Clinical Laboratory Scientist Specialist - 136657

The mission of the Student Health & Well-Being (SHW) cluster is to promote a culture of health and well-being for the student community, deliver equitable high quality innovative services, incorporate inclusive approaches, and celebrate diversity, with the goal of adoption and maintenance of healthy behaviors contributing to the academic success and personal development of all students.

The UC San Diego SHW cluster, which reports through UC San Diego Health System, plays a leadership role in creating a strong and active wellness culture that enables all students to flourish in body, mind and spirit. This includes promotion and the expansion/development of a student health and well-being center, and the transformation of existing departments, under the oversight of the executive director, into a cohesive, trans-disciplinary source of integrated wellness services. The SHW cluster includes the departments of Student Health Services (SHS), Health Promotion Services (HPS), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and SHW Administration (ADM); Strategic Planning, Innovation and Research (SPIR); Assessments and Analytics (SHAA).

SHS provides primary medical care, including urgent care and support services such as laboratory, pharmacy, and x-ray to over 45,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. SHS staff consists of a diverse team of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, pharmacists, x-ray technologists, clinical laboratory scientists, medical lab assistants, optometrists, medical assistants, health educators, administrative and other healthcare professionals. SHS provides integrated clinical services to address the medical needs of the individual students, as well as to foster the well-being of the students as a whole person. In addition, SHS oversees the public health needs of the campus community. SHS is accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care and is fully committed to self examination, peer review, and quality control through the utilization of data, outcome, and patient experience measurements.

Under the general supervision of the Lab Manager or Supervisor, the Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) performs clinical laboratory testing, ensuring accuracy in both the pre-analytical and analytical phases to facilitate the timely and precise reporting of results. The CLS also helps maintain efficient laboratory operations by coordinating activities within their scope of responsibility. This role involves performing laboratory procedures while demonstrating a thorough understanding of techniques, principles, instrumentation, and technical factors influencing test outcomes, all while ensuring compliance with laboratory regulations. The incumbent must be proficient in computer systems and remain knowledgeable about various laboratory testing procedures. Additionally, they may participate in special projects, evaluate new products and instruments, and contribute to ongoing laboratory improvements.

• Current State of California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license (this license includes phlebotomy tasks) or similar license, and two years of experience working as a licensed Clinical Lab Scientist.

• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills in general, and specific to patient care work, are required including the ability to: develop strong working relationships; positively represent SHS across diverse communities; and interact effectively with all levels of people, with tact and diplomacy regarding laboratory testing concerns.

• Proficient in using a clinical microscope, conducting molecular testing, cell counts, and other laboratory procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to operate office computer and various equipment proficiently, including telephone, printer, copier, scanner and FAX machines. Thorough knowledge of business software, specialized applications and systems used in behavioral health centers / clinics. Demonstrated experience and competency with standard business equipment, computer technologies and a variety of software including system and networking software, Microsoft Office suite, email and a variety of web-based programs and browsers. and work as a team member and produce results in a timely fashion. Ability to maintain technical competency with new technologies as they become available as needed to meet the goals of SHS and SHW.

• Skill in using computer/information technology for the following purposes: LIS, EMR, word processing (Word); internet and intranet tools; and many other purposes including but not limited to: data entry/typing, electronic filing, database, spreadsheet (Excel) and presentation (PowerPoint) applications, email, etc.

• Demonstrated ability to respect confidentiality about matters affecting patients and use professional judgment when reporting information to them, other healthcare professionals and staff members including the ability to maintain ethical standards during phone or e-mail conversations.

• Skill in ordering and maintaining proper laboratory supplies.

• Skill and creativity in developing more efficient and satisfactory procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to select and prepare specimen.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral forms. Cultural competency in working with diverse populations including excellent communication skills and advocacy skills.

• Ability to carry out departmental policies and procedures.

• Ability to use discretion, maintain confidentiality and comply with all requirements in use of computer systems and access to any and all patient, student, employee and University data, in electronic and hard copy formats, in compliance with University, state and federal guidelines, including, but not limited to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize workload whether working alone or with others; work under pressure, calmly and efficiently, and cope with variable workloads; and work as a team member and produce results in a timely fashion.

• Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory instruments and equipment.

• Knowledge of proper safety and sterile procedures in a laboratory setting.

• Knowledge, and technical ability to use, maintain, and troubleshoot the interaction between the Electronic Medical Record (EMR), the Laboratory Information System (LIS), and the reference lab computer system and interface for the ordering and resulting of laboratory tests.

• Complete and pass test/quiz for all required training assigned by UCOP, UCSD, SHS and SHW on a timely basis.

• Demonstrated ability to actively foster a positive, welcoming climate, and value, include and support all in the UC San Diego community. Demonstrated commitment to foster the best possible working and learning environment.

• Demonstrated commitment and ability to acknowledge, advocate and support the efforts to dismantle structural racism and divisive biases based on race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and political beliefs.

• As appropriate, submit incident reports into the UCSD SHW Incident Report System, RL Datix or current system in use, to report near-misses, process problems or patient or employee injury events. Attend required trainings and refreshers for use and proper steps to follow.

• At all times, demonstrate the characteristics of professionalism in attire, attitude, conversation, behavior and attentiveness to others. All staff members are required to uphold the UCSD Principles of Community and to promote a positive and collaborative team environment. Ability to adhere to and practice the mandatory University Core Values & Safety Standards of performance. Ability to at all times adhere to UCSD Health Medical Center (C.A.R.I.N.G.) Standards of Performance as applicable to position.

• Electronic medical records training, especially EPIC, is provided and required upon hire for this position.

• Five years experience as a licensed CLS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
• Must complete initial credential verification, & re-credentialing every 3rd year thereafter.
• Day, evening and weekend hours are required as scheduled.
• TB screening and flu vaccination are required annually.
• Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and may be revised, if deemed necessary.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties commensurate with the level and scope of this position as required to meet the ongoing needs of Student Health Services and SHW Cluster.
• Commitment to foster the best possible working and learning environment.