UNIV- Program Assistant - Department of Pathology and Laboratory Sciences

Job Description Summary
Under general supervision, this individual will perform a variety of basic laboratory procedures in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. These procedures will primarily involve preparation of biological specimens for visualization by light microscopy.

Entity
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type
Employee

Worker Sub-Type
Classified

Cost Center
CC001004 COM PATH Cores CC

Pay Rate Type
Hourly

Pay Grade
University-04

Pay Range
32,686.00 - 46,578.50 - 60,471.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Work Shift

Job Description

Position Description for AH30- Program Assistant Band 4

Job Purpose:

Under general supervision, this individual will perform a variety of basic laboratory procedures in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. These procedures will primarily involve preparation of biological specimens for visualization by light microscopy.

Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:

A high school diploma and two years relevant program experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required program experience.

Experience with EPIC software for patient information is one of the relevant program experiences for the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1.1 Sectioning and staining of tissue specimens with both routine and more specialized staining procedures. Routine staining includes standard protocols for Hematoxylin and Eosin stains. Special staining includes Immunohistochemistry, trichrome stains, and various others a client may request. Ability to alter staining protocols based on the requests of the client and document the changes for future similar requests. This includes use of the auto Immuno-stainer, and other more advanced approaches as they are added to the Core, such as In Situ Hybridization, and Digital Slide Scanning. Additional duties will potentially involve learning and performing tasks in support of other Department of Pathology Core facilities as is needed and determined by the HistoCore Director, and directed by the HistoCore Lab/Resource Manager.

Expert - Demonstrates mastery of responsibilities by leading and working independently with a high-level of reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in completion of all duties in this area. Is proactive in developing and implementing system improvements, if warranted.

Role Model - Performs duties in a reliable manner. Demonstrates potential to develop independence and attain full mastery of all duties.

Expected - Meets the minimum job duty requirements but does not consistently demonstrate initiative to foster personal growth and development to attain greater independence. Requires frequent supervision of work to assess validity and accuracy, adherence to proper procedures, and timeliness.

Substandard - Does not perform duties in a consistent acceptable matter nor demonstrate significant improvement.

1.2 Processing of both human and animal tissues following protocols for preparation of frozen and/or paraffin blocks and generating appropriate sections on the various microtomes. Includes consulting with and advising clients on protocol requests for embedding orientation and section preferences when cutting specimens. Capability of using logic and knowledge to fulfill a difficult request of orientation and problem solving if the request is not possible. This also includes performing histochemical stains and immunohistochemical or fluorescent staining manually and using the auto-stainer.

Expert - Demonstrates mastery of responsibilities by leading and working independently with a high-level of reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in completion of all duties in this area. Is proactive in developing and implementing system improvements, if warranted.

Role Model - Performs duties in a reliable manner. Demonstrates potential to develop independence and attain full mastery of all duties.

Expected - Meets the minimum job duty requirements but does not consistently demonstrate initiative to foster personal growth and development to attain greater independence. Requires frequent supervision of work to assess validity and accuracy, adherence to proper procedures, and timeliness.

Substandard - Does not perform duties in a consistent acceptable matter nor demonstrate significant improvement.

1.3 Assisting Histopathology Core (HistoCore) Lab/Resource Manager in coordinating and completing specimen processing for IRB approved clinical trials. This includes tracking and referring to protocol requirements for each unique trial and logging records for all completed specimens. Prioritizing and completing procedures for human trial specimens in a timely manner and before performing research tissue protocols in order to maintain a short wait period for patients. This involves gaining experience using EPIC or other systems to track patient information of patient samples.

Expert - Demonstrates mastery of responsibilities by leading and working independently with a high-level of reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in completion of all duties in this area. Is proactive in developing and implementing system improvements, if warranted.

Role Model - Performs duties in a reliable manner. Demonstrates potential to develop independence and attain full mastery of all duties.

Expected - Meets the minimum job duty requirements but does not consistently demonstrate initiative to foster personal growth and development to attain greater independence. Requires frequent supervision of work to assess validity and accuracy, adherence to proper procedures, and timeliness.

