Antibody Compatibility Technical Specialist

Responsible for the Westwood laboratory operation including laboratory testing, personnel management, and material management. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

TECHNICAL SPECIALIST FUNCTIONS

1. Provides onsite oversight, training and supervision of designated specialty area.
2. Monitors test analyses to ensure acceptable levels of performance are maintained by all staff. 
3. Reviews and maintains quality assurance within designed specialty area including investigation of vendor notifications and development of corrective action steps with laboratory leaders and Laboratory Compliance Specialist.
4. Assists laboratory leadership and other Technical Specialists as needed.
5. Submits reviewed test results for Laboratory leadership verification as required by departmental policies and procedures.
6. Assists department leadership with annually evaluating and documenting performance of all testing personnel.
7. Works with Laboratory leadership to ensure that assigned specialty area successfully meets qualifications for CLIA, CAP, FDA and ASHI inspections.
8. Performs orientation and training for testing personnel as necessary.
9. Assists Laboratory Compliance Specialist with performing audits and departmental self-assessments.
10. Performs inventory management to ensure adequate supplies are available.
11. Provides feedback to Laboratory Manager on entries of the laboratory call schedules.
12. Communicates effectively with other staff through active listening, sharing hand-off shift details by using the lab distribution email, verbal communication, and updating the communication board to ensure continuity of workload among team members.
13. Demonstrates mastery of proper laboratory techniques, attention to detail, and limited number of errors.
14. Evaluates and documents quality control of new lots/shipments prior to usage.
15. Demonstrates advanced scientific and technical knowledge of assays and instruments utilized in the department.
16. Works with technologists to ensure adherence to instrument maintenance schedule, performance of instrument maintenance, and review of daily maintenance logs.
17. Provides support and assistance with resolving clinical issues to laboratory staff.
18. Provides customer service for clients as necessary to meet client needs and maintain high levels of service.
19. Performs and oversees proficiency testing for all surveys and ensures the results are entered in a timely manner.
20. Assures that all remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
21. Performs and/or documents test performance specifications, precision, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity.
22. Serves as a shift leader and coordinates workload with other Technical Specialists and Managers.
23. Serves as a subject matter expert for flow cytometry, ABO typing, and HLA antibody testing.
24. Performs clinical record review as designated by laboratory leadership.
25. Participates in departmental growth and improvement activities including but not limited to review of procedures, validations, and/or special projects
26. Identifies and reports problems which may adversely affect test performance and patient outcome to Laboratory leadership in a timely manner. 
27. Cooperates with Laboratory leadership to optimize the functions of MTN laboratory departments including:
    1. Evaluates and implements new means of improving workflow with laboratory leadership.
    2. Informs Laboratory leadership of any information that may potentially impact the actual operation and/or strategic direction of the laboratory and/or organization in a timely manner.
    3. Maintains records demonstrating that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
    4. Adheres to the laboratory's quality control policies, documents all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed.
28. Serves as a member of the administrative on-call team (AOC).
    1. 1. Maintains on-call responsibilities as necessary to ensure coverage of the call schedule.
       2. Participates in at least 10% of Crossmatch AOC call rotation.
       3. Participates in at least 10% of HLA AOC or IDD AOC call rotation.
       4. Maintains competency in IDD, HLA typing, flow cytometry, antibody screening, and ABO testing as applicable to provide    appropriate feedback as AOC and to provide oversight of department.
       5. Participates in the weekly AOC huddle for case reviews and discussion of opportunities for improvement.

ANTIBODY, FLOW CYTOMETRY, and ABO TESTING

1. Oversees antibody screening, flow cytometry and ABO testing workflow.
2. Ensures DSA/MFI reports and virtual crossmatch reports are available to the requesting centers in a timely manner.
3. Reviews and reports test results in accordance with established turnaround times
4. Maintains knowledge and competency for all tests performed in the Antibody, Flow Cytometry, and ABO testing areas.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Hold a doctoral, master’s, or bachelor’s degree in chemical, biological, clinical, or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution.
2. Meets personnel requirements for CLIA General Supervisor for High Complexity Testing
3. A Certified Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT) or Certified Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS) ACHI certification is highly preferred. 
4. Minimum three years HLA, flow cytometry, infectious disease and/or molecular diagnostics experience.
5. Ability to work a minimum of 40 hours per week and participate in 24-hour AOC call.  Required to work for extended periods of time with few breaks.
6. Must maintain continuing education requirements either by holding a current ACHI certification or obtain 27 hours of continuing education hours each year. A minimum of 50% of these hours must be directly related to the science and application of histocompatibility and/or immunogenetics testing.
7. Must maintain a valid driver’s license in accordance with MTN motor vehicle policy.  Must have reliable transportation to and from work. 
8. Ability to resolve clinical problems within established procedures, complimented by sound judgement in determining when to bring difficult problems to management as necessary.
9. Utilizes good judgment to optimize deployment of resources.
10. Demonstrated ability to create a positive, collaborative environment that promotes learning.
11. Excellent organization and time management skills; ability to function independently and collaboratively; demonstrated problem-solving and creative thinking skills and well-developed personal stress management skills.
12. Ability to lift 50 pounds and transfer short distances.
13. Possess ability to operate telephones, computers and lab equipment.
14. Ability to speak and communicate clearly in order to accurately convey information in person or by phone.
15. OSHA Category I – Exposed regularly to bloodborne pathogens while performing assigned job duties.  Bloodborne pathogens protection is required.
16. Home internet and wireless phone access may be required.

MTN BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Belonging: Intentionally connects with colleagues by embracing differences and finding commonalities to create a workplace where all employees feel safe and genuine at work. Models the philosophy that lived experiences make individuals unique by respecting and seeking to understand beliefs, values and opinions that are new or different from their own. Represents through actions and influence, the idea that diverse perspectives make MTN stronger as we serve our mission.

Respect: Builds a positive and supportive foundation inviting open, honest, and clear communication. Fosters a sensitive, supportive, and trustworthy environment, which promotes active listening and strengthens rapport throughout all interactions. Cultivates teamwork through acceptance and inclusion by valuing differences and empowering strengths.

Excellence: Demonstrates excellence by going above and beyond, while maintaining compassion and humility in all interactions. Demonstrates a high rate of achievement and success for the organization through proactive objectives centered on the overall mission and vision. Consistently models a positive attitude, a willingness to help others, and a dedication to improvement. Takes full responsibility for their role and challenges themselves to find workable solutions.

Accountability: Demonstrates the highest ethical standards, by honoring commitments to each other and professional partners. Executes all interactions through honesty and transparency. Demonstrates responsibility and integrity through ownership of the mission. Utilizes resources appropriately.

Leadership: Empowers, mentors and encourages all staff, while displaying a high-level of professionalism. Demonstrates ability to cultivate teams and relationships through open lines of communication, honesty and respect. Handles challenges with compassion by developing trust through respectful feedback and support. Acts as a resource by providing the tools, which enable others to reach their highest potential.

It is the policy of Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment.  No person will be discriminated against in employment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnic origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, arrest record, or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.  In addition, the organization complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training, employee activities and general treatment during employment

MTN is committed to complying with state and federal disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position they desire, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of MTN’s mission.