This is a temporary full-time 40 hour a week position.

THE POSITION:

The Pathology Assistant (PA) works in collaboration with the Pathology Staff to provide Angell clientele with high quality clinical and anatomical laboratory services. The Pathology Assistant must excel in customer service and both written and verbal communication skills. S/he must be reliable, independent, and able to work in a dynamic and fast-paced team environment while maintaining a calm and positive attitude. The ability and self-motivation to work independently, multi-task and make quick decisions in a demanding environment is essential.

Some of the duties include:

• Accessions and processes all test requests received in the laboratory through the laboratory information system (LIS). Responsibilities include entering all referral laboratory results, tracking outstanding test requests to referral laboratories and updating and maintaining patient demographics in the LIS. Training on the LIS will be provided.
• Acts as customer service representative for the department by answering phone calls and email inquiries in a polite and professional manner. This includes: resolving problems or concerns of the caller, providing and receiving information for referral tests and forwarding calls to appropriate individuals for resolution. The Pathology Assistant will act as a liaison between referral laboratories and the clinicians for all test requests and test related inquiries.
• Prepares and processes specimens for reference laboratory testing. This requires a basic understanding of various laboratory testing methods. The PA is responsible for preparing specimens and related request forms to be shipped to reference labs. Proper packaging of Biological Specimens according to UN 3373 specifications and government regulations is required. Training on UN 3373 specifications and regulations will be provided.
• Displays excellent organization skills and maintains efficient laboratory office files. This includes department mail, test requisitions, test results, referral lab files and the information necessary for the efficient and accurate functioning of the laboratory office.
• Responsible for the invoice cash out of laboratory drop-off visits in the hospital EMR. This includes cashing out clients laboratory accounts in a timely manner.
• Utilization of the EMR to address customer service issues. A basic knowledge of the EMR including reading medical records, looking for missing results and/or notes, and assisting other staff members work through lab ordering issues will be required. Training on the operation of the EMR will be provided.
• Maintains and upkeeps the Pathology Test Description Page. This includes monitoring all send out and in house test descriptions on a regular basis. Pathology Assistants are responsible for updating the test description list on the Pathology intranet page to ensure accuracy of specimen requirements, test methods and testing locations
• Responsible for ordering and monitoring supplies used in shipping to reference laboratories. This includes maintaining and utilizing proper reference laboratory requisition forms, ordering special collection materials for various reference laboratory tests and shipping supplies from reference laboratories and couriers.
• Maintains Point of Care (POC) supplies for the critical care unit (CCU) cooler. Each morning POC supplies are collected, counted, restocked and stored in the laboratory for the day. At the end of the business day POC supplies are returned to the CCU.

LABORATORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs low to moderate complexity laboratory testing on patient specimens. Low complexity laboratory testing includes: point of care testing of blood types, staining cytology slides, SNAP kit testing and macroscopic urinalysis using an automated urinalysis strip reader. Moderate complexity laboratory testing includes preparing peripheral blood smears for hematology and running blood samples through the hematology analyzer.
• Responsible for planting microbiology cultures of various specimen types using aseptic technique and according to Universal Safety Precautions.
• Initiates and participates in safety, quality and compliance programs. Promotes, follows and adheres to laboratory safety policies by consistently using personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Handles chemical and biological hazards accurately and safely in accordance with department policy. Adheres to the proper storage procedures for chemicals and supplies. Understands and follows universal precautions, proper sharps and biohazard waste disposal rules.

WHO WE ARE:

The Boston MSPCA-Angell is one of the oldest and most venerable humane organizations in the world, and working in an environment that clearly delivers on its mission of advancing the health and welfare of animals adds an important dimension to our work.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High school diploma or GED required. Graduate of Veterinary Technician/Technologist program or degree in science, Allied Health or related field is preferred.

Experience: 1 year of previous experience as Specimen Processor or Laboratory Assistant/Technician in a clinical laboratory, or 1 year experience in a Veterinary Clinic / related health care setting preferred.

OUR BENEFITS:

Our compensation package includes health, dental and life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, sick, and vacation time, employee discounts for pet health care, and free on-site parking.

If you are interested in working for an organization where your work is an important part of a respected and caring non-profit, this may be the career change you are looking for.