Specimen Processor Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Exemption Status:
Non-Exempt
Hiring Range:
$24.44 - $44.00
Please note that the final offer may vary within this range based on a candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.
Schedule Details:
Monday through Friday, Weekends (Saturday and Sunday)
Scheduled Hours:
Per diem, 7:00am-3:30pm, as needed on weekends or holidays
Shift:
1 - Day Shift, 8 Hours (United States of America)
Hours:
0
Cost Center:
26000 - 3260 Microbiology Lab
This position may have a signing bonus available a member of the Recruitment Team will confirm eligibility during the interview process.
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At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver - regardless of their title or responsibilities. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading-edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health system of Central Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve. We are more than 20,000 employees, working together as one health system in a relentless pursuit of healing for our patients, community and each other. And everyone, in their own unique way, plays an important part, every day.
Responsible for the testing of laboratory specimens and the reporting of results in all areas of the core laboratory. Automation and middle ware experience a plus. Follows laboratory policies and procedures and maintains quality control practices in the laboratory.
I. Major Responsibilities:
1. 1. Specimen Collection: (a) Collects blood sample by using appropriate venipuncture skills in various situations, different age groups (e.g.: adult, pediatric and neonatal population), (b) demonstrates proper professional conduct and (c) follows specific sample collection techniques as per department protocol.

• a. Achieves 95% success rate in venipuncture without complications.
• b. Ensures appropriate comfort level for the patients throughout the process.
• c. Effectively communicates to the supervisor and to other department personnel any difficulties or problems with specimen collection.

2. Specimen Receiving and Processing: Receives specimen in the computer, follows department protocol in redistributing specimen samples within the different areas of lab and completes specimen processing to the testing stage e.g.: centrifugation, packaging, storage, etc.

• a. Document the receipt of specimens in an accurate and timely manner in the computer and ensures redistribution of specimens to appropriate destination
• b. Prioritizes specimen distribution as need e.g. STAT or CSF samples.
• c. Completes the task of specimen preparation for testing within the standard period of time and documents any irregularities encountered during the process.

3. Specimen Preparation & Distribution: (a) Evaluates the specimen for sample integrity, any pretreatment and prepares solutions and reagents for use. (b) Routes specimens to appropriate reference labs as per protocol.

• a. Checks specimen integrity, and documents any pretreatment or any additional steps followed (e.g.: warming blood in case of agglutination) as needed to achieve appropriate outcome.
• b. Develops mechanisms to address requests for uncommon lab tests.
• c. When implementing new system, informs all the personnel involved of the process created.

4. Assessment: Completes the assessment of instrument and reagent function by (a) following QC/Calibration protocol, (b) recording and documenting the various steps, (c) performing daily/weekly maintenance as per department/manufacturers recommendations
Ensures appropriate QC/Calibrations check as per CLIA standards by:

• a. documenting acceptable limits and identifying problem areas
• b. maintaining appropriate records of QC/remedial action performed
• c. communicating with the supervisor QC irregularities, as per protocol
• d. documenting all the maintenance procedures in a standardized format.

5. Planning & Performance of Tests: Performs tests with precision and accuracy. Knows critical values, verifies and records all test results before broadcasting and keeps inventory list updated.

• a. Ensures accurate test results, in a timely manner, following department turn-around-time protocol.
• b. Recognizes abnormal or unusual outcomes and initiates investigation of the process, such as (1) reviewing previous results (2) consulting with supervisor/Pathologist before broadcasting results.
• c. Implements trouble shooting guide for instrument malfunction and completes the task with technical support as much as possible.

6. Organizational Skills: Organizes work assignments in anticipation of changes in work flow, in case of instrument shut down or computer shut down.

• a. Initiates a stock inventory check list and communicates with supervisor of low supplies in a timely fashion.
• b. Provides pertinent shift report and communicates with the next shift, information on pending tests.
• c. Completes assignments in an accelerated mode, if possible, within guidelines; where there is staffing shortage, or computer shutdown.

II. Position Qualifications:
License/Certification/Education:
Required:
1. AAS Degree in Medical Technology from an accredited school, MLS or equivalent
Preferred:
1. BS in Medical technology degree
2. MLT (ASCP) or MT (ASCP) certification
Experience/Skills:
Required:
1. 2 years of working experience that has a high complex laboratory automation
2. Basic computer knowledge
Unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed in this description may be substituted for the above requirements.
Department-specific competencies and their measurements will be developed and maintained in the individual departments. The competencies will be maintained and attached to the departmental job description. Responsible managers will review competencies with position incumbents.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
We're striving to make respect a part of everything we do at UMass Memorial Health - for our patients, our community and each other. Our six Standards of Respect are: Acknowledge, Listen, Communicate, Be Responsive, Be a Team Player and Be Kind. If you share these Standards of Respect, we hope you will join our team and help us make respect our standard for everyone, every day.
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMass Memorial Health recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at talentacquisition@umassmemorial.org. We will make every effort to respond to your request for disability assistance as soon as possible.