Laboratory Info-Technologist I (Blood Bank)

Department/Unit:

Blood Bank

Work Shift:

Evening (United States of America)

Salary Range:

$59,066.00 - $88,599.00

An Information Technologist (IT) utilizes knowledge and clinical laboratory experience to manage laboratory data and information. The IT assists all laboratory areas in the delivery of quality laboratory products and services with primary focus on the preanalytical and post analytical phases of laboratory services while functioning as the primary advocate for the customer. This position requires general knowledge of testing performed in all laboratory areas and the exercise of independent judgement and responsibility with minimal supervision by the director or manager. Other critical aspects include excellent communication and customer service skills and the ability to quickly resolve customer issues or problems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include but not limited to the following:

• Use effective written and verbal communication skills to work cooperatively with customers and employees.
• Support laboratory-marketing activities through excellent customer service and regular communication with clients and potential clients.
• Utilize the LIS and HIS computer systems to perform inquiries, order tests, enter results and comments, generate billing, issue credits and generate worksheets
• Direct routine and special courier runs (specimen pickup); deal with client special requests, and identify and resolve client/laboratory delivery problems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily as outlined in the attached annual competency assessment and maintain an acceptable driving record.  Where feasible, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the job’s essential functions.

EDUCATION, LICENSURE, REGISTRATION AND/OR CERTIFICATION

• BS from an accredited college or university.
• Degree in science, computer science or business preferred.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Ability to:

• Read and interpret documents such as safety rules and procedure manuals. Use effective written and verbal communication skills to work cooperatively with customers and employees.
• Listen well, take direction and engage in interactive dialogues with others. Identify when a caller is distressed or upset. Take action to calm the caller and successfully resolve the issue.
• Seek the input of others to achieve consensus.
• Comprehend, remember and carry out instructions. Communicate any questions to a preceptor or Supervisor as needed.
• Thoroughly, accurately and legibly document test results and quality assurance. Accurately document daily work activities according to established standards.  Communicate effectively with nursing staff, physicians and other hospital departments and outside clients.
• Conduct telephone and personal inquiries to any of the laboratory’s customers professionally and with courtesy, respect and confidentiality.
• Interpret laboratory information for healthcare providers.
• Offer advice to clients on possible causes of preanalytical variation in test results and on ways to improve the quality of test results.
• Assist clients in appropriate test selection for particular diagnostic dilemmas.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to:

Add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Perform statistical analysis and prepare graphical displays.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

Ability to:

• Accomplish a wide variety of tasks in a specified time, prioritize and make decisions as well as effectively provide feedback.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all applicable policies and procedures
• Maintain competency and assumes responsibility for continuing education relevant to responsibilities.
• Improve job performance through continuing education and productive feedback.
• Demonstrate cooperation and flexibility in continually meeting patient care needs, by incorporating aspects of the change process into the professional role.
• Perform job duties in an honest, punctual and ethical manner.
• Respond positively to changes in scheduling in conjunction with departmental needs.
• Adapt to new standards in technology.
• Serve as a positive role model for other staff by following accepted departmental guidelines such as wearing appropriate attire and maintaining personal hygiene, limiting personal phone calls, attending departmental in-services, completing specific mandatory in-services, assisting with training of new staff members and following break and mealtime limits.
• Exercise independent judgement, make appropriate decisions and thoroughly follow-up on pending issues.
• Accept constructive criticism in a professional manner and carry out directives to completion.
• Contribute to the teamwork of the department by being helpful to co-workers and avoiding unnecessary conflict.
• Develop and maintain computer skills needed for electronic communication and use of the Intranet and Internet to search for information.
• Develop and maintain computer skills using word processing, spreadsheet and database programs.
• Follow standard practice to perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of computer and information-related equipment.
• Utilize the LIS and HIS computer systems to perform inquiries, order tests, enter results and comments, generate billing, issue credits and generate worksheets and reports as assigned according to standard laboratory practices.
• Test the LIS for new functions, codes and equipment related to LSC activities to ensure proper performance.
• Develop and maintain a system to identify laboratory and client issues. Review courier checklists/manifest logs. Resolve issues to ensure accurate and timely test result reporting and billing for services.
• Oversee the distribution of patient reports and work with the Laboratory Information Technicians to resolve distribution problems.
• Serve as a technical resource for the Laboratory Service Center.
• Direct routine and special courier runs (specimen pickup); deal with client special requests, and identify and resolve client/laboratory delivery problems.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to:

• Analyze information from multiple sources to identify problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to convert it to actionable knowledge.
• Effect conflict resolution to benefit both the patient and the healthcare team. Make responsible decisions.
• Identify situations where delegation is appropriate, communicate expectations clearly and follow up to ensure effective completion.
• Serve as a resource in resolution of intra/inter departmental healthcare issues.

Thank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System!​

Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:

Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.