Clinical Laboratory Director

FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Inc.•UNAVAILABLE, UNAVAILABLE

About The Position

Provides operational oversight for the clinical laboratory. Under authority delegated by the Medical Director, directs personnel who perform laboratory testing used to diagnose and treat disease. Ensures timely, high-quality, cost-effective services and compliance with CLIA, CAP, DNV, AABB, and other applicable regulatory requirements. Monitors departmental quality metrics and promotes continuous improvement. Develops operating and capital budgets and is accountable for departmental performance. Collaborates with physicians and external customers to ensure laboratory services meet their needs. Advances the organization’s high-reliability goals, including the pursuit of zero patient harm, and supports laboratory system initiatives and corporate strategic priorities aligned with the FirstHealth mission and values. The position supervises technical staff, phlebotomy, and specimen processing, and directs and delegates to all laboratory staff. It reports to the Corporate Administrative Director, Laboratory Services.

Requirements

Master’s or bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
ASCP certification or an equivalent credential is required.
At least five years of experience demonstrating strong technical and management capabilities.
A combination of laboratory experience, computer proficiency, technical expertise, and management experience beyond the minimum requirement may be considered in place of the degree requirement.
Excellent verbal and written communication, documentation, and administrative skills.
Ability to coordinate priorities, work independently, meet deadlines, and achieve positive outcomes with minimal supervision.
Ability to make timely, sound decisions affecting departmental operations.
Ability to maintain current knowledge of applicable regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

Organize, direct, and manage laboratory services by establishing and implementing policies and procedures that support departmental objectives.
Maintain hospital and departmental policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection-control practices, ensuring compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements.
Prepare operating, equipment, and personnel budgets for approval and fulfill departmental fiscal responsibilities.
Evaluate departmental practices and initiate or recommend improvements to services and methodologies; keep management informed of needs and concerns; and consult with medical staff and other healthcare providers on laboratory services.
Coordinate accreditation data, laboratory requisitions, and improvements to reporting systems; serve as liaison for laboratory information systems; support student integration into laboratory teaching programs; and communicate new laboratory services across the hospital.
Ensure laboratory processes are standardized and aligned with system laboratory initiatives.
Maintain professional growth through seminars, workshops, conferences, and professional affiliations, and sustain competencies appropriate to the services and patient populations served.
Attend required administrative, departmental, and divisional meetings; participate on committees as requested; and perform related duties as directed by the Medical Director and Administrative Director.
Participate in special projects and assignments; support short- and long-range planning for new laboratory services; and contribute to decisions involving consolidation, new ventures, revenue growth, and testing expansion.
Conduct cost analyses for equipment, reagents, supplies, leases, service contracts, and agreements; oversee purchasing and requisitioning; and submit, monitor, and explain expense variances.
Screen and interview sales representatives, direct them to appropriate staff, and collaborate with technical sales support, hospital purchasing, and relevant committees on purchasing decisions and evaluations of new services and products.
Establish service priorities, work routines, and workflow patterns for prompt, efficient service delivery; ensure staff compliance with departmental standards and sound laboratory practices; and address noncompliant work practices.
Investigate incidents, take appropriate action, complete required reports, and promote positive employee and interdepartmental relationships.
Serve as a management and problem-solving resource for administrative and supervisory staff; address administrative and clinical laboratory concerns; and partner with supervisors to resolve them.
Advise supervisors and technologists on personnel matters in accordance with hospital policy; evaluate performance and recommend or initiate personnel actions; and maintain personnel records for clinical laboratory staff.
Implement cost-control measures for supplies, materials, and equipment; maintain adequate inventory and equipment functionality; submit budget data; prepare expense and equipment projections; verify billing; and calculate costs.
Support development and operation of the Laboratory and Hospital Information Systems and ensure their functionality aligns with the laboratory’s mission.
Apply education and training to laboratory administrative and investigative functions, including evaluating, troubleshooting, researching, and resolving day-to-day issues.
Demonstrate customer service and collaborate with others to achieve shared goals.
Coordinate multiple priorities, work independently, meet deadlines, and achieve positive outcomes with minimal supervision.
Make timely, sound decisions affecting departmental operations, including staffing, equipment, and customer service.
Adapt effectively to changing priorities and work environments.
Maintain current knowledge of DNV, CLIA, CAP, and other applicable regulatory standards.