CLS Generalist (Transfusion Services Lead) - AM Shift

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the assigned laboratory section to ensure efficient workflow and satisfactory testing turnaround times.
• Perform all laboratory tests in accordance with established standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements, from pre-analytical through post-analytical phases.
• Evaluate the validity of test results and initiate corrective actions when necessary to maintain accuracy and reliability.
• Safeguard and preserve the confidentiality of patients’ protected health information in accordance with State and Federal (HIPAA) regulations and hospital policies.
• Maintain a safe patient environment and adhere to all safety practices and infection control procedures.
• Aid in developing, organizing, and maintaining procedures and policies within the assigned section to comply with licensing and accrediting agency requirements.
• Oversee quality control activities and assist in the quality assurance program related to the assigned section.
• Assist in the evaluation of new equipment and methodologies, coordinate validation studies, and collaborate with laboratory management, pathologists, and other departments on implementation.
• Train staff on new procedures and equipment, assess competency, and provide ongoing technical guidance and leadership.
• Maintain sufficient inventory levels to support daily operations while monitoring and supporting cost containment.
• Schedule, perform, and document preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment and initiate corrective actions when needed.
• Monitor and perform instrument calibration, linearity, correlation, and other verification studies as required by accrediting agencies.
• Oversee and coordinate staff participation in proficiency testing, review results, investigate unacceptable findings, and implement appropriate follow-up actions.
• Organize work effectively, set appropriate priorities, and complete assignments within prescribed timeframes.
• Utilize laboratory information systems to accurately order, accession, result, charge, cancel, and credit laboratory tests, and generate and resolve incomplete test logs.
• Perform testing and report results within established turnaround times, ensuring timely communication to clinical teams.
• Communicate critical test values promptly to physicians or licensed personnel, documenting notifications according to policy.
• Serve as a resource to technical staff, providing expert consultation on complex cases and procedures, particularly in blood bank and transfusion services.
• Demonstrate positive customer service behavior in all verbal and nonverbal interactions with patients, physicians, visitors, and hospital staff, and promote a strong teamwork approach.
• Maintain confidentiality of laboratory and hospital patient-related information at all times.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safety, hazardous materials, hazardous waste handling, and infection control practices within the laboratory.
• Collaborate with other laboratories through visits and knowledge sharing to exchange best practices and enhance laboratory performance.
• Perform work assignments that may require accurate visual color discrimination.

Requirements

• Active California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license.
• ASCP-MLS certification.
• Minimum of 3 years of blood bank experience in a lead or manager capacity.
• Previous management or leadership experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Five (5) years of previous Clinical Laboratory Scientist experience within the specific section in an acute care hospital preferred.
• Strong technical skills in laboratory science, particularly in hospital clinical laboratory operations.
• Working knowledge of quality control rules and quality assurance practices.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards including CLIA, DHS, CAP, and Joint Commission.
• Experience with antigen typing and electronic crossmatch procedures.
• Competence in performing Direct Coombs (DAT) and Indirect Coombs tests.
• Experience with crossmatch methods including immediate spin and IgG techniques.
• Knowledge of Rhogam screening and cord blood evaluation.
• Experience with blood irradiation processes and cold agglutinin testing.
• Strong organizational skills with precise attention to detail.
• Effective problem-solving abilities in a clinical laboratory environment.
• Proficiency in laboratory computer systems, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.
• Understanding of patient identification processes and proper specimen storage.
• Understanding of hazardous materials handling, MSDS, proper disposal, and proper labeling.
• Familiarity with quality assurance and control procedures and transmission-based precautions.

Qualifications

• Experience as a CLS Lead or Manager, including oversight of staff and section operations.
• Technical writing skills for procedures, policies, and documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to serve as a resource and mentor to technical staff.
• Experience in reporting test results accurately and timely.
• Knowledge of laboratory reporting processes and documentation standards.
• Comfort working within acute care hospital laboratory environments.
• Experience with management responsibilities such as scheduling, training, and performance oversight.
• Prior experience in an acute care hospital blood bank section.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing education.
• Ability to collaborate and share knowledge with other laboratories to support continuous improvement.
• Customer service orientation and ability to maintain a positive, team-focused work style.