Career Center

The Lead Travel Clinical Laboratory Scientist Acts as the liaison between Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center (CAIHC) Laboratory, Upper Tanana Health Center (UTHC) Laboratory and CAIHC clinical staff Point of Care Testing (POC) program and the rural health programs providing training, consultation, and review of processes and performance in compliances with the standards established by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act as administered by CMS. The incumbent will be proficient in POC and generalist laboratory testing performed by the supported programs. Job incumbent will respond in case of internal or external disasters.  Tanana Chiefs Conference requires employees to :

 Adhere to the TCC  Ch’eghwtsen’ model of service and guiding principle which requires providing timely and effective service along with the ability to interact with others in a way that inspires trust and demonstrates respect, compassion and empathy.

 Essential Functions:  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbent(s). 

 Representative Duties: Under the direct supervision of the CAIHC Laboratory Director job incumbent: 

1. Supports and oversees general laboratory and point-of-care testing in sub regional clinics and villages as needed.
2. Will be designated by CAIHC Laboratory Director to monitor moderate complexity testing in the sub-region clinic; Upper Tanana Health Clinic Laboratory.
3. A minimum of 10 business days a month will be spent in Tok, AK at Upper Tanana Health Clinic Laboratory. Days worked in UTHC Laboratory will encompass collecting and performing Moderate Complexity Testing and ensuring that all designated QC, QM/QA is maintained within COLA, CLIA guidelines under the supervision of the Laboratory Director.
4. The colleague will coordinate travel and work schedule/location to best the needs of the Laboratory and the colleague’s availability.
5. Periodically travels to rural villages for, training, maintenance, review, or other activities related to the functioning of moderate complexity laboratories, when applicable, and point-of-care testing in the rural villages. Periodically travels to rural villages for evaluation of provider performed microscopy competencies.
6. Designated to assist the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) with specific Point of Care Laboratory education; working with the Community Health Aide Instructors (CI’s). Periodic remote training for CHAP members via the CHAP Training Center.
7. Maintain accurate patient records; maintain patient confidentiality.
8. Perform related technical and administrative duties and responsibilities as required.
9. Partners with clinic staff in the design, development, and implementation of policies and procedures surrounding POC/waived testing. Manages PPMP program.
10. Prepares instructional/review materials; performs/facilitates training.
11. Assists in evaluation of new POCT and Moderate Complexity instrumentation and supplies.
12. Maintains records to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies.
13. Troubleshoots incidents or difficulties with POCT and Moderate Complexity Testing.
14. Serves as liaison between laboratory and POCT staff.
15. With the Laboratory Director, represents POCT areas during accreditation inspections.
16. Follows established laboratory procedures for specimen handling, processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
17. Performs scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on POC instruments and Moderate Complexity Testing. Implements and monitors quality control, and advises on a course of action when values are out of range.  
18. Maintains proficiency in phlebotomy skills and advises on blood specimen collection requirements from patients. Evaluates specimens received for testing to determine suitability for testing.
19. Maintains all record keeping systems in compliance with established procedures. Enters and verifies results using the laboratory information system.
20. Assists, in orientation of new employees and other medical personnel. Participates in quality improvement process/projects, both in the lab and the rural villages.
21. Responds in case of an internal or external disaster.
22. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the developmental stages of patients throughout the continuum of life as they relate to the collection of specimens and the interpretation of results.
23. Responsible to assess the knowledge and skills of village staff in the areas of principles of growth and developmental stages of patients throughout the continuum of life as they relate to the collection of specimens and the interpretation of results.
24. Is clear and concise, both verbally and in writing when communicating with staff and the public. Builds effective, supportive relationships with co-workers and internal/external customers. Uses positive interpersonal skills to promote success of team members and promote laboratory and health center goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from an accredited institution with 3 years’ non-waived (Moderate or High Complexity) laboratory experience or a Bachelor’s Degree in in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology with at least 6 years’ non-waived (Moderate or High Complexity) laboratory experience
2. Lead Technologist Experience Preferred but not required.
3. ASCP or equivalent certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS).
4. Must pass background check pursuant to federal Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. 

Knowledge, Skills and abilities:

1. Knowledge and understanding of universal precautions and infection control practices.
2. Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations regarding health care.
3. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of patients.
4. Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
5. Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.
6. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
7. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of professional medical technology/clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work.
8. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement providing for sound independent work.
9. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
10. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
11. Ability to interpret and apply complex written instructions.
12. Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team for matters of  external relations, customer service, and patient education.

Supervision:  No direct reports currently for this position. Supervision will involve assessing and maintaining staff competency for POCT and Moderate Complexity Testing.

About Tanana Chiefs Conference

We are organized as Dena’ Nena’ Henash or “Our Land Speaks”; an Alaska Native non-profit corporation, charged with advancing Tribal self-determination and enhancing regional Native unity. We work toward meeting the health and social service needs of Tribal members and beneficiaries throughout our region. Our programs and services range from direct healthcare services to tribal development services, the management of natural resources, public safety, community planning and transportation.

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