Summary

The Lab Section Leader contributes to the overall patient care services by overseeing the technical operational aspects of one or more laboratory sections. This position is responsible for taking the lead in ensuring smooth operations and a positive work environment by creating and fostering healthy team relationships. They will show consistency and accuracy in performing routing and complex tests within the assigned section(s), troubleshooting problems with reagents, procedures, and instruments, and ensuring the selection of quality test systems relevant to accuracy, precision, verification, and method selection. The Lab Section Leader will be responsible for maintaining of inventory and supplies for their section(s) and ensuring that QC and QA programs are established and maintained.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.

• SPECIMEN TESTING:

• Shows consistency and accuracy in performing routine and complex tests within the assigned section(s).

• Organizes work during heavy workflow situations to expedite testing without jeopardizing quality.

• Performs several tests simultaneously.

• Prioritizes and reorganizes work to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency during assigned shifts.

• Perform short registration and processing of specimens to ensure continued workflow.

 

• LEAD RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Takes a lead role in assuring a smooth operation and positive work environment.

• Leads by example and effectively builds healthy relationships within the team.

• Takes the initiative to solve conflicts constructively.

• Actively leads and participates in team building.

• Models excellent team-building behavior.

• Offers suggestions and seeks feedback from the team.

• Takes an active role in seeking improvement in inter and intra-departmental operations.

• Assumes overall responsibility for lab on weekends and holidays.

• Contributes to positive morale of staff by being attentive to staff issues.

• Enforces safety and other policies.

• Coaches employees on technical aspects of their performance.

• Provide input for performance appraisals.

• Bring performance issues to the attention of the Supervisor.

 

•TEST INVESTIGATION/TROUBLESHOOTING:

• Troubleshoots problems with reagents, procedures, and instruments.

• Ensures remedial actions are taken and documented.

• Investigates new procedures and keeps current with changing technology.

• Ensures selection of quality test systems relevant to accuracy, precision, verification, and method selection.

• Meets with salespeople to investigate available products and make recommendations for acquisition.

• Consult with pathologists and other physicians about patient testing.

 

• ADMINISTRATIVE:

• Manages all equipment and facilities in their section(s), including their proper use, cleanliness, safety, and maintenance.

• Controls misuse and reports malfunctions to the appropriate department.

• Ensure that QC and QA programs are established and maintained.

• Assures acceptable levels of analytical performance.

• Review QC data of the section to ensure the accuracy of test results.

• Maintains inventory and supplies for section(s).

• Prepares sections for inspections.

• Writes policies for tests performed in section(s).

 

• DEVELOPMENT OF STAFF:

• Delegates work to encourage staff development.

• Orients new employees. Makes sure orientation checklists are completed and

turned in.

• Introduces new procedures.

• Provides continuing education and holds in-services as required.

• Assesses and documents competency of staff performing testing in their section(s).

• Acts as a resource/may provide in-service education in qualified areas of

expertise.

 

• MISCELLANEOUS LAB DUTIES:

• Answers telephones.

• Draws blood.

• Maintains a sanitary work environment.

• Does maintenance cards.

• Checks the previous day’s work logs and resolves any problems noted.

• Wears appropriate PPE consistently. Follows safety rules.

• Performs other related duties and activities as may be requested by his/her immediate supervisor.

• Attends departmental and other meetings (e.g., safety training) as required by immediate supervisor.

• Maintains a thorough knowledge of departmental policies/procedures as they pertain to the job, including the fire and disaster plans.

• Keeps current with laboratory theory by reading articles, attending workshops, etc.

• Sits on laboratory and hospital committees as appropriate.

• Completes annual/critical competencies identified for assigned department.

• Maintains required licenses, certifications, and competencies, and completes annual compliance courses on time.

• Other duties as consistent with this role.

 

Job Requirements

 

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Strong attention to detail.

• The ability to speak, read, write, and understand written instructions in English is

required.

• Ability to handle multiple priorities and make decisions under pressure.

• Responsible, supportive team player.

• Strong analytical skills.

 

Education and Experience

• Associate degree required.

• Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) or MT (ASCP) certification is required.

• Must qualify as a general supervisor according to CLIA regulations.

 

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

 

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Requires red/green and blue/violent discrimination and accurate depth perception. OSHA standards Category I, exposure to blood/body fluids or tissue. Must be able to work in a high-paced environment where multi-tasking, prioritizing, and sound decision-making skills are required. Exposed to disease, illness, infections, strains, and physical injury. Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting, (standing up to 8+ hours), twisting, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching. Lifting/carrying frequently up to 20 pounds, occasionally up to 50 lbs. Some stress is related to a high level of responsibility for quality care. Requires red/green and blue/violet discrimination testing. Color blind test required.

 

Americans with Disabilities Statement

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Covenant Health reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

 

Standard of Business Conduct

Every St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center employee is required to abide by the Standards ofConduct and to report any activity that appears to violate the Standards of Conduct.