American Red Cross Biomedical Services
Job Description
Job Title:
Lead Assistant, Laboratory
Job Code:
W1152
Reports To:
Supervisor, Sample Management
Band:
A
Department:
NTRL
FLSA:
Non-exempt
Job Summary:
Prepare blood samples for testing, disposal, and shipping. Perform customer
communications and reagent inventory control process. Maintain manual and computer
records associated with production or testing. Comply with ARCBS policies, procedures
and directives pertaining to the safety, quality, identity, and purity of the blood supply.
Perform all duties and responsibilities in compliance with standard operating
procedures, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and other applicable federal, state
and local laws. Assists in the supervision of the sample management staff.
Major Responsibilities:
Receive and prepare donor samples and documentation for testing. Perform and
interpret sample management and reagent/supply control procedures for blood samples
and reagents in the laboratory. Ensure sample management and reagent management
is performed accurately and efficiently in accordance with standard operating
procedures.
Recognize and identify sample management and reagent control/supply control
irregularities, equipment problems, errors and other potential problems that may
adversely affect testing performance or results. Determine whether a clarify case is
necessary and proceed accordingly.
Report problems to supervisor or other appropriate management staff. Document and
follow-through on non-conformance issues (deviations, events, etc.). Trouble-shoot and
implement corrective action.
Enforce and comply with all designated safety policies and procedures in the work area,
including the use of applicable protective equipment when necessary to prevent
exposure to potentially infectious agents.
Maintain accurate, complete and legible records. Identify discrepancies and verify
documentation performed by other sample management staff. Review documentation
for accuracy and completeness.
Perform and assist with the reagent inventory control process. Ensure adequate
inventory of required supplies for department and area. Properly perform and document
required preventative maintenance on lab equipment.
Demonstrate knowledge in all procedures performed in the assigned department.
Participate in continuing education programs and training/retraining as necessary.
Perform other duties as required.
Scope:
Provide work direction for 4-10 employees. Assist in the training of staff. Provide
leadership and guidance to laboratory personnel in supervisor’s absence. Cross train in
Inventory Control function. Assume responsibilities for Supervisor, Sample Management
and/or Inventory Control Technician, as required.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent education required. Education beyond high school
preferred. Healthcare certification/diploma (i.e. Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant,
Veterinary Assistant, Lab Assistant, Phlebotomist) desired. Minimum two years related
laboratory experience. Good verbal and interpersonal communication skills, and ability
to interact with all levels of staff required. May be required to meet specific state
requirements.
Essential Functions/Physical Requirements:
The duties above indicate the essential functions of the job. Frequent standing, walking
and sitting. Manual dexterity necessary. Normal color perception required. Kneel,
stoop, crouch and balance occasionally. May lift or carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.
On-call may be required. Laboratory environment with high safety or health
considerations. Moderate noise level. May require the ability to tolerate temperatures 2
– 8 degrees Celsius (approximately 36 – 46 degrees Fahrenheit) for short periods of
time (suitable cold temperature clothing provided).
Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens:
This position requires the incumbent work under conditions where the potential exists
for the incumbent to make contact with blood or blood components as a result of
splashes, spills and/or sharps.
Approved:
_________________________________________________
Compensation
Date
05/03