Substandard - Does not perform duties in a consistent acceptable matter nor demonstrate significant improvement.

1.4 Maintaining inventory and ordering all supplies and materials required to successfully operate the Histopathology Core Resource. Keeping track of expiration dates and disposal methods for products and chemicals including hazardous wastes. Labelling and documenting supply orders upon arrival to ensure an up to date inventory.

Expert - Demonstrates mastery of responsibilities by leading and working independently with a high-level of reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in completion of all duties in this area. Is proactive in developing and implementing system improvements, if warranted.

Role Model - Performs duties in a reliable manner. Demonstrates potential to develop independence and attain full mastery of all duties.

Expected - Meets the minimum job duty requirements but does not consistently demonstrate initiative to foster personal growth and development to attain greater independence. Requires frequent supervision of work to assess validity and accuracy, adherence to proper procedures, and timeliness.

Substandard - Does not perform duties in a consistent acceptable matter nor demonstrate significant improvement.

1.5 Filing blocks and slides for human archival tissues. Following procedures required by the Surgical Pathology Lab Manager for retrieving and returning blocks and slides to their correct files in order to prevent misplacing any human specimens. Making sure to follow Pathology and Laboratory medicine and Hospital guidelines while cutting blocks to prevent depletion of tissues.

Expert - Demonstrates mastery of responsibilities by leading and working independently with a high-level of reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in completion of all duties in this area. Is proactive in developing and implementing system improvements, if warranted.

Role Model - Performs duties in a reliable manner. Demonstrates potential to develop independence and attain full mastery of all duties.

Expected - Meets the minimum job duty requirements but does not consistently demonstrate initiative to foster personal growth and development to attain greater independence. Requires frequent supervision of work to assess validity and accuracy, adherence to proper procedures, and timeliness.

Substandard - Does not perform duties in a consistent acceptable matter nor demonstrate significant improvement.

Job Responsibilities

25% - Sectioning and staining of tissue specimens with both routine and more specialized staining procedures. Routine staining includes standard protocols for Hematoxylin and Eosin stains. Special staining includes Immunohistochemistry, trichrome stains, and various others a client may request. Ability to alter staining protocols based on the requests of the client and document the changes for future similar requests.

Expert - Demonstrates mastery of responsibilities by leading and working independently with a high-level of reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in completion of all duties in this area. Is proactive in developing and implementing system improvements, if warranted. Role Model - Performs duties in a reliable manner. Demonstrates potential to develop independence and attain full mastery of all duties. Expected - Meets the minimum job duty requirements but does not consistently demonstrate initiative to foster personal growth and development to attain greater independence. Requires frequent supervision of work to assess validity and accuracy, adherence to proper procedures, and timeliness. Substandard - Does not perform duties in a consistent acceptable matter nor demonstrate significant improvement.

25% - Processing of both human and animal tissues following protocols for preparation of frozen and/or paraffin sections. Includes consulting with and advising clients on protocol requests for embedding orientation and section preferences when cutting specimens. Capability of using logic and knowledge to fulfill a difficult request of orientation and problem solving if the request is not possible. Expert - Demonstrates mastery of responsibilities by leading and working independently with a high-level of reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in completion of all duties in this area. Is proactive in developing and implementing system improvements, if warranted. Role Model - Performs duties in a reliable manner. Demonstrates potential to develop independence and attain full mastery of all duties. Expected - Meets the minimum job duty requirements but does not consistently demonstrate initiative to foster personal growth and development to attain greater independence. Requires frequent supervision of work to assess validity and accuracy, adherence to proper procedures, and timeliness. Substandard - Does not perform duties in a consistent acceptable matter nor demonstrate significant improvement.

