Job Description

POSITION: LABORATORY TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

LOCATION: TROY, MICHIGAN

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FULL-TIME, DAYS, EVENINGS, NON-EXEMPT

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under general direction, the Laboratory Technical Assistant is responsible for supporting the laboratory technical team and processing clinical samples for testing. Based on performance, qualifications, and training, may be involved in moderate complexity, or cleared testing of patient samples. In addition, this individual will provide support of general laboratory maintenance and departmental operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Include but are not limited to the following (other duties may be assigned to meet business needs)

· Independently perform and complete routine preparation of patient samples for downstream testing.

· Provide proper and efficient delivery of quality laboratory services in a timely manner.

· Direct communication with client services with regards to sample status and client queries.

· When needed, assist in performing laboratory operations including inventory and equipment maintenance.

· Follow laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and record maintenance of patient results in accordance with Vibra Health Laboratory and CLIA and COLA standards.

· Interact collaboratively with other team members and external partners.

· Pre-analytical and post-analytical support to the clinical testing process including but not limited to: workspace decontamination, maintenance and temperature records, sample batching of runs, sample disposal and recording, reagent plate preparation and media preparation.

· Ensure that all laboratory safety rules and standards are followed in accordance with the Hazardous Communication Policy to include internal handling and waste disposal.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

· Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in: Biomedical Science, Medical Technology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology or a related science and preferably:

· Successful graduation from a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) or ASCP, accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program

· Completion of an accredited clinical internship or equivalent experience/training as required by the ASCP Board of Registry certification preferred.

· Additional acceptable educational standards will be under the discretion of the Laboratory Supervisor and Laboratory Director.

TRAINING EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES, AND QUALIFICATIONS

· A preferred experience of 1 year in a CLIA (and COLA or CAP) certified clinical laboratory and/or preferred experience in Molecular applications.

· Preferred U.S. certification, U.S. certification eligibility, or certification assessment by:

• ASCP Medical Laboratory Scientist – MLT(ASCP)

• Equivalent agency certification

· Additional acceptable experience and certification standards will be under the discretion of the Laboratory Supervisor and Laboratory Director.

· Ability to perform at a high level with minimal supervision – a self-motivated individual

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Punctual, honest and trustworthy

· Astute attention to detail

· Excellent collaboration skills

· Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

· Knowledge of quality control practices and CLIA regulations

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a controlled, sanitized laboratory that follows proper guidelines to function at a Biosafety Level 2. Employees entering and leaving the laboratory must wear appropriate clothing and protective equipment such as masks, goggles, and gloves as applicable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; lift; bend; sit; push; drive; use hands to finger, grasp, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is subject to repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers when typing as well as when testing samples.

The physical demands of the position are considered light work. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform work activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operating of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices. The employee within this position may be subject to vibration, certain hazards due to exposure to chemicals, noise, and atmospheric conditions.

TRAVEL

The percentage of travel time expected is approximately 5%. Travel is primarily local during the business day.

CORE COMPETENCIES

· Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure own behavior and the behavior of others are consistent with these standards and align with the values of the organization.

· Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with other both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization.

· Process flow & Analysis: Understand how to best identify and flag issues within the supply chain, communicate them to account management accordingly on both a daily and ad hoc basis.

· Communication: Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.

· Client Service: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal staff and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.

· Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.

· Initiative: Is a self-starter, shows originality, makes decisions when required, and initiates action. Understands broader organizational and team goals to proactively address what needs to be accomplished and when, without constant managerial oversight and direction.

· Laboratory Performance: Work cooperatively towards increasing productivity, reducing TATs and minimizing process-related errors and issues.

· Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Identify communications, logistical, facility and other issues and opportunities proactively, use sound judgment in all interactions inside and outside the organization

· Judgement: Assess situations to determine importance, urgency, and risks. Ability to make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.

· Organization: Set priorities, develop a task list, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.

· Operational Improvement: Proficient tracking, management, and analyzing of sample data to identify opportunities, mitigate problems, and improve workflow. Work cooperatively to experience a decrease in accession-related errors or lapses.

· Proactive Planning: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create, and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.

· Problem Resolution: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

· Adaptability: Demonstrate flexibility in the face of change and always project a positive demeanor.

· Technical Skills: Display proficiency in using standard office and standard molecular biology lab equipment. Must be able adapt quickly to new technology and easily acquire new technical skills.

Company Description

Vibra Health Lab (VHL) was built on the foundation of a partnership between two reputable companies known for their internal infrastructure and industry experience; OSP Health and Vibra Hospital. VHL is based in Troy, Michigan where our flagship, state of the art, full medical reference laboratory is located and services the communities of Michigan and Ohio.