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.  

Reporting to the Technical Leaders or designate, provides technical support for the introduction and operation of Point of Care Testing (POCT) instruments across applicable sites by participating in the selection of new POCT equipment, support cost-effective testing at the point of patient care, evaluates and implements new methods and equipment.   Assists in the evaluation of new reagents and in the initial orientation and training of POC devices by demonstrating procedures and routines and answering questions.  Performs technical duties as required.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Participates in the selection of new POCT equipment with clinical staff, committee members and POCT users to support timely, accurate, and cost-effective testing at the point of patient care, and evaluates and implements new methods and equipment under the direction of the Medical Biochemist, Hematopathologist or other pathologist/technical leader. Ensures ongoing training and competency records are current and maintained for all POC users and devices.
    
2.    Develops and maintains POCT policies and procedures in conjunction with the technical leaders, pathologist, ensuring protocols, procedures and documentation are in compliance with Diagnostic Accreditation Guidelines.
    
3.    Ensures laboratory support for Nursing and other leaders for appropriate training and ongoing competency assessment, monitors the POCT quality control data and provides quarterly reports, and maintains equipment in optimal condition by ensuring preventative maintenance is performed according to established procedures.
    
4.    Assists in the evaluation of new reagents for all designated sites, communicates with external suppliers and internal users regarding unresolved POCT issues, and facilitates solutions.

5.    Under the general direction of the Technical Leader or designate, provides training and ensures training requirements are met. Liaises with POC vendors, Technical Practice Leads and Team Leads as required.
    
6.    Assists in initial orientation and training of POC clinical and laboratory super users of POC devices by demonstrating procedures and routines, and answering questions about technical processes in the work area.
    
7.    Keeps abreast of technological developments in the field and maintains knowledge by reading related literature and attending approved lectures, courses and workshops.
    
8.    Participates as an active member of the laboratory team by engaging in activities such as interacting with other staff members, attending staff meetings, identifying concerns about work/workplace issues, being involved in generating solutions to identified problems and participating in the development and achievement of departmental goals.
    
9.    Performs the duties of a bench technologist as required, from specimen collection to reporting of results.

10.    Attends, participates and takes minutes in the regional POC committee meetings.
    
11.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

Graduation from a recognized school of Medical Technology, plus two (2) years’ recent, related Laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Successful completion of recognized competency assessment exam and registration in the relevant field(s) of practice in accordance with the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) pathways, or certification with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to communicate with and deal effectively with, patients/residents, families, staff, physicians, research staff, and other health care providers.
• Current knowledge of techniques and methods in the relevant laboratory discipline(s).
• Ability to apply knowledge to the performance of technical analyses and related procedures in the relevant discipline(s).
• Knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures related to laboratory technology.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with and/or guide others in conflict situations.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate the tasks of a work group.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize issues and workload, and complete assigned work.
• Ability to operate related equipment, including computerized information systems.
• Demonstrated ability to demonstrate procedures to other employees and students.
• Ability to travel to designated facilities.