Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Milk Handling Technician, BC Women's Provincial Milk Bank reports to the Coordinator, BC Women's Provincial Milk Bank and/or designate and receives, handles, stores, processes human milk using pasteurization and safe food handling techniques, reviews laboratory results for abnormal results such as bacillus cereus and e. coli, and distributes pasteurized donated human milk as per the BC Women's Provincial Milk Bank policies. The BC Women's Provincial Milk Bank serves the most fragile of patients, NICU infants.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Maintains strict adherence to aseptic procedures, Food Safe guidelines, Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) and safety practices and procedures related to handling human milk.
2.    Adhering to safety practices and procedures related to the handling of raw and pasteurized milk processes the donated milk by following all the steps for storage, pasteurization, laboratory testing of samples and tracking to ensure the milk is safe for consumption.
3.    Ensures both raw and pasteurized milk is handled to ensure the longest shelf life possible.
4.    Cleans and sanitizes the work area daily according to established procedures to ensure aseptic conditions are maintained, including the preparation space and equipment require for the preparation, pasteurization, bottling, labeling, moving and storage of milk.
5.    Operates equipment including the dishwasher, pasteurizers, data loggers, temperature probe, scale, Milk Bank Management System (MBMS), fridges and freezers (including a walk-in freezer). Monitors equipment function and maintains data for audits including but not limited to temperature logs of dishwasher, fridge, and freezers according to established standards. Takes corrective action and escalates to Coordinator for direction when values are out of acceptable range. Reports equipment malfunctions to maintenance and the Coordinator immediately.
6.    Reviews all laboratory tests for abnormal results such as bacillus cereus and E coli and reports any abnormal laboratory results to the Coordinator or lactation consultants for follow up as needed with the donors.
7.    Approves milk for distribution using the MBMS ensuring that all milk that does not meet acceptable standards is discarded promptly.
8.    Contacts screened donors by phone and arranges for delivery of donated milk to the hospital either by the donor delivering the milk directly to the hospital or to a designated depot or by overnight shipping.
9.    Maintains ongoing contact with donors as directed by Coordinator.
10.    Connects with depots to arrange delivery of donated milk at appropriate times.
11.    Allocates available milk weekly to recipients (formula room, in hospital units and outpatients) as per Human Milk Bank Association of North America (HMBANA) protocol and BCW criteria with input from the Coordinator as needed.
12.    Distributes and collects donor milk from C&W in patient units, as identified per BCW criteria.  
13.    Packs appropriately and organizes pasteurized donor milk for external distribution as required including ensuring safe food handling and appropriate documentation.  
14.    Operates the MBMS to accept, handle, process, distribute and discard human milk.
15.    Establishes reviews and revises minimum expected levels of stock to ensure ongoing smooth operation of BC Women's Provincial Milk Bank processing room. Communicates with Coordinator in a timely manner regarded needed supplies. Reports product and delivery problems to the Coordinator.
16.    Maintains files on pasteurization and distribution of donor milk.  
17.    Compiles statistics as requested by the Coordinator.
18.    Participates in audits, relevant meetings and committees as required.
19.    Participates in the revision of policy and procedures; recommends updates to work processes and job routines as required. Provides orientation to new staff and students on BC Women's Provincial Milk Bank daily tasks and functions.
20.    Answers general enquiries about BC Women's Provincial Milk Bank by telephone and in person from a variety of sources including donors, recipients, staff, and the public; refers calls/enquiries to other parties and/or provides information as appropriate.
21.    Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•    Grade 12, completion of a recognized two (2) year Nutrition and Food Service Management Diploma Program and Food Safe 1 & 2 plus one year’s recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Skills and Abilities

•    Ability to deal with others effectively.
•    Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
•    Ability to organize work.
•    Ability to operate related equipment.
•    Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
•    Knowledge of medical terminology.