In 1979, the Rhode Island Blood Center was established by the hospitals in Rhode Island as a private, not for profit agency to collect, test, and distribute blood products. Today, the Rhode Blood Center is a division of New York Blood Center and is among the nation's premium providers of blood products and services and an integral part of the Rhode Island community's health care system. As of December 2018, the Rhode Island Blood Center employs approximately 320 full- and part-time employees. Our employees are committed to the Blood Center's mission of providing a safe and adequate blood for patients within our community. We seek individuals who are caring and compassionate, who take pride in their work, and are looking for a rewarding experience. At the Rhode Island Blood Center, you not only have a job but also the opportunity to make a difference.

For more information about a career with us, please watch the video below:

"Career in Blood" video

Responsible for the Donor Testing department's training and education program. This position facilitates the orientation and onboarding of new lab staff, develops DT training plans and curriculum, provides instructional and hands-on training for DT technical staff, oversees the department annual competency assessments (CLIA and Non-CLIA), and monitors the department continuing education credits.

Supports and promotes organizational goals, mission, and vision. Contributes to a culture that aligns with organizational values.

Reports to Position:

This position does not supervise staff.

Supervision of Positions:

Under general supervision of assigned managerial staff.

Primary Duties, Responsibilities or Activities Required by Job (Including but not limited to):

Maintains competency in all donor testing functions and follows current Good Manufacturing Processes.
• As defined by CLIA, this position is responsible for specimen processing (pre-analytic) or testing (analytic), maintaining records of tests and reporting test results in high complexity laboratory.
• This position performs only those tests that are authorized by the CLIA laboratory director and performs only those tests that require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training or experience, and technical abilities.
• Manages the orientation and onboarding of new Donor Testing staff.
• Positively mentors, coaches, and educates new technical staff on all Donor Testing processes with instructional and hands-on training. Assures technical accuracy and compliance of staff with SOPs, cGMPs and regulatory standards.
  • New staff must be signed off and released to test on one testing platform during their first year of employment.
  • New staff must understand the following policies: compliance standards established by various regulatory agencies, testing and reporting protocols, safety practices, donor and patient confidentiality policies, cGMP, GDP, department and organizational policies
• Conducts post training check-in meetings at 2-week and 6-week intervals after staff are released to perform new tasks. Utilizes feedback from meetings to update and improve training curriculum.
• Acts as a resource for staff to resolve technical problems. Performs LIS administrator functions.
• Develops and revises all department training documents
• Recognizes and reports to supervisor problems encountered during performance of job tasks including equipment malfunction, deviation from standard operating procedure, unusual results, and discrepancy in test controls or controls outside established normal limits.
• Oversees department's competency assessments (CLIA and Non-CLIA). Conducts assessments with appropriate follow-up and recommendations using the competency assessment process/tools.
• Monitors department continuing education credits. Sends routine reminders to team leaders to ensure all staff complete required CEUs by established deadline.
• Assists with department Change Management projects and attends cross-departmental meetings. Acts as liaison to and actively participates in IBR initiatives
• Flexes schedule to provide training for major lab changes/implementations to all shifts.
• Assists with validations of equipment, test assays and laboratory information systems.
• Participates in clinical trials or ongoing investigational studies of reagents, assays, or equipment.
• Understands and delivers on customer needs. Utilizes service recovery responses when appropriate.
• Conduct Educational Tours of the Laboratory
• Acts as back-up for lab or testing related tasks

Other Secondary Functions:

• Promote and contribute to a culture of safety through compliance with all safety SOP's to include wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) i.e., safety goggles, gloves, lab coats and proper shoes. Promptly report all safety violation observations and/or safety concerns.
• Participates and responsible for oversight of team members NYBCe established continuing education requirements, documents required continuing education units timely. Participates in educational activities, leadership training and other corporate initiatives.
• Successful participation in proficiency testing and annual competency assessment programs.
• Participation in f continuing education to meet state and national regulatory requirements.

Required Minimum Education & Experience:

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent with required certification: 4 years relevant laboratory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Donor Testing experience is highly preferred

Required Licenses / Certification:

RIBC: National Certification in Medical Laboratory Science (ASCP or equivalent)

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA's):

Knowledge:

Knowledge of AABB, FDA and OSHA regulations

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suites
• Comprehend and apply clinical laboratory procedures and theory.
• Working knowledge of LIS and BECS
• Working Knowledge of all institutional and personnel policies, confidentiality, and Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)

Skill:

• Written and oral communication skills and computer input/retrieval
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Accurate in transcription of numbers
• Decision making
• Cultural competency and the ability to communicate effectively in a culturally sensitive manner with both individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrate reliability and strong work ethic

Abilities:

• Resolve problems and customer concerns
• Maintain composure under pressure
• Work in a team environment or independently
• Work irregular hours or overtime as dictated by departmental needs

Schedule: 7-3:30 M-F - hours may vary based on training needs