Technical Specialist, Cytology
St. Paul, MN 
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Job Description

Criteria Based Job Description

Job Title:

Laboratory Technical Specialist - Cytology

Reports to:

Laboratory Operations Manager

Job Code: 723050

Approved by:

Director Hospital Laboratory Operations

Department: Pathology

Approval Date: February 2008; Update February 2022; July 2022


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in medical technology, biology or related field and/or completion of an accredited cytology/cytotechnology program. A master's degree in cytology/cytotechnology may substitute for the above educational and registration requirements.

Experience:

At least three years of experience as a cytologist/cytotechnologist

Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:

ASCP or equivalent certification in cytology/cytotechnology

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to interpret colorimetric determinations.

  • Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills.

  • Demonstrates comfort interacting with customers and providers of various educational backgrounds.

  • Exhibits a high degree of organization, attention to detail and ability to work independently.

  • Ability to analyze workflows, develop plans, and implement improvements.

  • Possesses effective problem-solving skills.

  • Knowledge of general method evaluation, validation, and research and development of methodology.

  • Possesses comprehensive knowledge of accrediting and regulatory agencies standards within the laboratory discipline.

  • Comprehensive knowledge of computer technology and its application within the laboratory discipline.

  • Comprehensive knowledge of specialized tests, techniques and protocols needed to perform work in the laboratory discipline.

  • Thorough knowledge of the literature and current innovations in products and technologies that have application within the laboratory discipline.

  • Knowledge of quality assurance methods.

  • Knowledge of laboratory instrumentation sufficient to operate, maintain and perform limited repairs and recognize the need for major repairs and/or replacement.

  • Ability to present instructional material in a logical, interesting and stimulating manner

  • Knowledge of medical center laboratory policies and procedures





PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

See above

Experience:

  • At least four (4) years of experience as a cytotechnologist or related field with at least two (2) years of experience in the specialty occurring within the last four years.

  • Experience across multiple laboratory disciplines.

  • Experience with clinical laboratory systems and quality assurance related to specialty.

Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:

ASCP certification or equivalent as a Specialist in Cytology

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

In addition to the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities above:

  • Knowledge of collection, testing and maintenance of chain of evidence and release of information for medical-legal specimens

  • Knowledge of medical center operations including personnel policies, budgeting, accounting, data processing, etc.

  • Experience in laboratory automation within the laboratory discipline.


POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT:

Ensures and maintains high reliability, integrity, and functionality of all test systems within assigned lab discipline across HealthPartners laboratory sites. Coordinates activities participates in evaluation and implements procedures for new test methodology, specimen handling and instrumentation. Ensures compliance with the standards of accrediting and regulatory agencies. Designs, monitors and supports teams in quality assurance systems including quality control, test utilization, and proficiency testing. Participates in the development and implementation of training, competency, and performance appraisals. Participates in HealthPartners hospital and ambulatory technical teams and committees as appropriate.



MAJOR JOB DUTIES AND TASKS:

Percentage

Of Time:


1.

Assess and Meets Customer Needs

20%


  1. Demonstrates exemplary professional and courteous customer service in various modalities (i.e. telephone, verbal or written) in all interactions with customers and staff.

  2. Troubleshoots, communicates, and resolves problems with test orders, collections, or results, including issues that may result in delay or cancellation of patient results.

  3. Communicates process changes, new initiatives, and organizational decisions to staff and customers to build commitment, overcome resistance and ensure compliance.

  4. Acts as the point of contact for research and study coordinators. Oversees the process of approval, set up of procedures and protocols of new and current studies to ensure required specimen handling and billing processes are followed. Maintains necessary documentation.

  5. Communicates laboratory test results that have been signed out by a pathologist to clinicians and other hospital personnel as appropriate.

2.

Maintains Current Testing Methodologies

40%


  1. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of all aspects related to the laboratory discipline.

  2. Coordinates the evaluation, selection, and implementation of new laboratory tests with lab leadership, stakeholders, purchasing and vendors.

