Lead Histology Technician

May 25, 2023

Adventist Health is current looking for a Lead Histology Technician to join their team in Ukiah, CA.

Job Description:

Supervises the Pathology team in performing and assigning tasks and responsibilities to produce cytology and histology preparations for microscopic exams. Updates department Procedure Manual and Quality Control sheets. Directs and controls the day-to-day Histology department operations including all personnel activities, technical oversight, and workflow which can include proficiency testing, quality control, and quality assurance. Prepares tissue specimens for microscopic examination by the pathologist in order to assist the pathologist in providing appropriate quality patient care in the diagnosis of disease.

Essential Functions:

Prepares tissue sections for microscopic examination using a variety of techniques including embedding, cutting, staining tissue slides for good diagnostic quality. Identifies tissue structure and cell components, relates the test results to physiological functions, and implements new testing techniques and procedures. Maintains a working knowledge of departmental standard operating procedures. Maintains knowledge which includes the use of specialized instrumentation, Quality Control requirements, and preventative maintenance.Conducts quality control procedures on tests, equipment, reagents and products and implements corrective action if needed. Maintains accurate quality control records of all procedures. Organizes and collates department quality control and maintenance records. Keeps accurate records of the number and types of specimens in the department for testing. Assists with the accurate distribution of reports to medical records and the ordering providers. Catalogs slides, preserves specimens and paraffin blocks, and discards dated specimens. Operates precision equipment and works with a variety of dyes and chemicals to make tissue abnormalities visible with a microscope. Prepares and maintains solutions required for all procedures. Identifies, labels, and processes tissue according to specifications. Maintains equipment, cleaning, changing solutions, taking temperatures, and replenishing supplies and solutions as needed. Maintains required documentation in all aspects of laboratory functions on a daily basis. Follows biohazard and chemical hygiene procedures when handling any specimen, maintaining an orderly and hygienic work area. Follows established lab protocols concerning safety issues, demonstrating knowledge by using personal protective equipment, exhaust hoods and other equipment provided for staff safety. Follows procedures for special specimen handling for send-outs to ensure correct specimen preservation, packaging, documentation, and required communication with reference labs/physicians. Maintains skills and technical knowledge of fixatives, embedding, mounting and staining techniques to provide high quality tissues for pathologists evaluation and diagnosis. Establishes a good rapport and cooperative working relationship with members of the laboratory department, nurses and physicians; treating coworkers, patients and physicians with respect, courtesy and professionalism. Monitors the performance of other staff members rotating through the department. Communicates concerns to the director in a timely manner. Conducts team's orientations and evaluations. Is responsible for prompt and proper technical assignments of histology laboratory and for promptly doing other assigned tasks. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 

Job Requirements:

Minimum Education Bachelor’s Degree in histology or equivalent (some certifications will require Bachelor’s): Preferred Master's Degree: Preferred

Minimum Work Experience Five years' technical experience: Preferred , Two years' leadership experience: Preferred

Required Licenses Certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology in Histology (HTL; ASCP): Required

Compensation:

The estimated base pay for this position is $27.34 to $40.98. Additional individual compensation may be available for this role through years of experience, differentials, extra shift incentives, bonuses, etc. Base pay is only a portion of the total rewards package, and a comprehensive benefits program is available for qualifying positions. Please contact our Talent Acquisition team for more information. 

For additional information please contact:

Recruiter: Lisa Santiago email: santiae02@ah.org phone: 707-509-3759

Adventist Health Ukiah Valley is located in the county seat of Mendocino County. Surrounded by redwoods and vineyards, it is lush with wilderness. Adventist Health Ukiah Valley operates a 49-bed hospital and affiliated clinics offer both specialty and primary care services.

Histotologist (0311HCA-22AA NW)

March 3, 2023

Under general supervision of a pathologist, the incumbent prepares surgical material and anatomical tissue for microscopic examination by the pathologist and maintains the tissue processing equipment necessary for this position.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This technical classification differs from Clinical Laboratory Scientist in that a State license is

not required.

NEW HIRE/RETENTION/REFERRAL INCENTIVES

Subject to the applicable section of the SEIU 721 MOA 2019-2022, Amendment #6 (Secs.

3801 – 3803):  In compliance with specific requirements, effective 10/12/2022 a regular employee may

be eligible for an Employee Referral Incentive of $500.

*APPROXIMATE SALARY (with above MBPP applied):

Histologist: $25.08 – 33.85 per hour

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Duties may include but are not limited to the following: Prepares surgical material and anatomical tissue for microscopic study, prepares tissue portions for embedding in paraffin blocks, cuts microscopic sections from tissue blocks with a microtome, stains the slide mounted strips of tissue, examines samples of the stained slides to ascertain that the results are satisfactory, prepares fixing and staining solutions, sharpens knives for the microtomies, and attends at rapid frozen section examinations using the cryostat microtome; prepares and maintains accurate records, work load reports, files, and other documentation/records;

Tracks and ensures adequate supply of all materials needed to operate histology laboratory; orients and trains newly hired laboratory staff for all aspects of the histology laboratory operation in a timely manner and documents training; and performs other related duties as required

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of experience in a hospital histology laboratory under the direction of a

Pathologist.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

This position may be subject to State Health Officer Orders regarding vaccine verification and/or testing. These requirements are a condition of employment. Depending on assignment and work location(s), successful candidates for this position will be required to submit proof of vaccination and/or booster against COVID-19 or request an exemption for qualifying medical or religious reasons during the onboarding process.

DESIRED

Eligibility for, or possession of, a certificate in histology issued by the American Society of

Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: biology, anatomy, and chemistry in order to possess an understanding of the fundamental aspects of histochemical, special staining, and other related histological procedures; laboratory procedures; equipment; and, safety practices. Demonstrated skill in: utilization of laboratory instruments, equipment, and materials used in a histology laboratory; and utilization of computer systems used to input specimens, generate slides and labels, record work flow, and enter billing information. Ability to: perform histological testing under the direction of a pathologist; prepare and maintain accurate documentation; carry out written and verbal instructions; perform routine lab and equipment maintenance functions; work independently; communicate effectively; and, establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

FINAL FILING DATE: This is a Continuous recruitment and can close at any time. Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/hr. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

Note to Applicants: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Nathan Wood by telephone at (805) 677-5232 or by e-mail at nathan.wood@ventura.org.