Senior Technical Assistant - Microbiology

HNL Lab Medicine•Allentown, PA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Technical Assistant in Microbiology processes and prepares specimens for transport and analysis and may perform simple quality control and waived or moderately complex testing under the direct supervision of a technologist. The role performs designated laboratory testing, records results in the Laboratory Information System, follows standard operating procedures, responds to STAT and emergency requests, and supports specimen handling, quality control, equipment checks, calibration, and reagent preparation. The position also helps orient and train new employees and students, supports competency reviews, maintains supplies, and participates in continuous system improvement and continuing education. Microbiology-related duties include logging applicable information into the NEDSS system or sending information to other states. The posting also lists duties associated with other laboratory areas, including handling forensic toxicology specimens and legal inquiries; assisting with fine needle aspirations and frozen sections; liaising with the Gross Room and Operating Room; serving as a designated-area safety representative; and coordinating paperwork for legal cases, hardware disposal, and products of conception. The employee performs other applicable duties assigned to Technical Assistants. The position is onsite at HNL- Roble, 794 Roble Rd. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 2:30 PM to 11:00 PM, with occasional weekend or holiday coverage based on operational needs; the schedule may vary.

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.
Meet CLIA 88 personnel requirements for moderate complexity testing.
Read and comprehend simple instructions in English and write simple correspondence in English.
Present information effectively in one-on-one and small-group situations to customers, clients, and other employees.
Perform basic arithmetic and calculate rates, ratios, and percentages; draw and interpret bar graphs.
Apply common-sense understanding to detailed but uncomplicated written or oral instructions and handle problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Perform duties accurately and with attention to detail.
Use a Laboratory Information System and other software programs.

Nice To Haves

Associate of Science 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 the direct supervision of a technologist and enter results into the Laboratory Information System.
Recognize and correct instrument malfunctions within the operator’s manual and record troubleshooting activities.
Perform testing designated by the department and complete work and report results according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Prioritize or reorganize work to respond to STAT and emergency requests.
Follow department SOPs for specimen handling and abnormal critical values, and communicate with customers accordingly.
Provide clinical orientation and/or training to 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, recording data according to SOPs.
Prepare reagents and controls for specimen testing according to SOPs.
Prepare and/or collect specimens, including blood, urine, feces, and other body fluids, and label them accurately.
Inventory and maintain adequate supplies, restock shelves when appropriate, and notify a technologist of shortages.
Participate in Continuous System Improvement (CSI) and continuing education programs.
Assist with competency reviews of new and current Technical Assistants and promptly notify a supervisor or manager of issues.
Log applicable information into the NEDSS system or send information to other states.
Handle forensic toxicology specimens, data, reports, legal inquiries, search warrants, and subpoenas according to applicable forensic testing guidelines.
Assist with fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures 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.