Supervisor, Laboratory Operations (Blood Bank)

The Nemours Foundation•Wilmington, NC

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

Nemours is seeking a Supervisor, Laboratory Operations (Blood Bank) to join Nemours Children's Health in Wilmington, Delaware. A hybrid work model will be considered, and a competitive sign-on bonus is offered to external applicants only. The Supervisor assists the Laboratory Manager with the Blood Bank's daily operations, human resource management, and customer service. Working collaboratively with the Blood Bank Medical Director, physicians, patient care staff, reference laboratories, and other business partners, the Supervisor helps optimize Blood Banking practice while maintaining accreditation and licensure. The role includes coordinating and working at the bench with technical staff, developing and mentoring personnel, and ensuring accurate, timely work that follows standard operating procedures and quality standards. The Supervisor oversees staff training, competency, performance, scheduling, recruitment, and development; reviews technical work, quality-control and proficiency-testing materials, procedures, and reports; and initiates corrective actions and follow-up as needed. The position also supports quality improvement, regulatory readiness, equipment and supply management, and laboratory safety. The Supervisor ensures staff follow safety procedures and that hazardous materials and waste are handled appropriately.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (B.S.M.T.) or equivalent, such as an HHS examination, or ability to meet CLIA qualifications for moderate-complexity laboratory testing.
At least 3 years of experience as a supervisor or team lead.
At least 5 years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.
Nationally or internationally recognized Medical Laboratory Scientist certification or equivalent (ASCP, AAB, or AMT) eligibility; certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
Ability to perform functions using personal protective equipment and barrier protection, including disposable gloves, laboratory coats, shields, and goggles.
Ability to handle hazardous materials, including chemicals and pathogenic organisms.

Responsibilities

Assist the Laboratory Manager with Blood Bank day-to-day operations, human resource management, and customer service.
Collaborate with the Blood Bank Medical Director, physicians, patient care staff, reference laboratories, and business partners to optimize practice and maintain accreditation and licensure.
Develop personnel goals, tasks, and service standards; coach and mentor technical staff.
Maintain staff training files and coordinate training and competency evaluations.
Coordinate and work at the bench with technical staff on a day-to-day basis.
Ensure technical procedures are performed according to standard operating procedures and quality standards.
Review antibody identification, transfusion reaction, and ABO discrepancy workups, as well as result exception reports.
Supervise staff performing tests and ensure tests are performed correctly in the assigned section.
Ensure staff are trained in procedures and complete technical training checklists.
Review daily test performance and reports; initiate corrective actions and follow up as necessary.
Communicate review results to the Administrative Director, Medical Director, or others as appropriate.
Ensure technical procedures are written according to established guidelines and reviewed against relevant regulatory guidelines.
Establish and monitor section quality-control procedures; review QC charts, reports, and proficiency testing; maintain documentation and take corrective action as needed.
Participate in departmental and hospital quality assessment and improvement programs; identify opportunities, recommend improvements, and implement actions consistent with organizational goals.
Identify and prevent problems, review problem reports, develop improvement strategies with laboratory administration, and monitor changes.
Participate in staff recruitment and make hiring and promotion decisions.
Train, evaluate, and counsel section employees; review technical competency, evaluate performance according to regulatory guidelines, and arrange retraining when needed.
Ensure staff participate in appropriate continuing education.
Schedule employees to maintain appropriate section coverage and uninterrupted laboratory services; coordinate schedules with relevant staff, avoid overtime where possible, rotate employees across appropriate benches, and evaluate time-off requests fairly.
Select, implement, and maintain section technical equipment; prepare capital-equipment justifications, evaluate cost-benefit alternatives, and make recommendations to laboratory administration.
Maintain knowledge of section technical and regulatory requirements and keep the section ready for inspections.
Inform laboratory administration of compliance problems, plan and carry out corrective actions, and participate in inspections and correction of deficiencies.
Maintain appropriate section supply inventory and review supply-related problems.
Follow laboratory and hospital safety policies, including chemical safety and infection-control policies.
Handle hazardous materials using appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure hazardous waste is labeled, stored, and maintained in suitable sealed containers for removal.
Assist with maintaining safety documentation; ensure staff follow safety procedures and receive required training or retraining.
Report safety concerns to appropriate parties and help plan improvements to laboratory safety.