Job Summary
Under general supervision, the incumbent is responsible for independently accessioning, delivering, and processing laboratory specimens utilized in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of physical conditions. Performs weekly QC and QA maintenance and maintains processing instrumentation for safety and compliance purposes. Provides backup and support coverage to all other areas of Anatomic Pathology (Surgical Pathology Gross Room, Cytology, and Decedent Affairs). May be assigned to assist with sending out samples and/or assisting with specialized collection and processing. This position rotates with other members of the team, variable start time.
Responsibilities
1. Responsible for reagent and instrument maintenance.
2. Proficient, accurate, timely filing and distribution of diagnostic material (specimen, blocks/cassettes, slides, etc.).
3. Performs instrument QC, preventative maintenance, and environmental controls.
4. Assist in specialized collections and processing such as: bone marrow, renal adequacy, etc.
5. Responsible for the organization, triage, and execution of daily work to ensure consistent turnaround times.
6. Ensure proper labeling, handling, preservation, processing, preparation, transportation, and storage of specimens.
7. Determine proper fixative solutions in which tissue will be maintained.
8. Inventory management.
9. Embedding techniques.
10. Provides assistance to the Technicians/Technologists, Pathologists’ Assistance and Pathologist in a timely and quality manner.
11. Provides troubleshooting assistance and support to technical staff and with the vendors to ensure uptime and testing turnaround times with equipment and for testing procedures.
12. Participates in huddles or meetings and communicates quality activities inside and outside of the laboratory when needed.
13. Advises and consults with the appropriate supervisor regarding troubleshooting, investigations, and quality control issues.
14. Practices compliance with safety, regulatory and accrediting agencies.
15. Follows and ensures safety, life safety, and infection control procedures for self, patients, and others.
16. Provides assistance to the Decedent Affairs Office (inventory, reagents, specimen disposal, etc.).
17. Provides back-up coverage when other Laboratory Techs/Assistants are off in Surgical Pathology and Cytology.
18. Specimen Accessioning and Triage: Surgical Pathology and Cytology.
19. Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
1. Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate, required.
2. Two years of experience as a laboratory technician in a hospital/medical or research laboratory. Surgical pathology, histology, or cytology laboratory experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Basic understanding of Histopathology techniques and Ancillary Testing (flow cytometry, cytogenetics, electron microscopy, special stains, immunohistochemistry, etc.)
2. Knowledge of surgical pathology coding.
3. General knowledge of specimen sources and surgical procedures to accurately perform accessioning. 4. Ability to troubleshoot testing, equipment, and quality issues relative to testing in the area of oversight.
5. Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented work relative to completing ancillary testing paperwork, accessioning, and handling specimens for processing and testing.
6. Ability to work professionally with patients and coworkers.
7. Knowledge of laboratory terminology and equipment.
8. Ability to organize and prioritize work within the department.
9. Ability to receive and accurately process patient specimens.
10. Ability to work independently.
11. Ability to perpetuate teamwork.
12. Familiar with regulatory compliance in Quality Control (QC) and competency requirements.
13. Good communication and customer relation skills.
14. Ensure patient safety and quality processes in the laboratory.
15. Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented work in identifying, accessioning, and handling specimens for processing and testing.
16. Knowledge of safety and infection control practices to ensure a safe environment of care.
17. Ensure patient safety and quality processes in the laboratory.
Computers and Technology
1. Basic computer and hospital/laboratory information system skills, required.
2. Experience using EPIC Beaker laboratory information system, preferred.
3. Ability to troubleshoot testing, equipment, and quality issues
Certificates, Licenses and Registration
1. None.
Supervisory Responsibilities
1. This position has no supervisory responsibilities
Location
Denver Health Main Campus
Shift
Varies
Work Type
Full time
Salary:
$21.11 - $28.56/hr
All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made.
Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic health care system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 18 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison and Safety, a Public Health department, an HMO and The Denver Health Foundation.
As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net institution, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided billions in uncompensated care for the uninsured. Denver Health is viewed as an Anchor Institution for the community, focusing on hiring and purchasing locally as applicable, serving as a pillar for community needs, and caring for more than 185,000 individuals and 67,000 children a year.
Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.
We strongly support diversity in the workforce and Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).
Denver Health is committed to provide equal treatment and equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. As an EOE, Denver Health does 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.