Covenant Health

Laboratory Technical Specialist

Full Time, 80 hours per pay period, Day shift

Parkwest Overview:

Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area’s largest employer.

Parkwest is Covenant Health’s and West Knoxville’s premier medical facility and a top-performing heart hospital, offering our patients world-class treatment with all the convenience and warmth of home.

In addition to providing the area’s leading cardiac services, Parkwest has been nationally recognized for award-winning care throughout our facility. For 2020-21, Parkwest received recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Top 10” hospitals in Tennessee.

Knoxville located in East Tennessee is the third largest in the state, well-known for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is the home of the University of Tennessee. Go Vols!  Living in Knoxville means experiencing all four seasons.  Best of all, each of them is pretty mild!

Combine all that with the abundant natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, and you have a city that truly offers something for everyone. Knoxville has a vibrant arts culture, seasonal festivals, top-notch foodie and incredible outdoor recreation. It’s a perfect blend of big-city amenities and Southern charm.

Position Summary:  

Responsible for technical and scientific oversight of his/her specialty or section within the laboratory.  Provides guidance in problem-solving and troubleshooting in organization, implementation, and technical performance of diagnostic procedures within the section.  Must also meet job requirements of either the Medical Technologist or Laboratory Technologist.

Recruiter: Kathleen Rice || apply@covhlth.com

• Selects test methodology appropriate for the clinical use of test results. These decisions are made in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager and Medical Director.
• Schedules and coordinates work activities of employees working in respective area.
• Prepares documentation for discipline or commendation for review by Lab Manager.
• Verifies test procedures performed and establishes the test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and system.
• Enrolls and participates in an approved proficiency testing program commensurate with the services offered. Maintains proficiency testing records and ensures that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• In conjunction with Laboratory Manager and Medical Director, establishes a quality control program appropriate for the tests performed and establishes the parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance. Ensures that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process.
• Implements and adheres to the Laboratory quality control policies, documents all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performance. Reviews and evaluates data on a routine basis. Prepares monthly QC report for pathologist review.  Performs correlation and comparison studies.
• Ensures that patient results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly.
• Identifies training needs and assures that each individual performing tests receives appropriate, regular in-service training.
• Resolves technical problems and ensures that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications, and documents all actions. Operates, maintains and troubleshoots department equipment.
• Evaluates the competency of all testing personnel and assures that competency is maintained, including direct observation, monitoring of test results, review of intermediate records, assessment of test performance and problem-solving skills, etc.
• Oversees and assists with the training of all employees and students in respective departments.
• Performs all responsibilities of testing personnel in his/her section as required.
• Composes new procedures and, performs annual review/revision of sections technical procedural manuals. Has Laboratory Medical Director approve changes.
• Provides clinical consultation and/or evaluation pertaining to interpretation and clinical evaluation of laboratory tests and procedures.
• Ensures an adequate inventory of supplies and reagents necessary for timely performance of all required testing.
• Performs review and interpretation for tests sent to reference laboratories.
• Prepares and submits new test formats, and changes to existing tests to the LIS specialist.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested by Laboratory Manager or Pathologists, i.e. relieves and assists with daily operational duties of department.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.

Minimum Education:                      

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience:                     

None

Licensure Requirement:                  

Must be license as a Medical Technologist by the State of Tennessee.