Medical Laboratory Scientist I (MLS)

POSITION SUMMARY

Pay range: $33.25/hr - $47.54/hr

Relocation Assistance available up to $15,000

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) performs a variety of routine and complex tests at a professional level and provides data used in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of human illnesses and diseases. This is accomplished through avenues of critical thinking, decision making, high degree of technical judgement to ensure the most accurate and informative test results.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Performed majority of the time:

• Performs and evaluates quality control testing following departmental policies and procedures
• Completes competency testing through proficiency surveys from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and/or Q.C. performance, including peer observation of technique annually in all scheduled areas.
• Responsible for keeping up-to-date on policy and procedure changes for work area. Provides input for revising and presenting new procedures for review by pathologist.
• Maintains work center. Keeps area clean and well stocked. Prepares or replaces reagents as required. Includes receipt, log-in and stocking of supplies.
• Participates in peer review, responding in a fair and honest manner, both as the reviewer and as the reviewed.
• Maintains competency in each area where they perform testing and participates in proficiency testing whenever possible.
• Keeps abreast of new computer functions, computer usage and changes having to do with computers and printers as relates to work.
• Can function as a lead technologist if no senior technologists scheduled:
• Addresses any problem or question as needed by staff or contacts laboratory management if needed (see department phone list).
• Documents any and all issues/problems for Laboratory management.
• Resolves scheduling issues for absenteeism.
• Prioritizes and evaluates results prior to verification. This includes, but is not limited to, assessment of critical limits, delta checks, linearity of method being used, and believability of results. Follow up with documentation when necessary.
• Communicates with physician or nurse to inform them of results that require immediate or prompt attention. Follows up with the pathologist in a timely fashion.
• Follows up all problems or errors by collecting documentation for lab manager, assisting with reviewing problem and retraining of staff involved.
• Troubleshoots instrumentation problems in order to regain use of instrument ASAP.
• Calibrates, operates, maintains and repairs equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions and section policies and procedures.
  
  

Performed occasionally but critical to successful performance of the job:

• Assists in monitoring of instrumentation and evaluation of QC and proficiencies for hospital Point of Care testing, if applicable.
• Logs specimens into the LIS system when necessary, evaluates specimen for acceptability and resolves problems associated with unacceptable or improperly labeled specimens.
  
  

Decision Making And Budget Responsibilities:

• Impact limited to the employee.
  
  

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education:

Required

• Bachelor’s in medical technology, clinical laboratory, chemical, physical, biological science or other discipline. If Bachelor’s degree is not in the identified disciplines above and is in another discipline, must have at least two (2) years of laboratory training or experience in high complexity testing in addition to Bachelor’s degree.
  
  

Preferred

Experience:

Required

Preferred

• Previous hospital experience as a medical technologist.
  
  

Required

Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations:

• Certification of Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) or nationally recognized equivalent certification as approved by Laboratory Administration.
• For Medical Technologists who obtained initial ASCP certification after January 1, 2004, participation in the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) is required (three (3) year renewal). Those Medical Technologists certified before January 1, 2004 must be active and are certified for lifetime.
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certified and able to meet CLIA standards for high complexity testing.
• New graduates in above disciplines can be considered for hire, contingent upon successful MLS certification within six (6) months of hire date. On-going employment for new grads in this position thereafter will require this certification.
  
  

Required

Job Related Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:

• Uses effective communication skills taking into consideration body language, filters, listening, paraphrasing, and questions with customers of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to function independently as well as in a team environment.
• Presents a personal appearance that makes a good first impression.
• Flexible and able to work to meet the needs of the department.
  
  

Preferred

• Bilingual skills a plus.
  
  

#Tier4

Additional Posting Information

Hillsboro Medical Center believes in providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. Recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, working conditions, training, and compensation will be based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, creed, national origin, marital status, family relationship, veteran status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. We further commit ourselves to continuing the practical application of this policy in our daily business conduct.