Specimen Processing Specialist Lead

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is seeking a Specimen Processing Services Specialist Lead to serve as the primary contact for clinical laboratory processing and to support lab operations, training, and quality improvement initiatives. The role includes blood bank support, bone marrow procedures, and ensuring specimen integrity.

The position is fully onsite at the South Lake Union Campus, 1.0 FTE, with schedules potentially including weekends.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• WA State Surgical Tech registration if assisting with bone marrow collection.
• 18 months of Alliance Lab SPS competency or 8 years Alliance Lab SPS experience.
• Able to communicate clearly in person, on the phone, and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Process specimens including centrifugation, aliquoting, and dispensing to the testing lab.
• Support blood bank transfusion services and bone marrow procedures.
• Minimize patient wait times and maintain sample integrity.
• Maintain professional communication with patients, clients, and colleagues.

Skills

Lab operations

Communication

Leadership

LIS/EMR proficiency

Color vision

Problem solving

Attention to attendance

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

WA State Surgical Tech registration

Tools

EPIC Cadence

Sun Quest

LIS/EMR systems

Job description

Overview

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world’s deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.

The Specimen Processing Services Specialist Lead (SPS Lead) serves as primary point of contact and resource for clinical laboratory specimen processing care functions within and outside of Fred Hutch. The role assists with lab operations, process improvements, training of other Specimen Processing Services Specialists, developing and maintaining relationships with other Fred Hutch departments and outside providers. Additionally, the role performs blood bank transfusion support and bone marrow aspiration assistance.

1.0 FTE - 40 hours per week - Fully onsite at our South Lake Union Campus

Responsibilities

• Processes specimens including centrifugation, aliquoting, and dispensing specimens to proper testing lab.
• Supports blood bank transfusion services and bone marrow aspiration procedures.
• Works efficiently to minimize patient wait times.
• Ensures sample integrity until testing is performed.
• Maintains effective and professional communication with patients, clients, co-workers, and Fred Hutch Cancer Center colleagues.
• Records variances of standard policies and procedures in Patient Safety Net accurately and where required.
• Participates in Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance programs and projects.
• Proficient in the use of computer software including LIS and EMR systems, email, and applications in a Windows-based environment.
• May be asked to cover alternative shifts or weekends as needed per staffing.
• Assists with the coordination of daily workflow.
• Troubleshoots and collaborates with other departments to resolve issues.
• Participate in department and/or Fred Hutch process improvement initiatives.
• Participate in training and mentoring of new employees.
• Develops and maintains relationships with other departments within Fred Hutch.
• Acts as a department resource for internal and external colleagues.
• Identifies and applies new clinical, research and operational improvements to assure consistent and efficient lab services.
• May develop and review department policies and procedures.
• Performs annual competency assessments for assigned staff.
• Coordinates daily workflow.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school graduation or the equivalent
• WA State Surgical Tech registration required if assisting with bone marrow collection
• 18 monthsof Alliance Lab SPS competency or a minimum of8 yearsAlliance Lab equivalent SPS experience.
• Ability to communicate verbally in person, on the phone, and in writing in a clear, concise and professional manner.
• Ability to organize and manage time and tasks independently.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to work under pressure and adjust to changing workloads.
• Ability to meet attendance and punctuality expectations.
• Proficient in the use of computer software including LIS and EMR systems, email and applications in a Windows-based environment.
• Demonstrates initiative as evidenced by advancing technical skills, sharing knowledge with others and taking on more responsibility.
• Ability to provide constructive and effective feedback to other Specialists regarding the use of standard practices.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.
• Must be able to differentiate between colors and pass a standardized color vision screen to perform this role

Preferred:

• Intermediate ability with MS Word and Excel.
• EMR and LIS systems experience: EPIC/Cadence and Sun Quest.
• Training or mentoring experience.
• Leadership experience.
• Daily operations coordination experience.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $28.36 to $40.37 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

1.0 FTE - 40 hours per week - Fully onsite at our South Lake Union Campus

Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H-1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H-1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position.Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).

Additional Information

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at [e-mail] or by calling 206-667-4700.