CLINICAL LAB SCIENTIST (CLS) - LEAD POSITION - MICROBIOLOGY

PEORIA, IL

ASCP certification with 3 years minimum of solid Microbiology experience and leadership capability needed. This person will oversee and work with staff on the second shift of a very busy laboratory. They will help train, oversee the work of staff, and be expected to perform work at the bench 80% of the time minimally and more as needed. This candidate will also be expected to follow organizational policies, Standards of Performance, and assure employees in their oversight do the same. It is this candidates expectation to drive a positive workplace environment and promote engagement among all staff. This candidate will work with Supervisory and management leaders to promote transparency in communication and provide clear expectations to all shift personnel, so that only the highest quality results are made available for patient care.

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs various routine and complex clinical laboratory tests according to established policies and procedures in order to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Assess test results for accuracy. Performs routine scheduled preventative maintenance, calibration, and minor problem troubleshooting on laboratory instruments. May perform blood specimen collection, training personnel and students. Independent judgment and professional education and certification are required.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

•Performs routine and special procedures used to provide information for use in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease or assessment of a medical condition. Verifies accuracy in patient information and specimen acceptability. Testing performance and assessment includes the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic phases of such examinations. Analyzes test results for accuracy.

•Performs and documents required quality control and calibration procedures, evaluating any abnormalities pursuing resolution under direction of manager, supervisor, lead, and pathologist.

• Performs minor procedural and instrument maintenance/troubleshooting.

• May collect patient specimens from all patient age groups.

• Notifies appropriate person (i.e. manager, supervisor, lead, risk manager, shift supervisor) of problems, equipment/product defects, and important information encountered in dealing with physicians, patients, visitors, or other department personnel.

• Responsible for reading and understanding Lab policies, compliance with regulatory agency requirements, and procedures be familiar with overall hospital regulations.

• Maintains safe work environment. Complies with the Exposure Control Plan as well as the guidelines for infection control and Employee Health Services.

• Participates in the Quality Improvement Program under the direction of the manager, supervisor, lead, and pathologist.

• Assist in the training of new employees and may assist in training of students.

• May assist in evaluation and implementation of new lab equipment and performance characteristics of new procedures.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Required Licensure/Certifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science. Successful completion of the ASCP or AMT Board of Certification CLS exam within the first year of employment is also required. Alternative bachelor’s degrees are acceptable with successful completion of ASCP or AMT CLS certification exam prior to employment.

• Maintains current certification according to guidelines established by appropriate certifying agency.

• Interpersonal skills sufficient to interact effectively and communicate with patients and other health care professionals. High level of professionalism and skillful performance in stressful situations.

• Must possess sufficient academic, technical, and clinical skills and knowledge to evaluate, troubleshoot, research, and resolve day-to-day problems that arise or special projects as assigned by the laboratory management.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Experience not required but 1-2 years preferred.

Physical & Mental Requirements and Working Conditions

Continually traversing corridors. Must occasionally remain in a stationary position, sitting or standing, for up to 4 hours. Operates office and medical equipment constantly. Frequently lifts/moves/carries objects up to 35 pounds. Occasionally must position self to lower heights under 4’, stooping or squatting. Near acuity vision needed. Constant coordination of hands, fingers, feet and eyes required. Completes basic math quickly and accurately. Understands complex problems and explores alternative solutions. Organizes thoughts and ideas into understandable terminology. Constantly working with others; must converse and be understood verbally and in written form. Occasionally must work to understand and negotiate and/or integrate different viewpoints. Continual decision making based on data and observation required.

The environment includes frequent emotional stress and occasional violent or assaultive customers. Hazards include exposure to blood borne pathogens, contagious diseases and chemical exposure.