Laboratory Services Director

Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center•Odessa, WA

About The Position

The Laboratory Services Director oversees the overall operations and management of OMHC’s moderate-complexity laboratory. The Director is responsible for ensuring high standards of quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance, while driving continuous improvements in patient care, operational performance, and safety. This position reports directly to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). The role is full-time, typically Monday through Friday, with flexibility based on operational needs. Potential weekend, holiday, or evening shifts may be required to ensure continued operations. Additional benefits include a four-day schedule of 10-hour shifts.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field.
5–7 years of experience in clinical laboratory operations, including at least 2–3 years in a leadership role such as Supervisor, Manager, or Director, within a hospital or similar healthcare setting.
Proven experience overseeing laboratory operations, managing staff and budgets, and ensuring regulatory compliance, including CLIA and CAP requirements.
Experience managing moderate- to high-complexity laboratory services, with a focus on operational efficiency, patient care, and laboratory performance.
Extensive knowledge of CLIA regulations, CAP standards, and other relevant healthcare and laboratory regulations.
Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to direct and mentor laboratory teams in a complex environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with medical, nursing, and administrative staff across departments.
Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and manage laboratory operations under pressure in a dynamic, fast-paced healthcare setting.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain high standards of quality and compliance.
Ability to manage laboratory budgets, including cost control, resource allocation, and financial forecasting.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT) by ASCP or an equivalent certifying body.

Responsibilities

Supervise daily laboratory operations, including specimen collection, testing, and result reporting.
Oversee inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents, maintaining appropriate stock levels and arranging timely reordering.
Identify and resolve workflow inefficiencies and operational bottlenecks.
Supervise, mentor, and train laboratory support staff, including nursing, imaging, and clinic personnel.
Ensure staff competency in laboratory procedures and safety regulations, and compliance with proper work schedules and laboratory policies.
Foster a collaborative, team-oriented work environment and support ongoing staff development.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including CLIA, OSHA, and CAP standards.
Manage and implement quality control programs to ensure accurate, reliable, and timely test results.
Lead laboratory inspections and audits, and ensure corrective actions are implemented as needed.
Assist with laboratory budget management, track operational costs, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Allocate resources efficiently while maintaining service quality and operational effectiveness.
Collaborate with medical staff, nursing, and administrative leadership to support seamless laboratory operations.
Communicate laboratory performance, issues, and improvements to hospital leadership and external stakeholders.
Respond promptly and professionally to patient and provider concerns.
Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, including infection control, hazardous-material handling, and use of personal protective equipment.
Promote a safe working environment by enforcing safety protocols, conducting training, and managing incident reports.