Senior Technical Assistant - LVH Muhlenberg
About The Position
The Senior Technical Assistant processes and prepares specimens for transport and/or analysis and may perform technical duties related to simple quality control and waived or moderately complex testing under the direct supervision of a technologist. The role performs designated laboratory testing, enters results in the Laboratory Information System, supports specimen handling and quality control, and helps maintain supplies and equipment according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Depending on the department, duties may include molecular and microbiology information logging; handling forensic toxicology specimens, data, reports, and legal inquiries; or assisting with pathology, histology, and cytology procedures such as fine needle aspiration and frozen section cutting. The position may also serve as a safety representative and liaison with operating room or gross room staff. The work schedule is 1400–2230, Monday through Friday, with rotating weekends and holidays. The role is onsite at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Two years of experience in a clinical environment with data processing and specimen handling experience.
- Graduate of an accredited health/medical assistant or similar training program where general laboratory technique is taught.
- Must meet CLIA 88 personnel requirements for moderate complexity testing.
- Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions in English, write simple correspondence in English, and present information effectively in one-on-one and small-group situations.
- Ability to perform basic arithmetic using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; compute rates, ratios, and percentages; and draw and interpret bar graphs.
- Ability to follow detailed but straightforward written or oral instructions and address problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
- Accuracy and attention to detail in performing duties.
- Ability to use a Laboratory Information System and other software programs.
Nice To Haves
- Associate degree, or equivalent demonstration of education and experience.
Responsibilities
- Process and prepare specimens for transport and/or analysis.
- Perform CLIA-classified moderately complex laboratory testing under a technologist’s direct supervision and enter results into the Laboratory Information System.
- Recognize and correct instrument malfunctions within the scope of the operator’s manual and document troubleshooting activities.
- Perform testing designated by the department and complete work and report results according to SOPs.
- Prioritize and reorganize work to respond to STAT and emergency requests.
- Follow SOPs for specimen handling and abnormal critical values, and communicate with customers accordingly.
- Provide clinical orientation and/or training for new employees and students.
- Perform basic quality control functions for moderate complexity testing and instrument checks, and notify a technologist of discrepancies.
- Calibrate pipettes and thermometers accurately and record data according to SOPs.
- Prepare reagents and controls for specimen testing according to SOPs.
- Prepare and/or collect and accurately label blood, urine, feces, and other body-fluid specimens for analysis.
- Inventory and maintain adequate supplies, restock shelves when appropriate, and notify a technologist of shortages.
- Participate in Continuous System Improvement and continuing education programs.
- Assist with competency reviews of new and current Technical Assistants and promptly notify the supervisor or manager of issues.
- For Molecular/Microbiology, enter applicable information into the NEDSS system or send information to other states.
- For Toxicology/ACL’s, handle forensic toxicology specimens, data, and reports according to forensic testing guidelines, and handle legal inquiries, search warrants, and subpoenas.
- For Pathology/Histology/Cytology, assist with fine needle aspirations and complete frozen section cutting.
- Act as a Gross Room/Operating Room liaison to assist with problem resolution and provide educational in-service as needed.
- Serve as the safety representative for the designated area.
- Coordinate paperwork between LVHN and vendors for legal cases, hardware disposal, and products of conception.
- Perform all applicable duties assigned to Technical Assistants.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
High school or GED
