RESPONSIBILITIES Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. (DLS) is Hawaii’s largest locally owned and operated medical testing laboratory. DLS is considered a leader in the Hawaii, Guam and Saipan communities we serve. As an integral part of the patient care team, DLS uses state of the art testing and value-based informatics to promote optimal patient care and positively impact patient outcomes. **SCHEDULE** Regular Full-Time Position Must be available Sunday through Saturday from 10:30 pm to 6:30 am to include holidays Must be flexible with schedule changes to meet operational needs. **HIRING RANGE** $22.00 to $27.45 hourly Actual pay commensurate with experience **JOB SUMMARY** Under the direction of a licensed MT/MLT, the TLA Specialist will perform preparatory portions of laboratory procedures including moderate/high complexity laboratory tests, equipment maintenance and QC/QA procedures. TLA’s will not perform the analysis and reporting of the testing. Performs defined preparatory portions of laboratory procedures under the direct supervision of licensed personnel. Performs testing and duties as authorized by CLIA qualifications and the laboratory director. Operates as a lead and trainer for other TLA’s and students. Performs all functions of a Technical Laboratory Assistant II with a high degree of proficiency, depending on location. Works with minimal supervision. **DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** 1. Listed below are major duties and responsibilities of this position. Essential job functions are identified with an asterisk (*). See chart for %s. 2. Performs defined pre analytical / waived/POCT/PPMP analytical / waived/POCT/PPMP post analytical laboratory procedures. Performs tasks & duties associated with specimen receiving, processing, & preparation for lab testing to support the laboratory technical staff. 1. Verifies receipt of specimens in Laboratory Information System (LIS) and monitors pending lists. 2. Identifies, researches and resolves problem specimens and TIQ’s. 3. Performs specimen receiving, advanced processing, storing, disposal functions and archiving. 4. Processes and handles specimens to maintain specimen integrity, build worklist loads as needed in LIS, loads and unloads equipment according to established procedures. 5. Operates equipment or laboratory automation, troubleshoots waived/POCT/PPMP laboratory instrumentation loads reagent as needed onto equipment, performs maintenance, runs calibration, QC, and lot to lot comparisons at required intervals. 6. May prepare smears (peripheral, eosinophil, body fluid, or gram stain), plant and inoculate media with specimen as needed. 7. Prepares calibrators, controls and reagents as needed. 8. May receive, prepare and issue blood products. 9. Performs POCT moderate complexity testing, demonstrating proficiency in operation of instrumentation. 10. Reviews POCT moderate complexity results to see if they are within defined parameters. 11. Assist the technical staff in the technical areas as needed. 3. Assists in training new employees and students and completing the training checklists. 4. Oversees the purchase orders of laboratory and office supplies using the Finance Supply Chain Management (FSCM) system for the laboratory 1. Unpacks and restocks supplies. 1. Takes inventory and completes ordering supplies. 2. Receives reviews, verifies and files packing slips. 3. Researches and places special request orders. Works with buyers to process the order. 4. Assists in the coordination of product recalls as assigned. 5. Performs and assists with technical operational work requirements. 1. Updates and documents Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s). 2. Assists with completing applicable department competencies. 6. Performs specimen collections as needed. 1. May Perform Forensic Toxicology specimen collections 7. Technical Laboratory Assistant Specialist Hospital Duties and Essential Functions by Hospital Locations Administrative & Laboratory Duties* 5-15% Accessioning/Processing/Receiving* 5-15% Waived, POCT & PPMP and preparatory portion of testing* 60-70% Running Quality Control (QC) Maintenance* 10-20% Specimen Collections* 0-10% 8. Performs other duties as required. 9. Job expectations: 1. Communicates relevant information to team members, supervisor, and other appropriate people in a timely and appropriate manner. 2. Supports organizational performance and strategy by providing information and contributing to quality improvements, as appropriate. 1. Observes all safety and health regulations and works in accordance with DLS safety policies and procedures. Reports unsafe actions/conditions and injuries to supervisor promptly. 1. Identifies and analyzes problems; makes decisions and takes appropriate action(s). 1. Assists internal and external customers with questions, concerns, problems, etc. 1. Maintains a positive work climate and effective working relationships with internal and external customers. 2. Maintains attendance as scheduled/assigned, consistent with DLS policies and procedures. 3. Attends and/or participates in activities such as, but not limited to, meetings, required in-service programs, continuing education, and competency assessments. 4. Models the behaviors consistent with the mission, vision and shared values of the organization. 5. Maintains confidentiality of information in accordance with company policies and procedures. 6. Takes the initiate to solve problems and provide updates to management as needed. **JOB DEMANDS** **Communication Demands:** + Able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. + Able to write routine reports and correspondence. + Able to effectively communicate information to internal and external customers in informal settings such as one-on-one and small group situations. **Typical Physical Demands:** + Requires ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including, but not limited to, lab coats, gloves, face shields, and respiratory equipment. + Requires manual and finger dexterity, eye-hand coordination, corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Distinguishes and identifies color. + Requires corrected hearing to normal range and ability to talk throughout shift. + In an eight (8) hour workday requires frequently standing + In an eight (8) hour workday requires frequently sitting. + May require occasional lifting and carrying of supplies weighing up to thirty five (35) pounds (using hand trucks) and pushing or pulling of supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. **Typical Working Conditions:** + Work environment includes conditions common to a hospital/laboratory environment, including working directly with potentially hazardous chemicals and/or patients with communicable diseases. Potential for inadvertent skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other infectious materials. + Generally works in an indoor, air-conditioned area. **QUALIFICATIONS** **Education:** _Required:_ + High School diploma or equivalent. + Two (2) years of full-time coursework completed at an accredited college or university within a laboratory, medical or related science program; + OR enrolled in an MLT or MT program; + OR five (5) years of clinical laboratory experience performing the preparatory portion of moderate to high complexity testing to replace the course work _Preferred:_ + Bachelor’s degree in related science field (such as but not limited to Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, etc.). **Experience:** _Required:_ + One (1) year relevant laboratory experience. _Preferred:_ + Two (2) or more years of experience operating as a DLS TLA II with a successful record of demonstrated experience with the technical, training or administrative aspects of a TLA I and II; + OR meets all the requirements of a TLA II with two (2) years relevant laboratory experience: + TLA II’s Must be able to demonstrate past success within the technical area and 1 of the other areas: + Technical - Performed waived, PPMP, and/or POC testing; Assisted technical staff; performed defined maintenance tasks; resolved problems with pre-analytical automated systems. + Training – Trained employees and/or students or other designated staff on procedures; assisted with training assessments; assisted with updating department competencies; acted as a resource to other staff. + Administration – Performed charge responsibilities; monitored inventory and/or order forms and received supplies; assisted with incident investigations & provided corrective actions; assisted with QA data collection and/or document record maintenance. + OR Individuals in an MT or MLT program. **Skills:** _Required:_ + Ability to communicate effectively in English, both in verbal and written form. + Ability to work both independently and with a team. + Excellent customer service skills. + Ability to flexible in a fast paced environment + Ability to learn laboratory SOP’s. + Ability to be a strong team player. Equal Opportunity Employer/AA/Disability/Vet