Clinical Laboratory Scientist

PLEASE NOTE - This position may require temporarily relocation to other TONHC Facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center.

Position Summary:

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for performing a variety and a full range of Medical Laboratory procedures, including phlebotomy, highly complex analyses, and infrequently required tests; evaluating abnormal or unusual patient results; operating and maintaining complex laboratory equipment; and setting up and monitoring daily, weekly, or monthly quality control.

Scope of Work:

The employee is responsible for planning, implementing, and developing the clinic's laboratory section, which includes phlebotomy, general/routine laboratory testing, solving highly complex diagnostic problems, and modifying or adapting new methods or techniques to improve or expand services specific to the following areas: hematology, coagulation, chemistry, urinalysis, microbiology, rapid test methods, and referral specimen processing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Depending on the area of assignment, an incumbent may not be required to perform some of the duties listed below):

• Performs a full variety of laboratory tests and examinations of samples.
• Duplicates tests for quality control and patient testing.
• Perform phlebotomy and order all tests requested by outpatient department RNs or providers.
• Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains accurate reports for quality control reports.
• Performs blood cell morphologies studies, body fluid analysis, and urinalysis.
• Selects the appropriate procedures for the service request and is congruent with patient considerations.
• Prepares reagents, calibrators, solutions, and primary reference materials as applicable.
• Processes specimens using equipment, instruments, or techniques necessary to prepare them for specific analysis; controls physical conditions; responds to time factors to ensure that the physiologic state of the specimen is maintained.
• Evaluates and monitors the performance of non-routine and specialized test procedures using manual and automated techniques in accordance with established protocols.
• Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, and maintains instruments.
• Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks; identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs.
• Tests and develops quality control methods, calculating the mean, standard deviation, and coefficient variation and determining statistical significance.
• Examines instrument functions, rechecks of test performance conditions, evaluates reaction systems and/or procedural techniques utilized, and identifies function with a symptom.
• Contribute to a team effort and perform other job-related duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• The skill to develop and perform difficult and complex tests, determinations, and examinations in which original controls, measurements, and procedures must be either adopted, established or employed.
• The knowledge of health care and diagnosis is necessary to coordinate with and discuss tests results with physicians or other professionals for who tests and functions are performed.
• The skills and knowledge to perform phlebotomy procedures on all age-specific groups, including neonates, children, adults, and geriatric patients.
• The skill and knowledge to operate within a quality control system and a proficiency-testing program.
• Skill in minor equipment and instrument maintenance, which includes daily, weekly, monthly care, calibration, and remedial or repair action that ensures operational reliability, reproducibility, precision, and accuracy at all times.
• Knowledge and skills in Microbiology, Hematology, Immunohematology, Chemistry, Immunochemistry, Blood Gas, Coagulation, and Urinalysis to identify acceptable specimens and determine suitability/integrity for analysis.
• Sufficient skill and initiative to maintain a high level of cleanliness, hygiene, and general up-keep of the laboratory.
• Professional knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of medical technology, including quality assurance and clinical correlation, is sufficient to perform various diagnostics tests.
• Knowledge of related disciplines and diagnoses necessary to evaluate test results in relation to patient clinical history and other laboratory data in order to discuss test results with ordering physicians and providers and recommend additional testing.
• The skill and knowledge to operate within a quality control/assurance system and proficiency-testing program.
• Knowledge of instrumentation principles and operation to operate, maintain, teach, detect instrumentation malfunctions, and independently troubleshoot equipment.
• Knowledge of inconsistent or unusual laboratory results is required to identify the most probable causes, which may include technical problems or specimen contamination.
• Knowledge of regulatory licensing and accrediting agency requirements to assure compliance with standards. Knowledge of quality controls checks, correction, and documentation of corrective actions.
• Knowledge of guidelines includes Public Health Service, and other laboratory accreditation standards.
• Ability to maintain privileged, confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, or closely related field.
• One year of work experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in a laboratory, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience closely related to the Clinical Laboratory Scientist's duties and responsibilities.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and a National FBI fingerprint check are required to determine suitability for employment, including a 39-month driving record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham language and English as a condition of employment.