Signature Healthcare is Southeastern Massachusetts’ premier local provider of quality, personalized medical services. We are comprised of the award-winning not-for-profit Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital; Signature Medical Group (SMG), a multi-specialty physician group of more than 150 physicians practicing in 18 ambulatory locations. We believe our distinctive Signature Healthcare team approach is the way healthcare should be: medical professionals across many locations communicating and collaborating, taking advantage of technologies and resources to make a difference in the lives and health of our patients.

Position Summary:

To assist the section Supervisor in the overall management and operation of the Blood Bank including daily operations, process improvement, quality, inventory management, instrument/ equipment maintenance, staff/ student training as well as staff competency. Is to assume supervisory functions in the absence of the section Supervisor.

Location: 680 Centre Street, Brockton, MA

Department: Laboratory

This is a full-time 40 hour/ week position

Responsibilities:

• Assists Supervisor in the daily operations of the department including personnel functions, timekeeping, orientation and training. Serving as a team leader, is able to assume designated functions of the Supervisor in his/ her absence including inventory management, record review and consultation services.

• Keeps up to date with emerging technologies/ techniques, requirements of regulatory agencies and participates in continuing education opportunities.

• Coordinates and participates in the education of students rotating through the department.

• Responds and coordinates departmental response to emergent transfusion needs.

• Ensures a sufficient volume of blood/ blood products are maintained to support our patient needs.

• Oversees inventory stocking levels, quality assurance and rotation to ensure minimal wastage and adequate supply.

• Practices and promotes efficient economical use of laboratory supplies and reagents.

• Functions as a technical resource for instruments/ equipment and departmental procedures/ policies. In conjunction with supervisor oversees instrument/ equipment troubleshooting, maintenance, quality control and calibration. Coordinates instrument/ equipment and methodology evaluation and validation studies.

• Assists the Supervisor in maintaining strict adherence to record keeping policies of the organization and regulatory agencies.

• Provides assistance in quality variance investigations and the development of process improvement initiatives.

• In conjunction with the Supervisor develops, maintains and updates departmental procedures/ policies and workflows to ensure compliance with various regulatory and accreditation agencies.

• In conjunction with Supervisor creates and administers employee orientation, education, training and competency assessment on test methodology, departmental policies/ procedures and instrumentation/ equipment.

• Performs routine/ complex procedures of specific discipline involving the use of laboratory instruments and/ or manual techniques.

• Receives, processes and prioritizes patient specimens to ensure timely and accurate clinical information.

• Recognizes and refers unusual problems or issues regarding unfamiliar situations, test procedures, or complaints requiring supervisory or administrative attention to the appropriate personnel.

• Performs diagnostic tests in accordance with laboratory procedures and policies.

• Communicates with medical staff and/ or office staff as needed (i.e.- specimen issues, order issues, result communication) and documents communications appropriately.

• Evaluates specimens for acceptability to ensure valid testing. Investigates, communicates and documents problems with unacceptable specimens.

• Ensures current test results correlate with a patient’s available history and is able to mitigate discrepencies.

• Accurately verifies and enters results into the LIS, timely review of all results.

• Functions independently in applying appropriate judgment regarding type and acceptability of test results.

• Maintains the confidentiality of all patient reports and distributes them to only those that are authorized.

• Prepares and sets up equipment for various tests, assure proper validation and maintenance of equipment.

• Ensures consistent documentation and retention of all quality control data.

• Has ability to learn and perform new procedures established in the laboratory.

• Promotes and maintains a neat, clean and orderly condition within the department at all times.

• Must wear a facility provided identification badge.

• Consistently adheres to established laboratory and hospital policies for universal precautions, chemical hygiene and safety procedures. When handling blood and/ or body fluids, personal protective equipment (PPE) is utilized in order to minimize exposure to infectious diseases. Chemical hygiene and safety policies and procedures are followed when using chemicals.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.

• Commits to recognize and respect cultural diversity for all customers (internal and external).

• Communicates effectively with internal and external customers with respect of differences in cultures, values, beliefs and ages, utilizing interpreters when needed .

  BASIC KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/APTITUDE/EXPERIENCE:

• Task-Focused - Handle multiple priorities and tasks concurrently; make decisions/use independent discretion.

• Ability to work independently as well as within a team depending on the situation.

• Leadership skills, able to develop and facilitate teamwork within the department.

• Work in close proximity to others and/or in a distracting environment; exceptional interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.

• Make decisions under pressure; manage anger/fear/hostility; manage stress

• Comprehensive knowledge of transfusion medicine, immunology and hematology.

• Computer skills, ability to become proficient with various LIS and instrument software.

  Education/Experience/Licenses/Technical/Other:

• Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent (minimum of 36 hours in biology and physical sciences) and up to one year of related work experience.

• Experience: 5 years experience in all technical phases of a transfusion service operation including advanced antibody investigations and cross match techniques. SBB Certification preferred.

• Certification/Licensure: MT/ MLS (ASCP), CLS (NCA) or equivalent preferred. Eligible for ASCP certification required.

• Software/Hardware: Functional experience with common Blood Bank analyzers and laboratory information systems, including P.C.’s.