Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist

Houston Methodist•Baytown, TX

About The Position

Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Role models to team members effective communication skills, assisting in their development of such skills. Effectively implements protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service. Provides feedback to management on team member performance and conduct. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes. Interviews applicants and provides input into hiring of new staff. Participates in laboratory and organization wide initiatives. Represents Laboratory Services in committees as directed. Coordinates the workflow, processes, staff assignments, and services provided for assigned laboratory section(s), adjusting as needed, to result in optimum patient care, throughput and patient experiences. Ensures turnaround time expectations as defined by management are met by the section teams. Serves as liaison between team members, management and physicians, resolving routine matters for the shift and sections. Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examination using various analyzers and/or manual methods. Performs the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all areas assigned to work. Recognizes, investigates and correctly resolves test discrepancies. When problems arise, takes appropriate action to investigate and address and notifies management for follow-up. Develops plan, leads implementation, and performs data analysis of validations. Coordinates instrument maintenance and repairs. Assists with policy review and submission. Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues for section. Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff. Oversees section compliance by reviewing and responding to College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation Checklists questions/findings. Completes online CAP Inspector Training. Investigates and responds to reports on patient safety matters. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Provides leadership to staff on efficient utilization of time according to budgetary guidelines. Accurately reviews and edits team member’s timecards for management approval. Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies for self and others with a focus on continual development. Gains and utilizes knowledge of new technologies that are emerging for laboratory.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
If fulfilling the duties of CLIA General Supervisor - Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution
Three years of experience in a clinical laboratory as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist or comparable role
Must have one of the following required certifications: • Certified as a Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or categorical certification by Board of Certification (ASCP) • Certified as a Medical Technologist by American Medical Technologists (AMT) • Certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) • HLA only – One of the following is required: ◦ Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification ◦ Certified by American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI) • Microbiology only – One of the following is required: ◦ Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification ◦ Microbiology, M(ASCP) certification ◦ Clinical microbiology registry from American Society for Microbiology, RM(AAM)
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervision
Demonstrates critical thinking skills
Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy
Ability to work independently and execute above average technical skills
Demonstrates sound judgment and discretion to recognize problems ranging from simple to complex, identify causes and take corrective action
Strong training, leadership, and mentoring skills
Able to research information for new platforms and/or emergent technologies
Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
Ability to recognize changes that are critical to patient care

Responsibilities

Promotes a positive work environment
Collaborates with all members of the patient care team
Effectively implements protocols and objectives with team members
Provides feedback to management on team member performance and conduct
Develops skills of team members
Interviews applicants and provides input into hiring of new staff
Participates in laboratory and organization wide initiatives
Represents Laboratory Services in committees as directed
Coordinates the workflow, processes, staff assignments, and services provided for assigned laboratory section(s)
Serves as liaison between team members, management and physicians
Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examination using various analyzers and/or manual methods
Performs the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all areas assigned to work
Recognizes, investigates and correctly resolves test discrepancies
Develops plan, leads implementation, and performs data analysis of validations
Coordinates instrument maintenance and repairs
Assists with policy review and submission
Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues for section
Oversees section compliance by reviewing and responding to College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation Checklists questions/findings
Completes online CAP Inspector Training
Investigates and responds to reports on patient safety matters
Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks
Provides leadership to staff on efficient utilization of time according to budgetary guidelines
Accurately reviews and edits team member’s timecards for management approval
Uses resources efficiently
Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service
Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies for self and others with a focus on continual development
Gains and utilizes knowledge of new technologies that are emerging for laboratory