Covenant Health

Laboratory Technical Specialist, General Laboratory

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period. Day Shift

Parkwest Overview:

Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health’s flagship facility in West Knoxville, combines world-class cardiac expertise with the warmth of home in serving a vibrant East Tennessee community. Since 1973, Parkwest has grown into the region’s largest hospital in the area, offering advanced services like an all-digital catheterization lab, comprehensive breast health, emergency, and critical care. It’s consistently ranked among Tennessee's top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and earns national recognition as a Top 100 Heart Hospital, as well as an “A” safety grade from Leapfrog. As part of Covenant Health, the region’s largest employer, Parkwest Medical Center, marries cutting-edge technology with compassionate, community-centered care, earning accolades for cardiology, stroke, surgical excellence, and patient safety. 

To learn more about Parkwest Medical Center and our units, visit Covenant Health Parkwest Medical Center Opportunities.  

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.

• 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.