lab assistant

Job Summary & Requirements

Education

• Completion of Grade XII or recognized equivalent required
• Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate required
  
  

Certifications

• MLPAO (Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario), OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) or CSMLS (Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science) certification strongly preferred
  
  

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of recent laboratory experience (within the last eight (8) years) in a laboratory assistant role in an acute care centre preferred
• Good understanding of laboratory operations, including the principles and practices of laboratory procedures and workflow preferred
• Experience in Point of Care Testing (POCT) an asset
• Experience with POCT middleware (e.g., AegisPOC) an asset
• Familiarity with Accreditation Canada – Diagnostics standards preferred
• Knowledge of medical terminology essential
• Previous data entry/computer experience essential
  
  

Competencies

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent attendance and consistent performance
• Ability to facilitate structured training sessions for adult learners with clear communication and effective participant engagement
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to perform duties independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating initiative in seeking direction, prioritizing tasks appropriately, and exercising sound judgment within defined scope
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with staff, physicians, volunteers, patients, and families
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment in identifying and resolving issues
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement
• Understanding of quality management systems and Accreditation Canada – Diagnostics standards
  
  

Responsibilities

As an integral member of the Laboratory team, the POCT Medical Laboratory Assistant supports the POCT program by assisting with operator training and support, equipment troubleshooting and maintenance, inventory management, and quality assurance activities.

All activities are performed in accordance with established procedures and under the direction and supervision of the POCT Coordinator/Charge and/or Medical Laboratory Technologist.

The POCT Medical Laboratory Assistant responsibilities:

• Assist with POCT operator certification/recertification processes by delivering structured training sessions to adult learners in a clear, confident, and engaging manner, in accordance with established procedures
• Monitor AegisPOC middleware, shared POCT email box, and respond to operator inquiries (phone/email) by providing support within defined scope and escalating issues as appropriate
• Assist with POCT inventory management and distribution of supplies for efficient utilization
• Support troubleshooting and maintenance of POCT devices as per established procedures
• Perform device-specific functions as outlined in approved procedure manuals, ensuring adherence to established laboratory protocols and quality standards
• Support documentation management (electronic and hard copy) such as operator competency tracking, maintenance logs, temperature logs, internal audits, and operator compliance activities
• Assist with documentation of non-conformances and deviations in accordance with established procedures and escalate appropriately for investigation and follow-up.
• Assist with POCT external proficiency testing (PT) program delivery, device/analyzer comparisons and validation activities under the direction and supervision of an MLT
• Support compliance with Accreditation Canada – Diagnostics standards
• Liaise with RVH Laboratory and clinical staff, and vendors as required
• Participate in staff and patient experience feedback initiatives, professional development, teaching/educational activities, safety and quality improvement initiatives to ensure excellence in the provision of services
• Adhere to RVH and departmental policies and procedures, mission and vision statements while maintaining confidentiality requirements
• Demonstrate alignment with RVH core values: Inspire Trust, Be Kind, Be Bold, Do Great Things, Team Up
• Perform other related duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned, requested, or required
  
  

The above responsibilities are not to be considered all-inclusive; may be assigned other related duties in support of efficient laboratory operations and patient care, including assisting in high-volume areas when POCT workload is reduced.

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