Lead Phlebotomist

Come lead with us at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. In this role, you will function as the lead person for Phlebotomists within Laboratory Services, performing lead duties, regularly leading projects, and handling specialized responsibilities. You will serve as the liaison between management, staff, and physicians for routine matters, resolving questions and issues while supporting staff to ensure exceptional patient care and adherence to standards for optimal patient safety, quality outcomes, and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Organize work schedules and create work assignments for Phlebotomists.
• Review timecards for accuracy and conduct quality assurance audits of staff performance.
• Develop and implement quality improvement activities.
• Train, mentor, and provide feedback on staff performance and developmental needs.
• Collect, analyze, and report data; prepare performance and metric reports.
• Perform phlebotomy and specialized specimen collection procedures for patients at a Phlebotomist II level.
• Promote a positive work environment and lead the team to achieve optimal department results.
• Collaborate with the patient care team by communicating pertinent patient care information.
• Role model effective communication and customer service skills for team members.
• Orient, guide, and mentor team members, students, and support staff.
• Assist in interviewing and hiring new staff.
• Follow established procedures for collecting and processing biological specimens, including handling STAT samples.
• Perform Laboratory Information System functions, including patient registration and test ordering.
• Resolve complex problems and serve as a liaison between team members, management, and physicians.
• Monitor and adjust activities to ensure optimal patient throughput and experience.
• Conduct leader rounding to meet patient satisfaction goals.
• Perform interactive patient ID and ensure accurate specimen labeling using two patient identifiers.
• Process, organize, order, label, and transport specimens for laboratory testing.
• Resolve requisition and specimen labeling discrepancies and investigate root causes.
• Provide feedback to management on team member performance and ensure adherence to AIDET protocols.
• Develop, evaluate, and document policies, processes, and procedures.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and assist with safety initiatives and protocols.
• Manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and review team members' timecards for accuracy.
• Ensure efficient use of department resources, equipment, and supplies; participate in inventory management.
• Generate and communicate new ideas to improve quality or service.
• Seek continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education).
• Course in phlebotomy/venipuncture preferred.
• Five years of related experience, including data entry and specimen handling.
• Neonatal/pediatric phlebotomy experience.
• Previous experience leading a team preferred.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates skills and competencies necessary for safe job performance through ongoing evaluations.
• Working knowledge of specimen requirements for testing (e.g., serum, plasma, whole blood, tissue, body fluids).
• Knowledge of specimen collection containers and media.
• Strong interpersonal and team player skills with excellent customer service delivery.
• Strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload and maintain accuracy.
• Basic computer knowledge; proficiency in Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software.
• Ability to independently adapt to multiple ongoing priorities and organize workflow.
• Independent judgment and discretion to recognize, identify causes, and take corrective action for problems.
• Strong training, leadership, and mentoring skills.
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English to perform essential job functions impacting safety.
• Effective communication with patients, physicians, family members, and coworkers in a customer-focused manner.

Skills

Preferred certifications:

• PBT(ASCP) – Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP)
• CPT – Certified Phlebotomy Technician (ACA) by Board of Certification (ACA), (AMT), (NCCT)

Schedule

This is a full-time, day shift position for the Outpatient lab, working Monday through Friday, 10 hours per day with flexibility between the hours of 5:45 AM and 4:15 PM. Occasional weekends may be required.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Work attire: Scrubs (department approved).

On-call: Not required, but may be necessary during emergencies (e.g., disasters, severe weather).

Travel: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area.