Job Details

Laboratory Supervisor

The Laboratory Supervisor participates in complex technical activities associated with the operation of the Laboratory Department. He/She supervises day-to-day activities by planning, coordinating, and directing all testing activities. He/She ensures completeness of work, proper staffing, appropriate training of employees, and adherence to established Laboratory, MCH, and Code of Conduct policies and procedures. The Supervisor is expected to provide excellent customer service and positive outcomes during conflict resolution.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Supervises daily the work of non-technical and technical Laboratory personnel performing routine and specialized procedures to ensure high quality results.
2. Plans and evaluates work performed by the Laboratory Department as needed to ensure efficient workflow. Observes and assesses workflow. Makes workflow changes and instructs employees as needed to obtain maximum efficiency.
3. Assists the Laboratory Manager in interpreting CAP, CLIA, and OSHA standards or guidelines. Initiates corrective action as soon as a deficiency is identified. Completes checklist and other information sheets required and coordinates on-site inspection of the Laboratory Department.
4. Handles procedural and technical Laboratory problems immediately, analyzes the root cause of the problems, and incorporates procedural changes to prevent the problems from occurring again.
5. Develops, implements, and monitors the Quality Control, Proficiency Testing, and Quality Assurance Programs as defined for the Clinic's Laboratory Department as needed to ensure high quality testing and results. Prepares and maintains all applicable records as needed to meet regulatory agency requirements.
6. Assists the Laboratory Manager in developing, implementing, monitoring, and documenting the Laboratory Department's Compliance Plan. Reports all non-compliance actions to the Laboratory Manager appropriately.
7. Develops, implements, and monitors the Infection Control and Safety Programs (i.e. OSHA Regulations, the Clinic's Exposure Control Plan [PPE, Blood borne Pathogens, etc.], and CAP/CLIA Regulations) for the Laboratory Department as needed to ensure a safe work environment for employees. Prepares and maintains all applicable records as needed to meet regulatory agency requirements.
8. Prepares technical/statistical reports, such as monthly workload volumes and employee productivity levels, as deemed necessary by the Laboratory Manager.
9. Stays abreast of the latest technical and management developments and incorporates them during the development of Laboratory procedures and techniques. Develops new procedures and policies as needed.
10. Assists the Laboratory Manager in developing, implementing, monitoring, and documenting Staff Development, including customer service development of Laboratory employees.
11. Plans, develops, presents, and documents Laboratory employee in services as deemed necessary by the Laboratory Manager.
12. Designs appropriate work schedules, including vacation schedules, and plans daily work assignments for Laboratory employees to ensure sufficient competent staff are present to meet the Clinic patients' testing needs. Maintains an efficient workflow while following budgetary guidelines.
13. Assists the Laboratory Manager in various personnel functions including, but not limited to, interviewing, hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, and transfers.
14. Maintains par level supply inventory for proper Laboratory function while following budgetary guidelines.
15. Utilizes various Laboratory and Clinic information systems and software.
16. Communicates in a professional and courteous manner with physicians, patients, nurses, visitors, and other medical personnel when obtaining information, answering questions, or providing information.
17. Demonstrates good judgement and decision-making abilities in all aspects of his/her performance and provides advanced problem solving, troubleshooting, interpretation, and verification of specimen quality and test results.
18. Develops goals, recommends policy changes to Laboratory Manager, assigns objectives, and establishes standards of practice for the Laboratory Department.
19. Plans, coordinates, evaluates, and documents student training in the Laboratory.
20. Plans, coordinates, evaluates, and documents new employee training in the Laboratory. Determines personnel abilities and verifies competence prior to test reporting.
21. Participates in annual evaluation and competency testing of all Laboratory personnel and maintains appropriate documentation.
22. Annual review and update of Laboratory Department policies and procedures under the direction of the Laboratory Manager and Laboratory Director.
23. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Background Requirements

Education: Associate's degree and Medical Laboratory Technician (or equivalent) certification OR Bachelor's degree and Medical Technologist (or equivalent) certification.

Experience: Medical Laboratory Technician (or equivalent) 10+ years full-time experience in a clinical laboratory setting.

Medical Technologist (or equivalent) 5+ years full-time experience in a clinical laboratory setting.

Certification: ASCP or equivalent.

Knowledge and Skills

Thorough knowledge of laboratory safety and infection control procedures and practices, including standard precautions and hazardous chemical handling.

Considerable knowledge of laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and terminology.

Considerable knowledge of clinical laboratory procedures.

Considerable knowledge of regulatory agencies' standards.

Ability to develop and refine policies and procedures.

Ability to maintain effective reporting procedures and workflow efficiency.

Ability to make accurate observations and written reports of test results.

Ability to train and evaluate the job performance of various laboratory personnel and students.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Ability to maintain inventory control systems, follow budgetary guidelines, and assist the Laboratory Manager in making budgetary projections and decisions.

Ability to schedule adequate numbers of competent staff on a day-to-day basis.