Donor Testing Training Specialist

Position Summary:

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.

Supervision Exercised:

This position does not supervise staff.

Supervision of Positions:

Under general supervision of assigned managerial staff.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

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 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. Send routine reminders to team leaders to ensure all staff complete required CEUs by established
• Assists with department Change Management projects and attend 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 validation 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.
• Conduct Educational Tours of the Laboratory.
• Acts as a back-up for lab or testing related tasks.

Secondary Functions:

• Promote and contribute to a culture of safety through compliance with all safety SOPs 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 continuing education to meet state and national regulatory requirements.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

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).

Skills:

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

Education: & Experience:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science (CLS/MLS/MT)

Or

Bachelor of Science degree in chemical or biological science, with minimum requirement of 6 credits in biology and 6 credits in chemistry completed. or BA in core sciences (approval is dependent on transcript review). Must meet testing personnel requirements as described in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 for Highly Complex Laboratory.

Related Experience:

Three years of clinical laboratory experience.

Any combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to the requirements above that has supplied the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science (CLS/MLS/MT)

Required Licenses/Certifications:

National Clinical Laboratory Certification (ASCP or equivalent)

Schedule:

Full Time: Monday - Friday; 8am to 4:30pm. (Hours may vary depending on depart. needs.)

Proposed rate of pay: $70,000 - $78,000.

Founded in 1979, Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) has served Rhode Island and the New England area for more than 45 years, delivering more than 90,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 50+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. RIBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe's Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. RIBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit ribc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.