Medical Technologist 2 (HPC/MDT 2) - Chapelton Community Hospital

Job Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Chief Medical Technologist, the Medical Technologist performs a range of routine and complex clinical, scientific/technical testing procedures within the specialized department or laboratory to inform and support patient care decisions and treatment; public health policy decisions, surveillance, monitoring, intervention and control of communicable and non-communicable disease conditions. 

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from a reputable academic institution
• Licensed Medical Technologist with the Council, Professions Supplemental to Medicine (CPSM) in Jamaica. 
• Two (2) years minimum experience 
• Be a member of one or both Medical Technology professional association (CASMET/MTAJ) 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:

• Knowledge in the following disciplines: Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, Immunohaematology, Histology and Cytolog; 
• Knowledge of Laboratory Quality Management Systems and Laboratory Standard (ISO 15189/ISO 17025/ISO 9001) 
• Knowledge in the principles of quality assurance and general/specialist laboratory operation 
• Good analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
• Proficient in the use of the relevant computer programmes/software 
• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques and procedures 
• Ability to accurately perform standard laboratory procedures and to observe results
• Excellent knowledge of the care and preservation of specimens 
• Knowledge of the operation, care, and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Skills in collecting specimens efficiently 
• Dexterity and skills in the use of the microscope for extended periods
• Proficient in the performance of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phase of testing. 

Key Responsibilities will include:

Technical/Professional: 

• Assisting the Pathologist in assessing quality assurance and workflow within laboratory.
• Assisting with the monitoring of Quality Indicators. 
• Performing venipuncture and/or capillary blood collection to obtain appropriate samples and/or blood units. 
• Verifying specimen suitability and validate documentation to ensure that it corresponds with the specimen. 
• Preparing specimen, reagents and quality control material for testing procedures.
• Undertaking routine and complex testing procedures in the various sections of the specialized department or laboratory, on body fluids to include but not limited to blood, urine, stool, sputum, cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, ascites fluid, biopsies, swabs, foods and water samples. 
• Separating Whole Blood into blood components such as, Packed Red Cells, Plasma (Stored or Fresh Frozen), Platelet, and Cryo. 
• Validating the accuracy of laboratory results, using appropriate quality control procedure. 
• Adhering to safety protocols of the organization ensuring health and safety of self, other staff and visitors. 
• Participating in external quality assurance program as directed. 
• Responding to enquiries from patients and service users and offer appropriate technical/scientific guidance and advice according to departmental policies, referring to senior staff where appropriate. 
• Assessing the clinical relevance of test request; advise the requesting physician of additional or alternative investigations that he/she could request to support patient care. 
• Participating in the evaluation of new equipment and methodologies. 
• Participating in agreed-on research and development projects undertaken by the specialized department or laboratory. 
• Assisting in reviewing and writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Assisting in the management and monitoring of consumables and reagents associated with testing. 
• Performing routine and preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment to maximize equipment lifespan. 
• Providing first-line support for the diagnosis of equipment malfunction and repair.

Human Resources Responsibilities: 

• Assisting in the supervision and training of Medical Technologist I, Medical Technology Interns, and Technical Assistants. 
• Participating in continuing education. 

Special Conditions associated with job:

• May require the movement of items weighing up to 15kg with and without the use of mechanical aids; 
• High levels of concentration required to ensure reliable results/service and safe product to clients; 
• Daily exposure in a controlled environment to contained and uncontained blood samples/donations, potentially infected material and contaminated equipment;
• Daily exposure to low temperatures, working with refrigerators or walk-in cold rooms;
• The handling of hazardous chemicals and materials; 
• Appropriate inactivation, storage and or disposal of infectious blood or tissue materials;
• On stand-by for emergency duties and required to work beyond normal working hours, whenever the need arises. 

NB. ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED