Job Description

Pathology Assistant

The Pathology Assistant reports directly to the UVA Community Health System Medical Group with dotted line to UVA Community Health Anatomic Pathology Medical Director and Anatomic Pathology Supervisor.

Job duties include:

• Performs gross examinations, dissection and description of tissues received in Surgical Pathology and Autopsy Services. These duties may include but are not limited to:
• Workload is prioritized and managed to meet expected Turn-Around-Time (TAT) and specific specimen requirements.
• Competence is maintained and new skills are added as procedures and technologies change.
• Tissue sampling, gross descriptions and dictations are accurate and according to procedure.
• Specimens are photographed when appropriate for archival purposes.
• Assisting with tissue procurement, collecting tissue samples per research protocols.
• Demonstrates knowledge of quality, safety and compliance programs.
• Compliance guidelines are applied to testing and reporting activities.
• Chemicals, hazardous wastes and sharps are handled accurately and safely.
• Quality Assurance data is collected and summarized for reporting as needed.
• Suggestions are made for Process Improvement initiatives.
• Participates in the development, implementation and maintenance of Surgical Pathology protocols and budgetary goals.
• Gross Room manual is updated annually to reflect current methodology, medical staff requests and all federal, state and laboratory accreditation standards.
• Electronic information/data systems are used to accurately access and input tissue sample information and departmental communications.
• Budget goals are set and maintained through participation in departmental meetings and appropriate usage of resources.
• Ensures case documentation supports appropriate charge codes and descriptions.
• Collaborates with compliance, laboratory billing, and lab leadership to perform charge and billing audits as needed.
• Performs area-specific support/clinical activities.
• Accuracy and quality are maintained for activities.
• Specific support functions are handled in an organized and timely fashion.
• Deadlines for activities are met.
• Specific support functions are handled in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

Analysis:

• Demonstrates proactive problem solving and identifies initiatives to streamline and produce high quality work.
• Supports identified turn-around-times and quality metrics

Communication: Ensures timely and consistent communication.

• Ensures timely responses to team requests and inquiries.
• Provides high-level patient and customer service.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with other healthcare professionals.
• Collaborates professionally within multi-disciplinary teams.

Quality: Checks and controls quality and accuracy of work

• Prioritizes workflow ensuring all services are performed in a timely manner.
• Considerable knowledge of laboratory testing names
• Identifies and participates in process improvement opportunities

Teamwork: Works within a team to achieve patient and team goals.

• Participates in the onboarding and training of new team members.
• Shares and initiates regular and professional communication with team members.
• Demonstrates a willingness to adjust activities to accommodate the needs of team members/internal customers.
• Resolves conflicts independently, as appropriate.
• Accepts responsibility for actions and acts positively upon feedback from others.

The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree Required. Graduate of a NAACLS accredited formal Pathologist Assistant Program required.
• Preferred Master's Degree in Pathology Assistant.

Experience:

1 year preferred

Licensure:

ASCP certified or eligible

Additional Skills/Requirements Required: NA

Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt

Physical Demands:

Physical Demand Code: 16A, Medical Practitioner

Work Function/Activity:

Medium to Heavy Physical Demand: The job requires constant standing, frequently walking, and bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull 100 lbs. For any weight over 35 lbs., use Safe Handling Equipment.

Other:

• May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes
• On call responsibilities as directed: Yes
• Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes

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