Pathology Assistant 2-4 HX

Job Title	Pathology Assistant 2 HX	Pathology Assistant 3 HX	Pathology Assistant 4 HX
Job Code	5158	5159	4906
Bargaining Unit	HX	HX	HX
FLSA	Non-Exempt	Exempt	Exempt
Generic Scope	Professional who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments / projects / tasks of moderate scope and complexity; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. This title is bargaining unit only. There should never be an uncovered position.	Experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field; independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems / issues of diverse scope and determines solutions. This title is bargaining unit only. There should never be an uncovered position.	Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues / problems without precedent and / or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources, functions with a high degree of autonomy. Typically, the bargaining unit job code should be used for work covered by this title. However, if the position is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) due to one of the following reasons—(1) Confidential status, where duties normally require access to confidential information that significantly influences the development of management’s bargaining or grievance positions; (2) employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees; or (3) Supervisory status, where duties include supervising employees as a regular part of the job—then the position should be listed under the generic title without the “HX” ending.
Custom Scope	Under the direction of the Pathologist, performs pathology assistant duties. Provides support for the Pathologist, Residents, and Pathology staff.	Independently perform pathology assistant responsibilities, under the direction of the Pathologist. Assists in mentoring others in complex surgical specimen and frozen section.	Applies comprehensive knowledge of clinical concepts and industry practices to lead and advise on surgical pathology grossing room techniques in the most complex tests.
Key Resp 01	Under general supervision of the Pathologist, performs activities such as lab preparation, receiving, accessioning, frozen sectioning, gross sectioning, dictation and photography.	Under general direction of the supervising Pathologist, performs activities such as lab preparation, receiving, accessioning, frozen sectioning, gross sectioning, dictation and photography.	Under general direction of the supervising Pathologist, performs gross sectioning of the most complex surgical specimens (pancreas, breast, bladder, uterus, ovary, etc.). Performs frozen section diagnosis for rapid diagnosis by the Pathologist.
Key Resp 02	Ensures laboratory equipment is operational and communicates issues to supervisor. Ensures cleanliness and organization of grossing room, stations, tools and equipment.	Recommends improvements to procedures and processes to ensure compliance with internal policy and external regulations troubleshoots or obtains assistance in resolving equipment problems.	Participates in the development and implementation of systems and procedures to improve daily operations. Ensures that procedures comply with internal policy and external regulations. Troubleshoots or obtains assistance in resolving equipment problems.
Key Resp 03	Under the direction of the pathologist, describes and dictates gross anatomic features, performs dissections of surgical specimens and selects suitable tissues for processing and microscopic examination.	Prepares surgical specimens for gross description and dissection. Describes gross anatomic features, dissects surgical specimens, prepares tissue for histologic examination, and photographs gross specimens.	Evaluates specimens and determines the need to consult with a Pathologist; makes technical grossing decisions, troubleshoots and resolves complex specimen receiving issues.
Key Resp 04	Ensures appropriate storage, retrieval and disposal of tissue per protocols. Assists with research and related documentation as directed.	Evaluates current surgical pathology gross room services and suggest ways to improve patient satisfaction, and / or quality of examinations.	Provides guidance to management on ways to improve surgical pathology gross room services. Recommends patient satisfaction and quality goals. Supports recommendations with deep industry and technical knowledge, and strategic planning / implementation approaches.
Key Resp 05	Prepares necessary solutions and stains according to specifications. Responsible for appropriate use, handling and storage of fixatives.	Documents and records data relating to gross sectioning, sampling methodology, histology data and accessions specimens into laboratory database. Transfers photographs of gross specimens to database.	Prepares documentation explaining dissection and tissue selection methodology for examination by pathologist. Advises on grossing standards and grossing manual updates.
Key Resp 06	Supports efficient workflow in the gross room. Follows and supports standard operating procedures and policies.	Recommends processes to improve operations and compliance of surgical pathology grossing room(s). Works closely with laboratory directors, site managers, supervisors and designees to ensure smooth workflows.	Researches, develops and implements improvements in operations and processes in surgical pathology grossing rooms. Provides technical and leadership support to Autopsy Services and Histology Laboratory as needed.
