, high-quality care, prevention, and wellness education. Washington Regional Medical System is a community-owned, locally governed, non-profit health care system located in Northwest Arkansas in the heart of Fayetteville, which is consistently ranked among the Best Places to live in the country. Our 425-bed medical center has been named the #1 hospital in Arkansas for four consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. We employ 3,200 team members and serve the region with over 45 clinic locations, the area’s only Level II trauma center, and five Centers of Excellence - the Washington Regional J.B. Hunt Transport Services Neuroscience Institute; Washington Regional Walker Heart Institute; Washington Regional Women and Infants Center; Washington Regional Total Joint Center; and Washington Regional Pat Walker Center for Seniors.

Position Summary

The role of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist III (CLSIII) reports to the assigned Laboratory Supervisor in direct partnership with the Laboratory Director. This position is responsible for the technical and scientific oversight of the laboratory. This position serves in a leadership role in our laboratory services department and will be vital in overseeing laboratory technical operations, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and accuracy in all phases of the laboratory process. This position involves advanced testing, complex analyses, and a deep understanding of laboratory regulations and protocols.

Essential Position Responsibilities

• Independently performs waived, moderate, and high complexity testing using manual and automated processes.  Complies and participates with all regulatory agency guidelines (CLIA 88, TJC, CAP, FDA, etc.) and addresses concerns as needed.
• Serve as a proactive leader and identify opportunities and propose improvements, efficiencies, and operational modification as it relates to the laboratory operations.
• Lead laboratory staff, providing guidance and training including mentoring, coaching, training, developing, and building teams.
• Perform advanced and complex laboratory tests in various disciplines.
• Assist supervisor with validation of new analyzers and testing.
• Review and validate test results, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to interpret and communicate test results.
• Investigate and resolve technical issues and discrepancies, including documentation and corrective actions, independently.
• Ensure, implement, and support compliance with all departmental and company policies and procedures including but not limited to Quality and Safety.
• Oversee verification of test procedures performed and establish laboratory test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system.
• Resolve and troubleshoot all technical problems with the aid of the technical staff and ensures that remedial action is taken whenever a test deviates from the laboratory's performance standards.
• Conduct activities in compliance with CLIA, CAP and other regulatory guidelines.
• Adhere to laboratory safety practices, including but not limited to OSHA blood-borne pathogens, HIPAA, and hazardous chemicals training and monitoring.
• Complete other tasks as needed to support the objectives of the laboratory.
• Assist supervisor as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient knowledge of clinical laboratory processes, analytical procedures, and various laboratory equipment including routine maintenance and calibration.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform basic computer skills which would be used in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to perform mathematical and statistical operations for recording and evaluating lab results. Ability to follow detailed written or verbal instructions accurately.
• Ability to handle potentially infectious materials, such as blood and body fluid specimens, observing proper safety regulations and procedures.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.

Qualification

• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in medical laboratory sciences, medical technology, clinical laboratory sciences, or biological sciences, required.
• Licensure and Certifications: ASCP, AMT or equivalent certification, required. Current qualifications with CLIA’88 regulations, required.
• Experience: minimum 4-years clinical laboratory experience, required. Experience with CLIA, CAP, and other similar accreditation organizations, required.

Work Environment: This position will spend 80% of time standing and/or walking while pushing, pulling, lifting, and/or carrying up to 50 lbs. This position will spend 20% of time sitting while performing work in a standard office environment.