Lead Laboratory Assistant

In 1979, the Rhode Island Blood Center was established by the hospitals in Rhode Island as a private, not for profit agency to collect, test, and distribute blood products. Today, the Rhode Blood Center is a division of New York Blood Center and is among the nation's premium providers of blood products and services and an integral part of the Rhode Island community's health care system. As of December 2018, the Rhode Island Blood Center employs approximately 320 full- and part-time employees. Our employees are committed to the Blood Center's mission of providing a safe and adequate blood for patients within our community. We seek individuals who are caring and compassionate, who take pride in their work, and are looking for a rewarding experience. At the Rhode Island Blood Center, you not only have a job but also the opportunity to make a difference.

For more information about a career with us, please watch the video below:

"Career in Blood" video

This position is responsible for performing and overseeing component production at the direction of the Supervisor, Components. They must be able to multi task and provide leadership with strong attention to detail.

This position reports to the Laboratory Supervisor, Components or others as designated.

Enter and update donor registration and draw information into the computer.
* Process blood components from whole blood and apheresis donations with proper technique and documentation according to the procedures of the Rhode Island Blood Center Laboratory.
* Label all blood components including proper checking and documentation according to the procedures of the Rhode Island Blood Center Laboratory.
* Perform and document quality control procedures on a regular schedule.
* Recognize equipment malfunctions and evaluate need for adjustment for repairs. Notify Supervisor in writing of any equipment malfunctions or unacceptable component results, as established for each quality control procedure.
* Organize, process, modify and sterile dock any component as necessary to efficiently deliver quality pooled or split products.
* Assist Supervisor, Components with development and implementation of new procedures
* Train staff in new or revised procedures
* Conduct in-house competency with direct observation / evaluation of component preparation
personnel
* Observe and communicate performance with staff and Supervisor throughout the year
* Revise existing procedures and protocols in consultation with the Laboratory Supervisors
* Respond to operational issues in a timely and professional manner

Oversee Laboratory Assistants in absence of Supervisor.

• Responsible for certain programs and/or projects as assigned
  * Participate in evaluation of new equipment and techniques
  * Release and disposal of blood products at Supervisor direction
  * Report bag defects to manufacturer
  * Scheduling staff assignments
  * Special component procedures and product quality control as assigned
  * On-call or standby for component production or special procedures
  * Must be approachable, professional and highly organized
  * The previous statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of competence of work performed by people assigned to this job classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.

High School Diploma.

Previous component preparation or equivalent experience.

Schedule: 10-6:30pm, Every other weekend, rotating holiday schedule and a on call schedule

Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds. Must also be able to stand for long periods and sit, stand, walk and lift alternately throughout the duration of the shift.

Data entry skills preferred.

The hiring range for this position is $19.72 to $22.20. Offers made to an individual candidate will depend on a variety of factors, including experience, skills, and job-related education.