Donor Testing Training Specialist

Rhode Island Blood Center•Providence, RI

3d•$70,000 - $78,000

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, curriculum, and department training documents; provides instructional and hands-on training; oversees CLIA and non-CLIA competency assessments; and monitors continuing education credits. The role supports organizational goals and values and works under the general supervision of assigned managerial staff. It does not supervise staff. The position maintains competency in donor testing functions and current Good Manufacturing Practices. As authorized by the CLIA laboratory director, the specialist performs high-complexity laboratory specimen processing or testing, maintains test records, and reports results, limited to tasks commensurate with the individual’s education, training, experience, and technical abilities. The role also supports technical staff, laboratory operations, change management, validations, clinical trials, educational tours, and organizational initiatives.

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.
Must meet testing personnel requirements under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 for a highly complex laboratory.
Three years of clinical laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience.
National Clinical Laboratory Certification (ASCP or equivalent).
Knowledge of AABB, FDA, and OSHA regulations.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Suites, LIS, and BECS.
Working knowledge of institutional and personnel policies, confidentiality, and Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
Ability to comprehend and apply clinical laboratory procedures and theory.
Cultural competency and ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.
Written and oral communication skills, and computer input and retrieval skills.
Attention to detail, organizational skills, and accurate transcription of 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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science (CLS/MLS/MT).

Responsibilities

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 in accordance with CLIA requirements and individual qualifications.
Manage orientation and onboarding of new Donor Testing staff.
Mentor, coach, and educate technical staff through instructional and hands-on training; ensure 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 of employment, and understand applicable compliance, testing, reporting, safety, confidentiality, cGMP, GDP, department, and organizational policies.
Conduct post-training check-in meetings and use feedback to improve the training curriculum.
Serve as a technical resource for staff and perform LIS administrator functions.
Develop and revise department training documents.
Report job-related problems to the supervisor, including equipment malfunctions, SOP deviations, unusual results, and discrepancies or out-of-range test controls.
Oversee and conduct CLIA and non-CLIA competency assessments, including follow-up and recommendations using the competency assessment process and tools.
Monitor continuing education credits and send reminders to team leaders so staff complete required CEUs by established deadlines.
Assist with department change-management projects, attend cross-departmental meetings, and act as a liaison to and participate in IBR initiatives.
Adjust schedule as needed to provide training across all shifts for major laboratory changes or implementations.
Assist with validation of equipment, test assays, and laboratory information systems.
Participate in clinical trials and ongoing investigational studies involving reagents, assays, or equipment.
Understand and meet customer needs; conduct educational tours of the laboratory.
Provide backup for laboratory or testing-related tasks.
Follow safety SOPs, wear required PPE, and promptly report safety violations or concerns.
Participate in and oversee team members’ required continuing education, document CEUs, and take part in educational activities, leadership training, and corporate initiatives.
Successfully participate in proficiency testing and annual competency assessment programs, and complete continuing education to meet state and national regulatory requirements.