Laboratory Manager

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE:

Responsible for the organization and coordination of CHC’s Laboratory and all satellite lab locations including but not limited to: providing laboratory services, supervising performance of lab staff, implementing policies and procedures, training staff and providers, managing within operating budget, improving lab operations and new lab patient services/in-house tests, will perform the duties of the technical consultant and operating the lab in accordance with clinic, CLIA/governmental and outside reference lab standards and requiremen

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

A) Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or science related field
• Two years’ experience as a Medical Technologist in non-waived testing
• Phlebotomy experience
• Experience with laboratory-related computer systems and software
• Two years of supervisory experience in a non-waived laboratory
• Ability to qualify as CLIA director of moderately complex lab within six months of hire

B) Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of clinical laboratory procedures, standards and tests to perform quality assurance, and quality control.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment for set-up and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety requirements.
• Demonstrated skills in monitoring, managing, or improving daily lab operations, writing/presenting policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles to oversee work of staff and evaluation of staff performance.
• Ability to anticipate and react calmly to emergency situations.

C) Licensure, Certification or Other Requirements:

• Certification as a Medical Technologist

The information below is intended to describe the general nature and level of work required for this position. The information is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and/or duties required. Community Health Centers (CHC) reserves the right to add, remove or revise job duties and responsibilities as demanded by business needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

A) Laboratory Management Responsibilities

1. Develop, maintain, and supervise the laboratory systems with high degree of quality, efficiency and effectiveness. Maintain quality control and assessment programs as necessary.
2. Act as a senior technical consultant for a moderately complex lab with delegated responsibilities from CLIA director.
3. With assistance from CLIA director, technical consultants, and trained staff, write and keep updated all laboratory protocols.
4. Use testing systems and methodologies to provide quality for all aspects of test performance (pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic phases of testing). Ensure lab is enrolled in approved proficiency testing program and that acceptable level of analytical performance for each test system is maintained.
5. Ensures that reports of test results include pertinent information required for interpretation and consultation is provided on matters relating to the results as required.
6. Maintain acceptable and safe physical plant and environmental conditions of the laboratory; alerts appropriate administrative and clinical staff of any problems concerns or issues that are relevant to the safe, accurate operation of the lab. Ensures patient test results are reported only when systems are functioning properly.
7. Ensure proper documentation of remedial actions.
8. Oversee appropriate and adequate laboratory supply inventory system.
9. Performs in-house diagnostic tests and procedures; processes and sends out specimens to reference laboratories as required.
10. Negotiates cost effective supply and equipment maintenance contracts.
11. Investigate both internal (employee) and external (patient) service complaints relating to functional area and work to ensure satisfactory resolution, including interviewing patients to identify and resolve problems.
12. Maintains competence in laboratory bench work to help with training and coverage
13. Works with IT to maintain laboratory information system (LIS) and monitor interfaces between LIS and EMR

B) Personnel Management Responsibilities

1. Recruits staff with Human Resources and is responsible for conducting performance management activities including performance reviews, performance improvement plans, corrective action, disciplinary actions and terminations.
2. Provides appropriate levels of training to departmental staff, encouraging and ensuring professional development as appropriate.
3. Maintains adequate staffing for laboratory operations by maintaining staff schedule
4. Conducts staff meetings and communicates effectively with staff as appropriate/necessary.

C) Interdepartmental Responsibilities

1. Encourages and models open communication between staff and other departments.
2. Makes recommendations as appropriate.
3. Works with appropriate clinical and administrative staff to prepare for CLIA and other regulatory inspections and/or audits.

D) Compliance Responsibilities

1. Ensure departmental work activities are in compliance with CHC policies, procedures and protocols. Participates in the development of and revisions to CHC policies, procedures and protocols as required.
2. Ensures compliance with applicable governing laws/regulations and guidelines such as HIPAA, OSHA, FQHC’s, health insurance regulations, etc.
3. Maintains significant working knowledge of laboratory equipment, laboratory information system and electronic medical record software.
4. Follows all health and safety rules related to the position and ensures that other staff members follow the guidelines.

E) Budgetary and Reporting Responsibilities

1. Provides input into CHC budget process and operates department within established budget.
2. Responsible for reporting of data/statistics as needed and/or requested by Management. Makes recommendations based on findings.
3. Responsible for conducting department audits as needed and/or requested by Management. Makes recommendations based on findings.
4. Conducts grant reporting as needed and/or requested by Management and performs grant responsibilities as needed.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Performs other lab clinically related tasks as assigned

1. Assists other departments as required by supervisor
2. Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a healthcare environment. Exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, testing materials common to a laboratory setting, and other conditions common to a clinic environment.

Requires full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Frequent walking, sitting, bending and standing required for extended periods of time. Requires visual acuity and normal color perception. Lifts and carries items weighing up to 25 pounds.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Relationships: All CHC employees must maintain professional and effective working relationships with patients, staff and the public.

Customer Service: All CHC employees must provide high quality customer service to both internal customers (fellow employees), and external customers (patients and business associates) on a consistent basis.

Confidentiality: All CHC employees must protect the confidentiality of all patients, patient care, staff/personnel information, business and proprietary information, and financial information. Employees must read and acknowledge receipt of CHC’s Confidentiality Policy.

Compliance: Employees must complete required trainings and adhere to the Code of Conduct, and policies in the Employee Handbook. Employees must read and acknowledge receipt of CHC’s Code of Conduct and Employee Handbook.