Clinical Support Technician

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

211 Bailey Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14586

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Time as Reported / Per Diem

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

As Scheduled

Department:

500289 Specimen Recvng-Clin Labs SMH

Work Shift:

UR - Evening (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCB 205 H

Compensation Range:

$20.75 - $28.01

Responsibilities:

Performs a variety of technical assignments involving sequences of related operations. Follows written procedures and ensures appropriate practices are followed. Identifies and processes specimens while maintaining specimen integrity for laboratory testing. Trains new or less experienced staff and acts as Tech in Charge, as needed. Travels between testing locations, as needed. Exercises complex skill and judgment, and knowledge of the principles and methods of a technical field.

Essential Functions:

• Enters patient demographic and insurance information efficiently and accurately.  Enters information into the electronic medical record.  Ensures completion of all required fields.  Understands required information on requisitions. Follows all procedures.
• Logs patient and test information from requisitions into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).  Understands how to utilize UR Medicine Labs Test Menu and verifies that acceptable criteria are met.  Understands how to read requisitions from different sources.   Recognizes unacceptable specimen criteria and enters the problem test so that proper resolution can be made.
• Receives pre-accessioned specimens into the LIS from varying sources.  Reconciles batch manifests and accounts for all specimens.  Identifies specimen requirements and documents discrepancies or unacceptable criteria in the LIS. 
• Identifies specialized testing requests and prioritizes specimens to meet the requested turnaround time (TAT). Receives and triages samples through the chute or drop-off window.
• Prepares specimens and determines stability, volume, need for centrifugation, and the appropriate aliquotting technique to ensure specimen integrity.
• Distributes specimens to the appropriate department for prompt analysis. 
• Works on related specialized assignments within the department.  Performs specific studies, performs and documents preventive maintenance on equipment as needed. Troubleshoots and maintains automation. Resolves problems with billing. Handles samples for interfaced labs. Creates electronic manifests, prepares, and batches specimens at appropriate temperatures. Ensures appropriate forms and documentation accompany specimens for non-interfaced clients.  Processes irretrievable tissues and determines source codes.  Enters appropriate and accurate critical accessioning data.  Provides support to OR for specimen retrieval and an eight-point quality assurance check. Enters source codes and ensures specimen acceptability criteria.  Loads analyzers for testing.  Troubleshoots and resolves problems. 
• Trains staff in duties and assignments.  Conducts cross-training in all technical areas and is responsible for the completion of training/sign-off material. Suggests work improvement methods, ways to increase efficiency, and solve operational problems.  Assists in preparing and updating procedures to ensure technical readiness for regulatory inspections.  Participates in competency review and assessment of employees.
• Acts as a point person to resolve issues on regular shifts and during weekend rotations.  Investigates and problem-solves equipment malfunctions.  Provides written documentation of issues as necessary.  Functions in the role of Tech in Charge for specific shift assignments, as needed.
• Receives phone inquiries from providers, physicians, customers, and internal lab personnel. Assesses the urgency of a situation and determines the appropriate routing. Investigates problem specimens that result in calling the provider for a resolution. Records complaints, documents specimen requests, and specimen integrity issues.  
• Contributes to keeping the laboratory orderly and clean to ensure a safe work environment and the highest quality of work.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education & Experience:

• Associate's degree in a related field required and 1 year of experience as a Clinical Laboratory Support Tech II, or 2 years related work experience in a health care setting, including other lab divisions within UR Medicine such as Client Services, Phlebotomy, Clinical Trials, or similar roles required.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to prioritize and maintain focus while performing multiple tasks required.
• Understanding of specimen preparation, requirements, and operations of equipment required. 
• Ability to interpret requisitions and physicians' scripts required.
• Professional discretion with confidential patient results required.
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to all Laboratory Safety procedures required.
• Knowledge of the terminology and common procedures and practices of a technical field required.
• Proficiency with multiple information systems for the hospital and laboratory, including but not limited to Electronic Medical Record System, Laboratory Information System, Pre-Analytical automation Control Unit, and Middleware required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.