  3. Creates and coordinates pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic processes in consultation with the medical director and department leaders.

  4. Maintains complete and current policies, procedure manuals, and forms used in collection, submission, processing and testing within the laboratory discipline.

  5. Develops and coordinates competency testing for laboratory personnel.

  6. Reviews, monitors and updates testing menus and test catalogs in collaboration with appropriate leaders, medical directors, and technical staff.

  7. Consults with the Laboratory Information System (LIS) Team on the build, validation, and maintenance of electronic workflows across all phases of testing (pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic).

  8. Collaborates with section supervisor to investigate gaps and failures and recommends process improvements and/or corrective actions to assure compliance with all processing, handling, testing requirements.

  9. Assists, implements, and evaluates research/development projects in coordination with the medical director and department leadership.

  10. Troubleshoots, maintains, and coordinates the repair of instruments within the laboratory discipline.

  11. Supports section to ensure proper inventory of necessary supplies required for testing

  12. Assists laboratory leadership with cost accounting, cost per test and general oversight of department cost centers identifying areas for savings or improvement.

  13. Assists with budgetary requirements and/or CPT coding to ensure maximum reimbursement and proper billing

  14. Provides feedback for the evaluation of supplier contract and contract agreement reviews in collaboration with Medical Directors, laboratory leadership and purchasing.

  15. Serves as a technical resource for cytology across the HealthPartners system and provides instruction and support for diagnostic criteria and interpretation.


  1. Performs benchwork as necessary to support the department and maintain the technical expertise to influence workflows, including Pap test screening and QC review, ROSE and Non-GYN screening.

  2. Assists in evaluating the work performance, competency, and productivity of section staff.

3.

Ensures Patient Safety through Quality Services 20%


  1. Maintains high reliability, integrity, and functionality of all test systems within the assigned lab discipline. Standardizes and correlates test systems across all lab sites.

  2. Establishes and maintains continual compliance of test systems with the standards of accrediting and regulatory agencies, coordinates corrective action when deficiencies are noted.

  3. Performs computer based statistical analysis of department measures for the purposes of accreditation, performance evaluation and process improvement.

  4. Evaluates and coordinates the administration of proficiency testing programs. Presents results to medical directors, leaders, and staff. Investigates failures, coordinates the implementation of corrective actions and documents corrective actions for submission to the appropriate agencies.

  5. Analyzes the acceptability of laboratory specimen collection, submission, and orders, developing and coordinating follow-up actions as needed.

  6. Implements and monitors quality control systems: Develops protocols and tools, selects quality control products, instructs, and directs staff in utilization and interpretation, collates and analyzes data, documents, and coordinates improvement when necessary.

  7. Active participant in the Laboratory Quality Plan to monitor, document and continually identify areas of improvement.

  8. Develops, reviews, and maintains quality control and assurance policies, procedures, process improvement documentation and other quality documentation for the laboratory discipline.


4.

Creates a Healthy/Safe work Environment for Staff

Ongoing


  1. Develops, evaluates, and organizes education opportunities for section staff.

  2. Solicits staff feedback and engagement in process changes and improvement efforts.

  3. Encourages staff involvement in department projects and initiatives as appropriate.


5.

Manages projects as assigned

20%


  1. Determines project goal(s), outcomes, and measurements of success.

  2. Coordinates resources needed to meet timelines

  3. Encourages participation and collaboration within project teams and other stakeholders.

  4. Communicates updates with project sponsors, stakeholders, and team members.

  5. Notifies sponsors and/or section leaders to barriers impeding project success or timelines.


ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS:


Values


All team members are expected to demonstrate our values:


Excellence: We strive for the best results and always look for ways to improve.

Compassion: We care and show empathy and respect for each person.

Partnership: We are strongest when we work together and with those we serve.

Integrity: We are open and honest, and we keep our commitments.


We are committed to living our values. That means our patients and families can expect certain things from each of us:


They can expect us to be their partner and treat them with dignity and respect. They can expect us to listen carefully and give good, timely information. They can expect us to do our best to provide affordable, coordinated, high quality care and services that are easy to find and simple to use. They can expect safe, clean spaces. And they can expect that we will do our very best to earn their trust by being open and honest, and keeping our word.


