Medical Technologist II - Lead

Choose a career to make a difference in people's lives every day at Fisher-Titus, proudly serving the greater Huron County area’s 70,000-plus residents with a full continuum of health and wellness care.

About the Role

Responsible for the analysis of laboratory specimens and subsequent result reporting according to laboratory protocol and procedures. Provide day-to-day leadership for the laboratory section of Point-of-Care and oversight to the Office-based testing program. Ensure accurate, timely testing; regulatory compliance; staff competency; and safe, efficient operation while serving as a working bench technologist.

Responsibilities

• Core Operational Leadership
  • Perform and/or oversee pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes to meet turnaround time (TAT) expectations.
  • Troubleshoot routine instrument/test issues; escalate complex issues to the laboratory manager, technical director, medical director, or vendor as needed.
  • Ensure appropriate use of reflex testing, delta checks, critical values, and result verification per policy.
  • Manage specimen integrity issues (collection, labeling, transport, acceptability) and partner with nursing, ambulatory offices, and phlebotomists to prevent repeats.
  • Support continuity planning for after-hours, weekends, low-volume periods, downtime, and limited on-site resources.
• Quality Management & Regulatory Compliance
  • Maintain compliance with applicable standards and policies (e.g., CLIA, CAP, state requirements, AABB for transfusion services as applicable).
  • Oversee daily quality control (QC) review, Westgard rule application, corrective actions, and documentation.
  • Investigate, document, and trend nonconformances (QC failures, specimen rejections, amended reports, critical value call issues) and implement corrective/preventive actions.
  • Coordinate method verification/validation, reference range verification, correlation studies, calibration/maintenance review, and instrument-to-instrument comparisons.
  • Maintain section-specific procedures: create, revise, review, and utilize controlled document practices.
  • Prepare for and participate in inspections/audits; conduct section self-audits and ensure timely follow-up on findings.
• Staff Leadership, Training & Competency
  • Serve as a resource and mentor; provide real-time coaching on procedures, troubleshooting, and best practices.
  • Assist with onboarding and training plans for new staff, travelers, and cross-trained generalists; ensure complete training and competency records.
  • Coordinate and/or perform competency assessments at required intervals (initial, 6-month, annual) including CAP’s 6 points of competency for all non-waived testing.
  • Promote continuing education in section-specific departments and maintain awareness of scope-of-practice.
  • Support staffing decisions by communicating workload, skill mix needs, and cross-coverage requirements to the lab manager/director.
  • Model professionalism and service excellence; help resolve workflow conflicts and reinforce respectful communication.
• Safety, Biosafety & Risk Management
  • Ensure adherence to universal precautions, PPE, bloodborne pathogens standards, and section-specific biosafety practices.
  • Maintain awareness of exposure control plans, spill response, waste disposal, eyewash/shower checks, and required safety training.
  • Oversee chemical hygiene in the section (SDS access, labeling, storage/segregation, expiration, and hazardous waste handling).
  • Promptly report and assist with investigation of incidents/near misses (needlesticks, misidentification, transfusion reactions, instrument safety events) and implement mitigations.
  • Participate in risk assessments for new tests/instruments and workflow changes; ensure controls are in place before go-live.
• Equipment, Inventory & Resource Stewardship
  • Ensure required preventive maintenance, calibration, function checks, and temperature logs are completed, reviewed, and documented.
  • Coordinate service calls and vendor visits; document downtime, corrective actions, and any impact to patient testing.
  • Manage reagent and supply inventory: par levels, ordering, receiving checks, lot-to-lot verification, and expiration control.
  • Support cost-effective operations by reducing waste and standardizing supplies where possible.
  • Maintain readiness for emergencies: critical reagents, blood product storage/monitoring, and downtime supplies.
• Communication, Customer Service & Clinical Collaboration
  • Communicate clearly with nursing and providers regarding specimen requirements, test limitations, interferences, and other laboratory topics/issues.
  • Collaborate with ER, OR, offices, and phlebotomy/specimen collection teams to optimize collection, transport, and prioritization.
  • Support transfusion communication pathways as applicable (product availability, antibody workups, emergency release, reaction workup coordination).
• Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
  • Monitor section key metrics (e.g., TAT, specimen rejection rates, QC failure rates) and share trends with leadership.
  • Identify and lead small-cycle improvements suited to rural settings (standard work, cross-training, batching rules, downtime workflows).
  • Participate in quality meetings and assist with policy updates, workflow redesign, and corrective action follow-up.
  • Support readiness for staffing surges (flu season, outbreaks) and changes in test volumes with practical mitigation plans.
• Histology Specific
  • Examine, describe various cytology and biopsy specimens under the direction of a Pathologist, including salient and gross features (i.e., grossing of specimens).
  • Perform various clerical and technical functions, including accessioning of all specimens received.
  • Process specimens to be examined and dictated by the pathologist.
  • Check equipment for proper operation and calibrate as necessary.

Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree in a relevant science preferred; Associate's degree in a relevant science required.
• MT/MLS (ASCP) or equivalent registration, or MT/MLS eligible under Medicare laboratory regulation.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and respond to urgent clinical needs.
• Visual acuity to read labels, interpret screens, and differentiate colors on tests where applicable.
• Prioritize tasks, manage interruptions, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines.
• Communicate clearly in person, by phone, and electronically; escalate urgent issues (e.g., mislabeled specimens, STAT delays, safety events) promptly.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Stand/Walk: 6-8 hours
  • Sit: 1-2 hours
  • Bend, Reach, Lift, Carry, Push, Pull: Up to a 1/3 of the time
  • Right/Left Hand: Precise Motor Function (Fine Manipulation)
  • Right/Left Foot: Gross Motor Function
  • Lift up to 25 pounds: Up to a 1/3 of the time
  • Body Fluid Exposure: Yes

Benefits

• $5,000 Sign-on Bonus offered.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including:
  • Medical & Dental coverage
  • 401K match
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition assistance
• Shift, weekend, and PRN differentials.

Standards of Employment

• Attend all mandatory education programs and describe responsibilities related to general safety and regulatory compliance.
• Appearance is professional, neat, clean, and appropriate for the work environment.
• Wear proper photo identification badge while on duty.
• Maintain confidentiality of all hospital and patient information at all times.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and participate in monthly rounding process with manager.
• Complete required department-specific education and training programs.
• Follow safety and security policies, including exposure control plans for bloodborne and airborne pathogens.
• Support the mission, vision, and CARES values of Fisher-Titus.
• Knowledgeable of patient rights and ensure an atmosphere that allows for privacy, dignity, and well-being.
• Support procedures for safety, confidentiality, quality assurance, and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Commit to a work environment free from sexual harassment and all illegal and discriminatory behavior.

Key Service Behaviors

• Communicates with Compassion:
  • Engage in active listening skills.
  • Utilize the AIDET communication tool.
  • Use key words at key times.
  • Utilize HEART service recovery techniques.
• Demonstrates Service Etiquette:
  • Smile and greet patients using the 10/5 rule.
  • Demonstrate a calm, positive attitude through tone and body language.
  • Ensure patient privacy and promote a healing environment.
  • Adjust approach to respect the diversity of patients.
  • Assess and manage patient expectations of care.
• Commitment to Safety:
  • Follow established safety guidelines to reduce risk of adverse events.
  • Commit to the Culture of Safety; if you see something, say something.
• Delivering High-Quality Care:
  • Commit to efficient, effective, and purposeful work and delivery of care.
  • Engage in practices that continually improve processes.