Donor Testing Training Specialist

New York Blood Center Enterprises•Providence, RI

About The Position

Responsible for the Donor Testing department’s training and education program. The specialist facilitates orientation and onboarding for new laboratory staff, develops training plans and curriculum, provides instructional and hands-on training, oversees annual CLIA and non-CLIA competency assessments, and monitors continuing education credits. The position supports organizational goals, mission, and vision and contributes to a culture aligned with organizational values. Under general supervision of assigned managerial staff, this role maintains competency in donor testing functions and follows current Good Manufacturing Practices. As defined by CLIA, the position performs specimen processing or testing, maintains test records, and reports test results in a high-complexity laboratory, performing only authorized tests that match the individual’s education, training, experience, and technical abilities. The role does not supervise staff. The specialist mentors and trains technical staff, assures compliance with SOPs, cGMPs, and regulatory standards, updates training materials based on staff feedback, and serves as a technical resource. Additional duties include LIS administration, competency and continuing-education oversight, support for change management and validations, participation in clinical trials or investigational studies, conducting educational laboratory tours, and providing backup for laboratory or testing tasks. The position may flex its schedule to train staff across shifts and may work irregular hours or overtime according to departmental needs. The role is full-time, with either a Monday–Friday schedule of five 8-hour shifts from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or four 10-hour shifts on Monday–Friday, with days and times that may vary. Hours may vary depending on department needs. Proposed pay is $70,000–$78,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science (CLS/MLS/MT); or a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical or biological science with at least 6 credits in biology and 6 credits in chemistry; or a BA in core sciences subject to transcript review.
Meet testing personnel requirements under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 for a highly complex laboratory.
Three years of clinical laboratory experience.
Knowledge of AABB, FDA, and OSHA regulations.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Suites.
Ability to comprehend and apply clinical laboratory procedures and theory.
Working knowledge of LIS and BECS.
Working knowledge of institutional and personnel policies, confidentiality, and cGMP.
Cultural competency and ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.
Written and oral communication skills, including computer input and retrieval.
Attention to detail, organizational skills, and accuracy in transcribing numbers.
Decision-making skills, reliability, and a strong work ethic.
Ability to resolve problems and customer concerns, maintain composure under pressure, and work independently or as part of a team.
Ability to work irregular hours or overtime as dictated by departmental needs.
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that supplies the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to perform the essential functions.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science (CLS/MLS/MT).
National Clinical Laboratory Certification (ASCP or equivalent).

Responsibilities

Manage orientation and onboarding for new Donor Testing staff.
Mentor, coach, and educate technical staff through instructional and hands-on training on Donor Testing processes.
Develop and revise department training plans, curriculum, and documents.
Ensure staff technical accuracy and compliance with SOPs, cGMPs, and regulatory standards.
Ensure new staff are signed off and released to test on at least one testing platform during their first year.
Conduct post-training check-in meetings and use feedback to improve the training curriculum.
Serve as a resource for staff resolving technical problems.
Perform LIS administrator functions.
Recognize and report equipment malfunctions, SOP deviations, unusual results, and test-control discrepancies or results outside established limits to a supervisor.
Oversee CLIA and non-CLIA competency assessments, including follow-up and recommendations using the competency assessment process and tools.
Monitor department continuing education credits and send routine reminders to team leaders about required CEUs.
Assist with department change-management projects and attend cross-departmental meetings.
Act as a liaison to and participate in IBR initiatives.
Flex the schedule to provide training for major laboratory changes or implementations across all shifts.
Assist with validation of equipment, test assays, and laboratory information systems.
Participate in clinical trials or ongoing investigational studies of reagents, assays, or equipment.
Understand and deliver on customer needs.
Conduct educational tours of the laboratory.
Act as a backup for laboratory or testing-related tasks.
Promote a culture of safety by complying with safety SOPs, using required PPE, and promptly reporting safety violations or concerns.
Oversee and document team members’ required NYBCe continuing education units in a timely manner.
Participate in educational activities, leadership training, and corporate initiatives.
Participate successfully in proficiency testing and annual competency assessment programs.
Complete continuing education to meet state and national regulatory requirements.
Maintain competency in donor testing functions and follow current Good Manufacturing Practices.
Perform authorized high-complexity laboratory specimen processing or testing, maintain test records, and report test results as permitted by CLIA and individual qualifications.