Laboratory Director

Purpose: Maintains responsibility for the overall operation and administrative functions of the Laboratory providing medical direction to laboratory staff and coordinating medical lab services for physicians and patients. Supervises and directs the activities of various levels of assigned personnel using both professional and supervisory discretion and independent judgment. Develops and maintains lab policies, procedures and quality control practices and monitors the lab’s financial performance. Ensures lab safety and compliance with all regulatory and accreditation agencies. Additionally:

· Follows the mission, vision and values of Salem Memorial District Hospital.

· Directs and supervises staff and coordinates department scheduling.

· Manages hiring, oversees new-hire orientation, facilitates staff training and administers employee evaluations.

· Assumes responsibility to address issues of concern with employees, including verbal and/or written counseling for poor performance and/or behavior.

· Identifies staff education and competency needs and oversees training programs on instrumentation, technology and procedures as needed.

· Works in partnership with the Medical Director, seeking guidance on issues or concerns as needed.

· Ensures the test methodologies and instrumentation selected have the capability of providing quality of results required for patient care.

· Maintains and reviews lab statistics and trend reports to evaluate, improve and streamline daily operations and workflow.

· Ensures physical plant and environmental conditions of the laboratory are appropriate for the testing performed and provides a safe environment in which employees are protected from physical, chemical and biological hazards.

· Assists in developing, implementing and monitoring the laboratory operating budget. Takes strides to contain costs without sacrificing patient care.

· Consistently updates hospital management of capital requirements, potential changes in volume and makes plans for adjustments accordingly.

· Controls budgeted expenses and seeks to develop tactics which will ensure growth and support of all service areas.

· Oversees a comprehensive Quality Management System which includes standardized performance indicators, quality control program, equipment validation and maintenance, safety program, proficiency testing program and quality improvement.

· Formulates short- and long-range goals for the department within the framework of the organization goals.

· Ensures that the laboratory has an effective materials management program, managing the process for ordering and inventorying all necessary testing supplies.

· Evaluates work trends and develops appropriate staffing programs to utilize resources in the most efficient manner.

· Directs and maintains the programming of the Item Master in the laboratory information system. Maintains report distribution in physician tables, reference ranges for testing menu and reporting.

· Serves as the laboratory technical supervisor, as required by CLIA ’88, in all areas of the laboratory including chemistry, hematology, coagulation, body fluid analysis, immunohematology and microbiology.

· Performs competency assessments of laboratory staff.

· Assumes a leadership role in the community, participating in market wide initiatives as they may apply to respective department or hospital.

· Assists in the development of community programs to provide health services.

· Maintains up-to-date knowledge of procedures and interpretations of human resources and regulatory agencies through educational resources.

· Participates in continuing education to maintain and keep up to date on scientific principles and knowledge.

· Serves as the Point-of- Care Coordinator.

· Maintains professional conduct, adhering to all hospital policies, setting a good example for others.

· Serves as an active participant and member of all committees, teams and special assignments.

· Demonstrates positive interpersonal skills in communicating with staff, patients, visitors and others in the community so that the organization is positively perceived.

· Able to perform the duties of a Medical Laboratory Scientist on an as-needed basis.

· Participates in specimen collection when required according to test requested, either directly by venipuncture or skin puncture with minimal trauma to the patient.

· Other duties as required.

Working Conditions

· Required to sit or stand for long periods of time with frequent bending and occasional squatting.

· Works with biohazardous material on a daily basis.

· Required to wear and use proper personal protective equipment.

· Works indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.

· Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs. and up to 40 lbs. with assistance.

Academic, Certifications, & Trade Qualifications

· Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and completion of a NAACLS accredited MLS/MT clinical training program OR the equivalent education and completion of a NAACLS accredited MLS/MT clinical training program.

· Master’s degree preferred.

· National certification as a MLS or MT (ASCP) or equivalent (e.g. AMT).

Work Experience, Skills, and Strengths

· Minimum of 7 years recent experience as a Medical Lab Scientist/Technologist and 2 years previous supervisory experience.

· Advanced scientific and regulatory knowledge required to perform the duties of the position.

· Good judgment skills and the ability to make independent decisions.

· Ability to provide feedback and mentorship to employees.

· Ability to communicate effectively with the Laboratory Medical Director concerning quality and regulatory issues.

· Maintain professional conduct when communicating with staff, patients, physicians and community members.

· Provide leadership and guidance to both laboratory staff and co-workers.

· Report to the Chief Operating Officer, keeping him/her abreast of any issues or concerns.

· Ability to promote teamwork within the laboratory and with other departments.

· Strong computer skills required with ability to utilize Microsoft Office products.

· Knowledge of, and ability to perform, IQCP.

· Manual dexterity to perform fine motor skills needed for the performance of duties. Phlebotomy skills.

EOE

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Supplemental Pay:

• Signing bonus

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Clinical Laboratory Experience: 7 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Medical Technologist (Required)

Work Location: One location