HLA Technologist III Quality Systems Specialist

The HLA Technologist III- Quality Systems Specialist supports the mission, goals and strategic plan of Nevada Donor Network, Inc. (NDN) through serving as a lead technologist for the laboratory and particular processes within the laboratory. Responsibilities include overseeing and participating in the daily performance at the technologist level, results analysis and report preparation for HLA testing. The HLA Technologist III – Quality Systems Specialist is also responsible for high level assay management and the quality systems employed by the HLA Laboratory.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions Statement(s):

• Serves as a lead technologist and heads special projects as assigned.
• Oversees, and participates in, the day-to-day performance, analysis and report preparation for HLA testing.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations for new equipment, supplies and reagents and implements their application.
• Works with the Manager/Director to develop protocols for technical training and evaluation of competency for testing personnel.
• Performs testing personnel CLIA competency assessment as assigned by Manager/Director.
• Trains technical staff to perform HLA related testing and quality control procedures.
• Assists in the writing and updating of the technical procedure manual and QC procedures.
• Routinely oversees and performs preparation and quality control of reagents, kits, etc.
• Participates in providing education to staff regarding the role of HLA in transplantation and assists in providing “in-house” professional development.
• Performs specimen processing.
• Performs all laboratory tests as assigned by the Manager/Director. Analyzes results and prepares reports.
• Participates in on-call technologist rotation.
• Participates in proficiency testing exercises.
• Participates in Team Lead rotation as needed.
• Evaluates a given patient’s immunologic and serologic history, determines appropriate battery of tests, recommends additional testing if necessary, advises physicians regarding selection of optimum recipient/donor pairs during periods of “call-back” without supervision.
• Provides general supervision in the absence of the Manager/Director of HLA.
• Recognizes and guards against disclosure of highly sensitive and confidential patient records and test results, i.e., compatibility results, HIV status and organ donor identification.
• Facilitates patient chart review/reporting as requested.
• Performs other related duties as required/requested.
  
  

Quality Systems Specialist Specific Functions Statement(s)

• Identifies, troubleshoots and assists in resolving operational problems related to the quality systems.
• Schedules preventative maintenance on all laboratory equipment
• Maintains quality systems documentation.
• Schedules and manages internal and external proficiency testing.
• Tracks critical applications and renewals.
• Works with the Manager/Director to evaluate and select new approaches for quality system management and test procedures.
• Works with Technologist III – Technical Specialist to analyze data and make recommendations for validation quality control for Manager/Director approval. Ensures that testing personnel have appropriate training, competency assessment, and proficiency testing participation for newly validated tests or modifications.
• Works with Manager/Director and Quality Department for implementation of new or updated laboratory policies, work instructions, and forms.
• Works with the Manager/Director to ensure laboratory maintains compliance with ASHI, UNOS, CLIA, State of Nevada and other applicable standards/regulations.
• Makes recommendations for process improvements, and facilitates Plan do Study Act (PDSA).
• Performs mock inspections of various laboratory areas
  
  

Position Qualifications

Competency Statement(s) – Position Specific

• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Active Listening - Ability to actively attend to, convey, and understand the comments and questions of others.
• Conflict Resolution - Ability to deal with others in an antagonistic situation.
• Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company procedures.
• Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.
• Responsible - Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one’s conduct.
• Self Confident - The trait of being comfortable in making decisions for oneself.
• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
  
  

Skillls & Abilities

Education: Bachelor's Degree (four-year college or university) in biological science required. Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience: Five (5) years of HLA experience under a qualified Director is required.

Computer Skills: Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of medical terminology preferred. Experience with database applications preferred.

Certificates & Licenses: American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI) certification as a Certified Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS) is required. In addition to CHS, board certification as a Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist is preferred (e.g. Board certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)). A Nevada State License to perform laboratory testing is required.

Other Requirements: Meets current state, federal and other regulatory agency (American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI)) educational/experience requirements. The technologist is required to have a personal cell phone for on-call responsibilities and occasionally required to travel by personal auto to meet all of the duties and responsibilities of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Non-smoking laboratory and office.

NDN has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and NDN reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as NDN may deem appropriate.