15% - Assisting Histopathology Core Lab/Resource Manager in coordinating and completing specimen processing for IRB approved clinical trials. This includes tracking and referring to protocol requirements for each unique trial and logging records for all completed specimens. Prioritizing and completing procedures for human trial specimens in a timely manner and before performing research tissue protocols in order to maintain a short wait period for patients. Expert - Demonstrates mastery of responsibilities by leading and working independently with a high-level of reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in completion of all duties in this area. Is proactive in developing and implementing system improvements, if warranted. Role Model - Performs duties in a reliable manner. Demonstrates potential to develop independence and attain full mastery of all duties. Expected - Meets the minimum job duty requirements but does not consistently demonstrate initiative to foster personal growth and development to attain greater independence. Requires frequent supervision of work to assess validity and accuracy, adherence to proper procedures, and timeliness. Substandard - Does not perform duties in a consistent acceptable matter nor demonstrate significant improvement.

15% - Maintaining inventory and ordering all supplies and materials required to successfully operate the Histopathology Core Resource. Keeping track of expiration dates and disposal methods for products and chemicals including hazardous wastes. Labelling and documenting supply orders upon arrival to ensure an up to date inventory. Expert - Demonstrates mastery of responsibilities by leading and working independently with a high-level of reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in completion of all duties in this area. Is proactive in developing and implementing system improvements, if warranted. Role Model - Performs duties in a reliable manner. Demonstrates potential to develop independence and attain full mastery of all duties. Expected - Meets the minimum job duty requirements but does not consistently demonstrate initiative to foster personal growth and development to attain greater independence. Requires frequent supervision of work to assess validity and accuracy, adherence to proper procedures, and timeliness.

Substandard - Does not perform duties in a consistent acceptable matter nor demonstrate significant improvement.

10% - Filing blocks and slides for human archival tissues. Following procedures required by the Surgical Pathology Lab Manager for retrieving and returning blocks and slides to their correct files in order to prevent misplacing any human specimens. Making sure to follow Pathology and Laboratory medicine and Hospital guidelines while cutting blocks to prevent depletion of tissues. Expert - Demonstrates mastery of responsibilities by leading and working independently with a high-level of reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in completion of all duties in this area. Is proactive in developing and implementing system improvements, if warranted. Role Model - Performs duties in a reliable manner. Demonstrates potential to develop independence and attain full mastery of all duties. Expected - Meets the minimum job duty requirements but does not consistently demonstrate initiative to foster personal growth and development to attain greater independence. Requires frequent supervision of work to assess validity and accuracy, adherence to proper procedures, and timeliness. Substandard - Does not perform duties in a consistent acceptable matter nor demonstrate significant improvement.

10% - Cross-Training for other Pathology department Core laboratories to assist when needed in temporary settings such as when a laboratory staff member is on maternity leave, or while a replacement is being recruited for a vacated position or is needed when there is a temporary demand in services needs to be met. Expert - Demonstrates mastery of responsibilities by leading and working independently with a high-level of reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in completion of all duties in this area. Is proactive in developing and implementing system improvements, if warranted. Role Model - Performs duties in a reliable manner. Demonstrates potential to develop independence and attain full mastery of all duties. Expected - Meets the minimum job duty requirements but does not consistently demonstrate initiative to foster personal growth and development to attain greater independence. Requires frequent supervision of work to assess validity and accuracy, adherence to proper procedures, and timeliness. Substandard - Does not perform duties in a consistent acceptable matter nor demonstrate significant improvement.

Physical Requirements:

(Note:The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift)

Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent)
Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Frequent)
Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent)
Ability to work indoors. (Continuous)
Ability to work outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes. (Infrequent)
Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Infrequent)
Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent)
Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Infrequent)
Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent)
Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous)
Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent)
Ability to reach in all directions. (Frequent)
Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous)
Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 36 inches, unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 36 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous)
Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Frequent)
Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Frequent)
Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Frequent)
Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous)
Ability to hear and/or understand whispered conversations at a distance of 3 feet. (Frequent)
Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Frequent)
Ability to work in dusty areas. (Infrequent)

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and two years relevant program experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required program experience. Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Infrequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Infrequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions. (Frequent) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 36 inches, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 36 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Frequent) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Frequent) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Frequent) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to hear and/or understand whispered conversations at a distance of 3 feet. (Frequent) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Frequent) Ability to work in dusty areas. (Infrequent)

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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