Medical Lab Scientist Specialist

Come lead with us at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital. This position is responsible for performing both routine and complex analyses at a subject matter expert level, necessitating knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, and equipment and their interrelationship. This role exercises good judgment using critical thinking skills and takes an active role in problem-solving for the laboratory section. The Medical Laboratory Scientist Specialist ensures specimens are accessioned and processed expeditiously to deliver quality laboratory results in an effective and cost-efficient manner. Additional responsibilities include serving as a role model and preceptor for staff and leading quality control initiatives for the section.

Responsibilities

• People:
  • Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another achieve optimal department results.
  • Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
  • Orients, guides, and mentors team members and students to build confidence and competency in skills, knowledge, and abilities.
  • Administers and grades staff competency assessments.
  • Participates in laboratory and organization-wide initiatives.
• Service:
  • Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examinations using various analyzers and/or manual methods.
  • Sets pace for workload and troubleshoots workflow issues for the laboratory section.
  • Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.
  • Meets turnaround time expectations as defined by management.
• Quality/Safety:
  • Performs the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all assigned areas.
  • Recognizes, investigates, and correctly resolves test discrepancies.
  • Takes appropriate action to investigate and address problems, notifying management for follow-up.
  • Compiles and reviews monthly quality control data, including actions for variances identified, and provides proper documentation.
  • Oversees section compliance by reviewing and responding to College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation Checklists questions/findings.
  • Completes online CAP Inspector Training.
  • Develops plans, leads implementation, and performs data analysis of validations.
  • Coordinates instrument maintenance and repairs.
  • Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues for the section.
  • Assists with policy review and submission.
• Finance:
  • Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs.
  • Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
  • Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies.
  • Actively participates in inventory management.
• Growth/Innovation:
  • Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service.
  • Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience: Three years of experience in a clinical laboratory as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist or comparable role. May consider Houston Methodist employee with two years of experience, including a minimum of one year as a Houston Methodist Medical Laboratory Scientist, who demonstrates progressive responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Licenses and Certifications:

  Must have one of the following certifications:

  • Certified as a Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or categorical certification by Board of Certification (ASCP).
  • Certified as a Medical Technologist by American Medical Technologists (AMT).
  • Certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA).

  HLA only: One of the following is required:

  • Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification.
  • Certified by American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI).

  Microbiology only: One of the following is required:

  • Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification.
  • Microbiology, M(ASCP) certification.
  • Clinical microbiology registry from American Society for Microbiology, RM(AAM).

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language to perform the essential functions of this job, especially activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and ensures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities, including organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and execute above-average technical skills.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and discretion to recognize problems ranging from simple to complex, identify causes, and take corrective action.
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents.
• Ability to recognize changes that are critical to patient care.

Schedule

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs.
• On-call during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events).
• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area.
• May require travel outside the Houston Metropolitan area.

Work Attire

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No