Lab Operations Manager

About the role

A Laboratory Manager provides leadership, development, and fiscal management to multi-disciplinary clinical services. They are accountable for the development, maintenance, and documentation of all process improvement and quality assurance initiatives within their area of responsibility. They assist with leadership of the Laboratory department services in collaboration with the Director. They work cooperatively with other Laboratory team members and with departments and individuals outside the Laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains professional staff members in various clinical disciplines at all facilities.
• Makes recommendations to the Administrative Director, Administrative Supervisors and Technical Specialists on indicators and/or measures of quality, operational efficiency and improvement of processes.
• Answers customer questions concerning their areas of responsibility, investigates customer complaints and initiates corrective actions when appropriate.
• Makes recommendations and provides supporting documentation and justification for capital equipment.
• Supports the Administrative Supervisors and Technical Specialists in maintaining a robust process improvement program.
• Reviews professional journals, attends workshops, seminars and lectures to remain current in technical knowledge.
• Communicates issues and concerns with all customers through appropriate media (memorandums, email, staff meetings and direct conversation).
• Performs long-range planning and overall direction setting at the department level.
• Participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities.
• Adheres to accreditation agency standards, FDA, CLIA and other regulatory entities as required.
• Works effectively with pathologists and other MDs in providing high-quality, timely lab results.
• Assists the Administrative Director and Laboratory leadership in maintaining an accurate system for tracking costs.
• Coordinates quality management in meeting customer expectations at all levels.
• Executes progressive discipline up to and including termination.
• Manages departmental productivity standards.
• Provides strategic leadership for department(s).
• Evaluates, procures and maintains equipment and supplies.
• Maintains clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice for all age specific groups served.
• Plans, develops and maintains performance improvement activities and educational programs for patients and employees.
• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Maintains compliance with DCH Standards.

Requirements

Minimum education is a baccalaureate degree in clinical laboratory science or biological science, with certification as a clinical laboratory scientist or medical technologist by one of the nationally recognized certification agencies American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) preferred; the American Medical Technologist (AMT) acceptable. Certification as a medical laboratory technician may be acceptable with applicable job experience and education, with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in a biological science. At least five years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting is required with 3 years of laboratory supervision/management preferred. Demonstrated systems integration experience.

Qualifications

Abilities are demonstrated in areas of assigned responsibilities by successful completion of annual laboratory competency testing. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

Physical Conditions

Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Working Conditions

Must be extremely accurate under moderate time restraints. Must be able to work with disease causing agents. Must be able to actively participate in conflict resolutions within the department and with those served by the department. Must communicate on multiple platforms. Must be working with people closely most of the time. Must be able to flex their schedule to meet the varying needs of patient care.

Physical Factors

Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Other Job Factors

Must be able to achieve work with minimal supervision. Must complete assigned tasks independently and within time expectations or involve the team in a support process. Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. Frequent interaction with others in the Laboratory and other departments in person, by telephone or by email, to resolve issues with patient care that are impacted by laboratory testing. Due to the emotional and/or emergency nature of patient care, this position may require frequent contact with patients and families.