Lab Assistant

Job title: Lab Assistant

Job description: Medical Laboratory Assistant

By providing exceptional service, the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) supports the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) strategic plan and MY CARE philosophy which includes the: * Vision – Making Each Life Better. Together.

• Mission – Exceptional Care is Our Passion. Safety is Our Promise
• Values – Work Together. Respect All. Think Big. Own It. Care.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

As an integral member of the Laboratory team the Medical Laboratory Assistant, the MLA may perform specific tasks under the direction of the Charges/Team Leaders/ Medical Laboratory Technologists in the areas of Specimen Receiving, Chemistry, Hematology, Transfusion Services, Microbiology, Histology and Cytology. The Medical Laboratory Assistant responsibilities include:

• assisting the Medical Laboratory Technologist in setting up testing/tasks in assigned area using accepted safety procedures; e.g. urine analyzer maintenance and quality controls, urinalysis, rapid testing set-up; including RSV and Group A Strep antigen.
• Specimen planting including Gram smear preparation and positive blood culture vials.
• receiving, sorting and processing specimens following established procedures and guidelines; preparing, handling and dispensing reagents, media and solutions, as required;
• preparing specimens referred out to other testing sites; performing report handling and other associated clerical duties;
• assisting in inventory and supply control;
• assisting with pipette calibration;
• organizing workload among technical team to ensure the efficient operation of the laboratory demonstrating financial accountability for time, resources and supplies
• performing laboratory procedures as outlined in the procedure manuals for the discipline – specific functions;
• ensuring the maintenance of quality assurance and equipment within assigned area of the laboratory;
• maintaining an inventory management system for the efficient utilization and distribution of laboratory equipment and supplies;
• maintaining a system for detecting, documenting and reporting discrepancies/errors and taking appropriate action(s) as required;
• reading and signing off on new and/or revised procedures, protocols and performance standards in collaboration.
• providing feedback to the appropriate leadership for improvements or corrections for policies and procedures
• liaising with other Laboratory and RVH staff, external laboratories, hospitals and physician’s offices
• maintaining Accreditation Canada – Diagnostics compliance
• participating in initial and refresher training for new and current staff
• participating in staff and patient experience and feedback initiatives, professional development, teaching/ educational activities, safety and quality improvement programs to ensure excellence in the provision of services;
• observing and understanding RVH and departmental policies and procedures, adhering to RVH and departmental mission and vision statements while maintaining patient confidentiality; performing other related duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned, requested, or required.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY:

• Support Internal Responsibility System by administering RVH Health & Safety policies and procedures, the Ontario Health & Safety Act and regulations and WHMIS.
• Provide a safe working environment and ensure all equipment is well maintained.
• Participate in Workplace Inspections and hazard identifications, accident/incident investigations; including analysis, risk assessment, and the implementation of corrective measures.
• Provides feedback/information to the Laboratory Safety Representative to evaluate safety status and maintain full ACCREDITATION CANADA – DIAGNOSTICS safety compliance
• Participates in providing topics for Health & Safety agenda items at staff meetings.
• Ensure completion of Health & Safety education and training as required that includes job-specific training and safe work practices.

The above responsibilities are not to be considered all-inclusive; may be assigned other related duties in the interest of efficient operations of RVH or effective patient care.

SKILLS/ABILITES:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Ontario Laboratory Accreditation program preferred Demonstrated knowledge of current technologies within the field.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and professionally with
• staff, physicians, volunteers, patient families, and visitors.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks at a time in a cost-effective manner.
• Demonstrated ability to perform duties independently and as a team member, with high degree of motivation and independent judgment.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent attendance and schedule flexibility.
• Demonstrated excellent conflict resolution and change management skills.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrated proficiency with keyboarding, Laboratory Information Systems (Meditech preferred), MS Office, internet use and other computer software.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and performing mandatory reviews.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION

Completion of Grade XII or recognized equivalent required.

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Certification from Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO) required.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum one (1) year recent laboratory experience
• Knowledge of medical terminology essential
• General knowledge of all areas of the laboratory preferred
• Thorough knowledge of the theory and practices of laboratories procedures, automated instruments/equipment and special techniques preferred
• Working knowledge of ACCREDITATION CANADA – DIAGNOSTICS requirements
• Previous data entry/computer experience essential
• Meditech and LIS knowledge and experience an asset
• Phlebotomy collection experience with patients in a variety of health care conditions essential

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION:

Membership and participation in other relevant professional organizations an asset.

Unless otherwise stated applicants must have a minimum educational requirement of Grade 12 or equivalent and must demonstrate proven workplace excellence through commitment to strong job performance and attendance.

Please be reminded that as a Regional Health Centre, in order to provide the necessary patient care, our operations run 24/7. Therefore, depending on the program for which you are applying, it may be an expectation that you are available to work week days and weekends, as well as all shifts – days, evenings, and nights.

Employment Equity

RVH is committed to diversity and employment equity in the workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to a diverse workplace.

RVH COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

All job offers will require compliance with our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for proof of full vaccination unless provided with a medical exemption or an accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Accommodation in the Workplace

RVH offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment process, and is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). RVH will work proactively through all stages of recruitment to create a barrier-free process and to provide accommodations as required. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact Human Resources at 705-739-5605.

Health & Safety Workplace Responsibilities

• Must adhere to the duties of workers, as stipulated in Section 28 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Must adhere to all RVH administrative and applicable departmental occupational health and safety policies, procedures and protocol.
• Must adhere to Bill 132 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in regards to the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act, and creating a work environment free of psychological harassment.
• Must be able to perform all bona fide essential duties in the position description, which may include lifting and moving patients, pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, etc.
• Must complete a pre-employment health assessment, including review of the Job Demands Analysis for the position, as a condition of employment.
• Must strive to continuously provide a safe and supportive environment for patients, staff, physicians, and volunteers.

Our Code of Conduct

All staff, physicians, volunteers, service providers and students are committed to creating a positive, respectful work environment for each other and our patients and families.

RVH is guided by its MY CARE strategic plan which puts patients and families at the centre of all we do.

Our Vision

Make each life better. Together.

Our Mission Statement

Exceptional care is our passion.

People are our inspiration.

Safety is our promise.

Our Values

Work Together | Respect All | Think Big | Own It | Care

If you are interested in joining our inspiring team, please apply online before 1100pm EST on the posting close date. Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre thanks all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If interviewed, an accompanying portfolio may be required which will include documented evidence of course completion. An inclusive, barrier-free selection process will be provided as required under RVHs Employment Accommodation Policy. Applicants need to make their needs known to Human Resources in advance and information related to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

As part of the mandatory screen process RVH requires professional references, verification of academic training, professional accreditation, plus a current Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening.

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