Key Resp 07	Labels containers and maintains accurate and complete specimen identification throughout procedures.	Initiates appropriate labeling procedures and maintains accurate and complete case and specimen identification throughout all procedures.	Oversees the quality of accessioning methods and outcomes. Mentors staff in developing strong accessioning techniques to ensure consistent accuracy.
Key Resp 08	Drafts new and revised standard operating procedures. Performs clerical duties in support of the laboratory.	Maintains technical policy and procedure manuals. Reviews and recommends updates to procedures as required.	Oversees the maintenance of technical policy and procedure manuals. Reviews and updates procedures as required.
Key Resp 09	Assists pathologist with autopsies. Identifies and removes remains from cooler, obtains biological specimens, weights and measures human organs and takes notes throughout the autopsy.	Performs autopsies; maintains protocol and follows all procedures associated with morgue operations.	Performs autopsies; maintains protocols and follows all procedures associated with morgue operations. Confers with Pathologist(s) to identify special techniques and procedures to be utilized in the completion of complex postmortem examinations.
Key Resp 10			Supervises and teaches trainees, staff members and students, serving as a technical resource and advises on approaches for challenging or unique issues.
Education 1	Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training	Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training	Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
Education 2		Completion of a 2-year Pathologists’ Assistant program (NAACLS accredited).	Completion of a 2-year Pathologists’ Assistant program (NAACLS accredited).
Cert 1	Current ASCP Board certification.	Current ASCP Board certification.	Current ASCP Board certification.
Spec Cond 1	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
KSA 01	Thorough knowledge of gross room operations and specimen handling / processing techniques.	Thorough knowledge of gross room operations and specimen handling / processing techniques.	Advanced knowledge in pathology theory and industry best practices.
KSA 02	Knowledge of pathology and relevant medical center, and UC policies and processes. Knowledge of relevant pathology federal, state and local laws.	Knowledge of pathology and relevant medical center, and UC policies and processes. Knowledge of relevant pathology federal, state and local laws.	Comprehensive knowledge of pathology, medical center, and UC policies and processes. In depth knowledge of relevant pathology industry federal, state and local laws and regulations to proactively identify and mitigate compliance risks.
KSA 03	Productive in specimen dissection quantity, quality and consistency.	Productive in specimen dissection quantity, quality and consistency.	Productive in specimen dissection quantity, quality and consistency.
KSA 04	Organizational skills and acute attention to detail. Ability to follow strict protocols without deviation.	Organizational skills and acute attention to detail. Ability to follow strict protocols without deviation.	Strong organizational skills and acute attention to detail. Ability to follow strict protocols and to appropriately probe, challenge, and to question the status quo.
KSA 05	Thorough knowledge of data management and documentation methods used in pathology.	Thorough knowledge of data management and documentation methods used in pathology.	In depth knowledge of data analysis, research and reporting, particularly in pathology.
KSA 06	Strong skills to evaluate issues and identify solutions within defined procedures and policies. Proven ability to address problems and suggest solutions through critical thinking process.	Strong skills to evaluate issues and identify solutions within defined procedures and policies. Proven ability to address problems and suggest solutions through critical thinking process.	Advanced analytical abilities and problem-solving skills to quickly evaluate complex issues, identify options for resolution, and apply sound judgement.
KSA 07	Verbal and written communication skills to explain clinical concepts.	Verbal and written communication skills to explain clinical concepts.	Verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate through all mediums and with all groups.
KSA 08	Ability to perform relevant software. Knowledge of organization’s pathology application programs to enter documentation accurately and maintain databases.	Ability to perform relevant software. Knowledge of organization’s pathology application programs to enter documentation accurately and maintain databases.	Ability to perform relevant software. Knowledge of organization’s pathology application programs to enter documentation accurately and maintain databases.
Environment	Health care (hospital, clinical, classroom setting) or similar environment as the role requires.	Health care (hospital, clinical, classroom setting) or similar environment as the role requires.	Health care (hospital, clinical, classroom setting) or similar environment as the role requires.