Additional Expectations:

  • Complies with safety instructions, observe safe work practices, provides input on safety issues and promotes a safe work environment.

  • Maintains regular and timely attendance

  • Protects confidentiality

  • Demonstrates participation in and support of the organization's Corporate Integrity Program by participating in compliance-related education and training and complying with the organization's policies and procedures.

  • Timely completion of all mandatory education and organizational requirements (i.e. licensure/certification, Employee Health and Wellness requirements, annual training, etc.)


POPULATION SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:


X Yes


No


Does this employee have direct patient contact?

If "Yes," departments will need to determine the appropriate competencies in their areas for their specific patient populations.


Examples of items that can be included are:

* Identifies expected outcomes for a plan individualized to the patient or situation specific to the needs of the population served.

* Communicates effectively with patients, families and team members.

* Integrates practices that supports patient safety, acknowledges variations in populations served.

* Anticipates the needs of the population served as well as the unique characteristics of the communities served.

* Anticipates the needs of the population in providing cultural responsive care and develops an individualized plan for patients and families.


LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

Please describe the degree to which the position directs the work of others or coordinates workflow of a clinic, department or functional area. If applicable, indicate the number of people and the titles for which this position directly and/or indirectly directs the work of others or coordinates workflow.

  • Serves as a system expert and resource for the technical component of the laboratory discipline to all customers including lab staff, leadership, and care teams.

  • Serves on and leads on enterprise committees and technical teams as needed or assigned, actively participating in meetings, and providing technical support as necessary to the enterprise.

  • Serves as a customer liaison and champion for the laboratory discipline to ensure laboratory testing is handled correctly from order placement to resulting.

  • Facilitates a positive response to questions and problem resolution, in person, over the telephone and in written communication.

  • Mentors, coaches, develops, and provides technical performance feedback to staff on an on-going basis. Assists Supervisor with the evaluation of employee's technical performance.

  • Coordinates meeting cadence with medical director, manager and supervisor to discuss test performance, projects, proficiency testing, and any other department agenda items.

  • Provides information to support cost accounting and the capital budgeting process. Identifies potential operating expense reductions and explains variances in supply expense from the operating forecast. Assists with cost accounting of testing.

  • Assumes responsibility for daily operations in the absence of section leadership.




PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Please list any physical requirements necessary to the performance of this job (e.g. lifting, carrying, stretching, sitting or standing for long periods of time). Please specify details such as number of pounds expected to lift, number of hours must be on feet, etc.

Physical demands include prolonged sitting with neck bent over a microscope, visual and mental stress (concentration during microscopy) and standing during collection of fine needle aspirations in various clinics and departments. Prolonged standing while operating and troubleshooting analyzers and performing a variety of tests. May spend prolonged time working with a computer and looking at a computer screen entering test results or validating reports in the LIS system. May lift twenty pounds while lifting supplies. Uses hands or fingers in activities requiring fine coordination.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Please list unusual environmental conditions, if any (e.g. extremely cramped quarters, noise, fumes, gases, extreme heat/cold, etc.).

Work is performed in a medical laboratory (BSL Levels I and II). Involves continual exposure to potentially carcinogenic and chemically hazardous substances as well as infectious microbial agents, e.g., tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV, etc. from specimens from patients. Safety and right to know training is continuous.

EQUIPMENT:

Please list the equipment used in this position.

  1. Microscope

  2. Computer

  3. Specimen and slide label printers

  4. Biosafety Hood

  5. Cytocentrifuge

  6. Centrifuge

  7. Fume Hood

  8. Microwave

  9. Microscope slide preparation instruments

  10. Microscope slide staining instruments

  11. Vortexer

  12. Microscope slide coverslipper

  13. Telephone

  14. Copy/Fax/Scan Machine

  15. Vocera

6



We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

 

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Job Summary
Company
HealthPartners
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Required Experience
3+ years
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