Pathology Technical Assistant, Pathology (DLS Oahu)

Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. (DLS) is Hawaii’s largest locally owned and operated clinical and anatomic pathology laboratory. DLS is proud to serve the communities of Hawaii, Guam and Saipan and utilizes state-of-the-art testing and value-based informatics to promote optimal patient care to positively impact patient lives.

LOCATION
Queen’s Medical Center Punchbowl

SCHEDULE
Regular Full-Time Position
Must be availableMonday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 10:30 pm and Saturdays from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, including occasional holidays.
Must be flexible with schedule changes to meet operational needs.

HIRING RANGE
$20.20 to $25.65 hourly (Level II starts at $21.90)
Actual pay commensurate with experience

JOB SUMMARY
Under the direction of a direct supervisor, the Pathology Technical Assistant performs preparatory portions of laboratory procedures including moderate/high complexity laboratory tests, equipment maintenance and QC/QA procedures. Performs testing and duties as authorized by CLIA qualifications and the laboratory director.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Performs defined pre-analytical/post-analytical laboratory procedures, including specimen receiving, processing and preparation for laboratory testing to support the laboratory technical team. (70%)

• Performs accessioning/clerical duties in assigned section such as sample receipt in Laboratory Information systems, logging, processing report forms, filing, statistical reports, and receiving and appropriately handling incoming phone calls.
• Processes and handles specimens to maintain specimen integrity, loads and unloads equipment according to established procedures.
• Operates equipment or laboratory automation, troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation loads reagent as needed onto equipment, performs maintenance, runs calibration, QC, and lot to lot comparisons at required intervals.
• Histology: Embeds and stains tissue with standardized and specialized stains. Coverslips, labels, and distribute slides. Maintains slide/block storage and disposal according to procedures and compliance requirements.
• Cytology: Prepares non-gynecological and gynecological specimens following established procedures and techniques. Stains, coverslips and distributes slides. Processes gynecological specimens for specialized testing.
• Flow Cytometry: Prepares flow cytometry and immunophenotyping samples as assigned. Researches and documents patient histories, records pertinent data for samples received. Maintains patient/specimen databases.
• Bone Marrow: Assists with bone marrow procedures including collection, processing and submission for testing.
• FISH: Prepares tissue, blood and urine specimens following established procedures and techniques. Performs hybridization and washing of slides. Works with the pathologist(s) and cytotechnologist(s) to ensure acceptability of specimens and slides to ensure appropriate quality.
• Prepares calibrators, controls and reagents as needed.
• Operates laboratory computer system(s) and performs necessary tasks, which may include the use of various functions to resolve problems and extract pertinent information.
• Does not perform the analysis and reporting of the testing.
• Assist the technical staff in the technical areas as needed.

2.Assists with training new employees and students and completing the training checklists. (20%)

3.Oversees the purchase orders of laboratory and office supplies using the Finance Supply Chain Management (FSCM) system for the laboratory. (5%)

• Unpacks and restocks supplies.
• Takes inventory and completes ordering supplies.
• Receives reviews, verifies and files packing slips.
• Researches and places special request orders. Works with buyers to process the order.
• Assists in the coordination of product recalls as assigned.

4.Performs and assists with technical operational work requirements. (5%)

• Updates and documents Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
• Assists with completing applicable department competencies.
• Participates in continuing education and in-service training programs as assigned by supervisor.

5.Performs other duties as required.

6.Job expectations:

• Demonstrates clear, audience-focused and effective communication with Aloha.
• Reads, interprets and write documents, such as policies, standard operating procedures and reports.
• Creates a positive work culture and environment.
• Models organizational values and contributes to quality improvements to support innovation.
• Builds collaborative relationships with teammates, shares ideas, supports others to achieve goals and has each other’s backs.
• Follows all safety and health regulations and works in accordance with DLS safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe and secure working environment.
• Provides excellent customer service to our internal and external customers with compassion and respect.
• Maintains and values the importance of attendance at work.
• Stays current on information and requirements to perform the job while embracing continuous learning to improve skills and knowledge.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality of information.
• Uses sound judgement, analytical skills and innovation while problem solving and takes appropriate and timely actions.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability by adjusting to shifts in priorities, demands, and procedures.

JOB DEMANDS

Typical Physical Demands:

• Requires manual and finger dexterity, eye-hand coordination, corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

• Able to distinguish and identify color.

• Able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, face shields, respirator, etc.

• Able to perform repetitive manual motion such as, but not limited to, static griping of an object, pipetting, capping and uncapping specimens.

• Able to sit up to four (4) hours continuously.

• Able to stand up to four (4) hours continuously.

• Able lift, carry, push or pull items weighing up to thirty five (35) pounds.

Typical Working Conditions:

• Work environment includes conditions common to a hospital/laboratory environment, including working directly with potentially hazardous chemicals and/or patients with communicable diseases. Potential for inadvertent skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other infectious materials.

• Generally works in an indoor, air-conditioned area.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent with:

  • Two (2) years of full-time coursework completed at an accredited college or university within a laboratory, medical or related science program;
  • OR enrolled in an MLT or MT program;
  • OR three (3) years of pathology laboratory experience performing the preparatory portion of moderate to high complexity testing to replace the course work.

Preferred:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in related science field (such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, etc.).

Experience:
Required:

• One (1) year relevant laboratory experience.

Skills:
Required:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both in verbal and written form.

• Ability to work both independently and with a team.

• Excellent customer service skills.

• Ability to flexible in a fast paced environment.

• Ability to learn laboratory SOP’s.

• Ability to be a strong team player.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Vet

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Vet
Your Health. Our Legacy
Our Mission: To fulfill the intent of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV to provide in perpetuity quality health care services to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians and all of the people of Hawai‘i.
Our Values:
Compassion guides our actions
Aloha inspires us in all that we do
Respect and understanding are essential for the dignity of all
Excellence is our quest