Medical Lab Scientist, Sr I

CLIA Role: Testing Personnel
General Supervisor (High Complexity Testing)

In addition, if qualified, may act as:

• Technical Consultant (Moderate Complexity Testing)
• Technical Supervisor (High Complexity Testing)

The Medical Laboratory Scientist Senior I (MLS Senior I), in their role as Testing Personnel as defined by CLIA, may perform waived and non-waived testing.

Each individual performs only those tests that are authorized by the Laboratory Director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training, or experience, and technical abilities.

Under general supervision, and after successful completion of orientation, training, and competency assessment on all instruments/methods applicable to their role, the Medical Laboratory Scientist Senior I (MLS Senior I) carries out all policies and performs all tests in accordance with the laboratory's standard operating procedures. They work independently in an efficient and organized manner to assure accurate results and records. The work requires a professional level of knowledge to read and interpret accurately test results used by providers in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

If qualified, the MLS Senior I, in their role as Technical Supervisor, Technical Consultant, or General Supervisor as defined by CLIA, on occasion, may be delegated the responsibility of the technical oversight of the laboratory including the day-to-day supervision or oversight of the laboratory operations and personnel performing testing and reporting results.

Under the general supervision of the Clinical Manager and Clinical Supervisors, the Medical Laboratory Scientist Senior I (MLS Senior I) is responsible for the supervision of assigned workstations including Quality Control (QC) review, instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, training, competency assessment of staff, operations, and inventory management.

Reports to: Clinical Manager and Clinical Supervisor

Responsibilities as outlined by CLIA:
Testing Personnel are responsible for specimen processing, test performance, and for reporting test results.

Technical Supervisor (High Complexity Testing) and Technical Consultant (Moderate Complexity Testing)

If qualified, responsibilities may be delegated in writing to the MLS Senior I:

1. Responsible for the selection of test methodology appropriate for the clinical use of the test results.
2. Responsible for the verification of the test procedures performed and the establishment of the laboratory's test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system.
3. Responsible for ensuring enrollment and participation in a CMS-approved proficiency testing (PT) program for the testing performed; ensuring PT samples are tested in accordance with the CLIA requirements, and that PT results are returned within the time frames established by the PT program; PT reports are reviewed by the appropriate staff, including Medical Director, and corrective action plans are followed when PT results are unacceptable or unsatisfactory.
4. Responsible for establishing a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed and establishing the parameters for acceptable levels of analytical performance, ensuring these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process.
5. Responsible for resolving technical problems and ensuring that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
6. Responsible for ensuring that patient test results are not reported until corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly.
7. Responsible for identifying the training needs and assuring that each individual performing tests receives regular in-service training and education appropriate for the type and complexity of laboratory services provided.
8. Responsible for evaluating the competency of all testing personnel and assuring that staff maintain their competency to perform test procedures and report test results promptly, accurately, and proficiently.
9. Responsible for evaluating and documenting the performance of individuals at least semi-annually during their first year and annually thereafter unless test methodology or instrumentation changes; in that case, performance must be reevaluated to include the use of the new test methodology or instrumentation.

General Supervisor (High Complexity Testing)

On occasion, responsibilities may be delegated in writing to the MLS Senior I:

1. Must be accessible to test personnel at all times during testing and provide on-site, telephone, or electronic consultation to resolve technical problems.
2. Responsible for providing day-to-day supervision of high-complexity test performance by qualified testing personnel.
3. Must be on-site to provide direct supervision when high-complexity testing is performed by individuals qualified before 1/19/1993, in accordance with Federal Register requirements.
4. Responsible for monitoring test analyses and specimen examinations to ensure that acceptable levels of analytical performance are maintained.

1. Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and procedures using instruments and/or manual methods on blood, plasma, and other body fluids according to laboratory policies. Demonstrates the use of two patient identifiers.
2. Prepares samples and reagents for testing according to laboratory policies.
3. Operates all instruments/analyzers per established procedures or instructions in the applicable operator's manual.
4. Performs routine maintenance, function checks, or calibrations on equipment according to policies and documents.
5. Recognizes instrument malfunctions, documents problems, performs troubleshooting and repair according to established guidelines. Alerts supervisor or designee as needed.
6. Performs quality control for all reagents and instruments according to policies. Documents quality control results. Responsible for documenting all out-of-range QC results and corresponding corrective actions.
7. Responsible for the accuracy, interpretation, and reporting of test results according to laboratory policies.
8. Identifies aberrant patient test results, recognizes factors that affect results, and takes appropriate action; seeks assistance in resolution as needed. Documents all corrective actions.
9. Participates in QA/QI activities as required.
10. Participates in Proficiency Testing programs, including handling and analysis of Proficiency Testing samples.
11. Successfully completes orientation, training, and competency for all applicable instruments/methods.
12. Keeps current with technical instrumentation and analytical techniques in the clinical laboratory. Participates in continuing education and completes mandatory annual training modules.
13. Assists in training/orientation of new employees or students. Assists in competency assessment of other staff.
14. Supports the Clinical Manager and Supervisors in developing training programs and new training initiatives.
15. Assists in the evaluation, validation, and/or implementation of new methodologies or instruments.
16. Assists with bi-annual method comparisons and calibration verification studies.
17. Assists with writing and revising standard operating procedures. Reviews occur annually.
18. Participates in regulatory readiness activities, including audits and follow-up action items.
19. Participates in special projects. Works independently to complete projects within assigned timeframes.
20. Plans, organizes, and prioritizes duties to accomplish tasks. Supports coworkers to ensure patient care; works independently while functioning as a team member.
21. On occasion, provides daily supervision and assistance to technical and non-technical staff.
22. Reviews daily work of others, including patient results, quality control, and maintenance records.
23. Participates in the implementation and upgrades of laboratory software programs.
24. Documents errors using the hospital Safety Reporting System; informs supervisor when safety reports are entered.
25. Adheres to hospital and laboratory policies, including accrediting agencies' guidelines, infection control, and safety plans.
26. Performs clerical and support services, such as answering the phone, calling critical or stat results, and monitoring pending logs.
27. Monitors reagents and supplies; orders as needed to maintain inventory.
28. Performs general laboratory duties, including processing specimens, logging samples, and other tasks as required.

About Brigham & Women's Faulkner Hospital

Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, an affiliate of Mass General Brigham, is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve. At Mass General Brigham, we believe in equal access to quality care, employment and advancement opportunities encompassing the full spectrum of human diversity: race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other forms of human presence and expression that make us better able to provide innovative and cutting-edge healthcare and research.

Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital is a 171- bed non-profit, community teaching hospital located in Jamaica Plain directly across the street from the Arnold Arboretum. Founded in 1900, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital offers comprehensive care in a wide variety of specialties. Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital is a designated Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a recognition that fewer than nine percent of all US hospitals receive.

At Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, we believe that everyone should have the chance to live a healthy life. From creating breakthroughs that have paved the way for treatments around the globe to training the next generation of providers, our patients, and those we may never meet, are at the center of everything we do. If you're looking for more than a career, join Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital. Our patients call it better care. Our employees call it home

Education:

Minimum: Must possess a minimum of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Chemical, Physical, or Biological science from an accredited college or university
OR
Other qualifications as described in the Federal Register, 42 CFR, Subpart M 493.1403 - 1495.

Licenses and Certifications:
ASCP certification or equivalent required

Work Experience:
Clinical Laboratory experience: 4 or more years experience in a clinical microbiology laboratory

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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  The advanced knowledge, both practical and theoretical, of tests and procedures necessary to review findings and advise and direct subordinates in action. Demonstrates advanced level of analytical skills and judgment.

  
  
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  The manual/visual dexterity and skills necessary to operate, adjust, and make repairs to various types of automated and non-automated laboratory equipment.

  
  
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  Must have an advanced understanding of laboratory equipment and its operation, maintenance, repair, and analytic techniques.

  
  
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  Can recognize problems with tests, QC, analyzers, and samples that could impact test results.

  
  
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  Demonstrates the ability to contribute to the review or development of new procedures.

  
  
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  Demonstrates the ability to identify and contribute to performance improvement, work re-design, or quality/safety projects.

  
  
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  Must have the ability to work independently, evaluate situations, and act appropriately. Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

  
  
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  Must have the ability to pay careful attention to detail and to adhere to written protocols.

  
  
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  Must be able to perform as a team member, providing leadership, guidance, and direction to staff.

  
  
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  The supervisory and managerial abilities necessary to direct and coordinate activities of personnel. Ability to oversee staff and make operational decisions.

  
  
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  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to interact professionally and effectively with numerous staff including physicians, hospital personnel, employees, and patients.

  
  

Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.