Manager of Strategic Initiatives

Keck Hospital of USC, a 343-bed acute care hospital, provides exceptional and innovative care for complex medical and surgical conditions across a wide range of specialties. The hospital’s world-renowned physicians deliver compassionate, customized, patient-centered care and treat the most acutely ill patients with highly innovative techniques and treatment plans.

About the role

The Laboratory Services Information System Manager monitors, maintains, updates, trains, and coordinates all aspects of the Lab Information System (LIS) to ensure efficient and optimal operations. This individual acts as a liaison for all LIS and HIS:LIS-related issues, interacting with laboratory staff, hospital departments/nursing units, and internal and external information system personnel. The position requires understanding the interactive relationship between systems that interface with LIS, including PowerChart, Cerner AP and CP, Kronos, PBAR, and Master Control, and helps ensure compliance with CAP, CLIA, MC, and CDM standards.

Responsibilities

• Monitor all aspects of daily LIS operations.
• Assign tasks to LIS team members based on their skill sets and monitor their progress.
• Evaluate LIS team members annually based on task execution.
• Address and resolve computer-related issues for laboratory and non-laboratory personnel.
• Assist the Department Director in formulating LIS goals aligned with departmental objectives.
• Maintain accuracy of the Charge Data Master and other billing functions.
• Work with the Order Communications Coordinator to disseminate information about Cerner System capabilities to hospital personnel involved in ordering laboratory tests or reviewing results.
• Assist lab personnel in gathering data from the Information System for reports, QA data, statistics, and other essential informational material.
• Recognize normal, abnormal, and critical results and take appropriate action, including considerations for patient age.
• Perform clerical and computer functions, as well as additional clinical and clerical duties to meet departmental and hospital needs.
• Communicate and interact effectively with coworkers and guests of the institution.
• Adhere to established hospital and departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain professional growth through continuing education and active participation in the department’s Quality Assurance program.
• Instruct, orient, and complete orientation checklists for new lab and LIS employees.
• Review implemented changes with all staff and communicate daily operations.
• Evaluate new technical procedures to ensure accuracy and implementation in the LIS section.
• Provide input for annual performance appraisals, commendations, counseling, and employee selection.
• Assist the department in meeting accreditation requirements by licensing agencies.
• Coordinate and integrate department services at intradepartmental, interdepartmental, and hospital-wide levels.
• Plan for service provision through appropriate staffing levels and ensure policies and procedures support the scope of service.
• Establish and maintain performance improvement and quality control activities.
• Provide orientation, training, and continuing education for staff.
• Monitor space and resource requirements and utilization of outside resources.
• Ensure results are available within defined turnaround time (TAT) guidelines from the LIS perspective.
• Adhere to safety and infection control guidelines using personal protective equipment as required.
• Display flexibility to cover the lab in emergencies and difficult staffing situations.
• Maintain an English-speaking environment in all work areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BS or BA) in a related field.
• 5 years of experience in an acute care facility setting.
• 3 years of experience in a Laboratory Information System Analyst capacity.
• 1 year of prior supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with CAP and CLIA LIS regulations.
• Knowledge of human resources management techniques and rules.
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, planning, and evaluation skills.
• Ability to utilize effective, appropriate, and diplomatic oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• SOFT LIS experience.
• Familiarity with HL7, SQL, Co-path, PowerChart, PathNet, and Cerner.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, MDI, FSO, E*KM editor, and Discern Visual Developer.
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) certification from the State of California.
• ASCP certification.
• Evidence of attendance at LIS workshops.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) – must be obtained within 30 days of hire if not already certified.

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position is $114,650.00 - $189,172.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.