Laboratory Manager

About the role

Responsible for coordinating and supervising all functions of the Clinical Laboratory, including staffing, training, scheduling, budgeting, maintaining PAR, and collaborating with department physicians and District administration. Recognizes results or problems requiring referral to the Pathologist.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs all Laboratory functions.
• Establishes, reviews, and updates short- and long-term goals for the department consistent with District plans.
• Develops and implements operating policies and procedures that meet licensure and regulatory requirements.
• Develops a comprehensive, realistic annual budget reflecting departmental needs and operates within the approved budget.
• Manages the department cost-effectively, utilizing materials management techniques and maximizing human resources.
• Establishes and monitors performance standards for Laboratory staff and ensures consistent compliance.
• Performs 6-month and annual performance evaluations for staff.
• Improves staff performance through ongoing counseling, coaching, delegation, and feedback.
• Plans and coordinates staff development and continuing education, including in-services.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to supervise and provide care appropriate to the age of patients served.
• Establishes and maintains a system to check the accuracy of tests and test results.
• Manages staff scheduling to ensure tests are conducted expeditiously and maintains accurate quality control documentation.
• Interviews, hires, terminates, and evaluates employees according to District policy.
• Supervises daily operations of the Clinical Laboratory, including maintaining PAR.
• Evaluates new testing methods and instrumentation before implementation.
• Investigates new products and stays informed about current technologies through discussions with vendors, technical staff, and the Pathologist.
• Reviews test results to ensure quality control and manages equipment safely.
• Ensures laboratory work area conditions are appropriate for testing and consults other departments for patient care and performance improvement.
• Meets documentation standards and follows standard precautions.
• Maintains performance improvement activities in the department and ensures 24/7 laboratory coverage.
• Holds department in-services and staff meetings.
• Completes annual education requirements, attends management meetings, and performs departmental in-services.
• Maintains regulatory compliance, including state, federal, and other regulations.
• Ensures patient, resident, and employee confidentiality.
• Performs duties safely to reduce work-related injury or illness.
• Resolves personnel concerns at the departmental level using the grievance process as required.
• Maintains cooperative relationships with all staff and communicates administrative directives effectively.
• Ensures compliance with policies regarding operations, fire, safety, and infection control.
• Performs patient care in an environment that optimizes safety and reduces medical errors.
• Represents the organization professionally and complies with ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, ethics, and goals of the facility and department.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Pathologist or administration.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology, Biology, or Chemistry.
• California licensure as a Medical Technologist or in one of the following specialties: Chemistry, Hematology, Blood Bank, Serology, or Microbiology.
• Certification preferred.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Basic computer knowledge and proficiency in laboratory equipment and testing.

Additional languages preferred.