JOB SUMMARY: Coordinates the performance of the laboratory staff producing laboratory tests necessary for diagnosis and treatment of patients at the request of attending physician(s). Leads trains and coordinates the laboratory CLS staff. Maintains quality control procedures according to DHS and TJC standards. Maintains a work schedule for the laboratory CLS staff in a fair and equitable fashion. Coordinates the performance and demonstrates proficiency and understanding of result routing procedures for all areas of the clinical laboratory. Employee will individualize patient care based upon the age appropriate and developmental needs. Acts as a trainer and communicator for various routine and special activities and reports directly to the laboratory manager. Orders laboratory supplies and maintains an appropriate inventory of reagents and supplies. Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE DIMENSIONS AND TASKS
Essential Function

1. Completes required tests, and/or observations of patient's specimens, blood samples or other products required for testing.
a. Ensures quality control is performed and that QC is within limits. Prepares periodic summaries for the review of the laboratory manager.
b. Results are calculated and/or tabulated accurately; reports reflect attention to detail.
c. Alerts the laboratory manager when abnormalities or irregularities are encountered in testing.
d. Coordinates with CLS staff in following department policies and procedures.
e. Trains and educates CLS staff to ensure that department policies and procedures are followed closely.
f. Conducts departmental orientation training for new employees.

2. Verifies that appropriate specimen is being analyzed for correct patient and indicated test.
a. Checks patient's name against request form.
b. Resolves specimen’s issues in relation to accuracy of specimen information and collections in Microbiology.

3. Accommodates STAT order or other orders as requested.
a. Reports STAT results as soon as available.
b. Reports critical values to physicians or nursing unit as soon as available. Verifies critical values to ensure accuracy.
c. Ensures that appropriate tests are ordered, charged, and routed to appropriate department; provides adequate billing information.

4. Records work performed; prepares summaries or statistical data.
a. Gives accurate attention required data and reports.
b. Bookkeeping is kept current and reports are submitted by due date.
c. Calculates and updates Quality Control Reference ranges and submits the monthly to peer group.
d. Assists in Meditech Tasks upgrade as required.

5. Inspects and calibrates instruments and equipment used in work and takes responsibility for proper instrument performance.
a. Records information on appropriate forms as required.
b. Performs required maintenance procedures for various pieces of equipment. Researches and develops new procedures.
c. Reviews QC and maintenance logs for completeness of documentations.
d. Submits quality controls electronically to peer group every month. For tests with no electronic submission, prepares reports for review of lab. Manager and lab. Director.
e. Reports to lab. Manager discrepancies and issues identified for resolutions.

6. Assists others in the completion of all laboratory work assignments.
a. Responds positively to changes in the work schedule. Continually uses time to departmental advantage.
b. Willingly helps laboratory assistants in obtaining specimen when they are unable to do so.
c. When time permits, helps co-worker to complete work assignment; or performs other tasks requested.
d. Demonstrates role model attributes and the professional image required to develop the skills and knowledge of others.
e. Performs method comparison, parallel testing and validations of new tests and procedures.
7. Maintains and fosters expertise in laboratory skills and knowledge.
a. Keeps license current and attends approved workshops and regularly reviews professional journals and textbooks.
b. Carefully outlines evaluation procedures and reports results accurately.
c. Washes hands before and after each patient contact and between tests.
d. Good skills, experience and knowledge in Microbiology is required.
e. Participates in Point of Care Testing.

8. Orders supplies and reagents as needed.
a. Ensures that supplies are adequate to meet demand.
b. Ensures that waste and out dates are kept to a minimum.

9. Coordinates the preparation of specimens for mailing or delivery to other laboratories.
a. Specimens are carefully prepared and labeled and addressed correctly.

10. Takes charge of quality control procedures. Provides monthly summaries for review by the laboratory manager
a. Ensures the accuracy of results reported by the CLS staff.
b. Actively participates in laboratory Performance Improvement Program.
c. Verifies that proficiency testing is performed accurately and in a timely manner
d. Assigns Proficiency Testing to rotate among CLS and verifies that Proficiency Testing is performed accurately and submitted to Proficiency testing in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

Licensing Requirements:
• Current California Clinic Laboratory Scientist License – required

Work Experience:
• 3 years’ experience - required

Skill Requirements:
• Proficiency in the routine work of all laboratory departments is required; expanded knowledge and interest in one or more areas is preferred.
• Experience in evaluating Quality Controls, calibrations, method comparisons, validations and parallel testing is necessary.
• Good skills in Microbiology required.

Language Requirements:
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)- preferred

Physical Demands:
• Stands, walks, sits, bends reaches overhead, crouches, kneels, balances, pushes, and pulls when performing assigned duties.
• Must be able to sit up to 4 hours and walk/stand for 7 hours or more per day.
• Must be able to use hands repetitively for 6 hours or more.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

Special Demands:
• Ability to conduct competencies, evaluate CLS and work cooperatively with others.
• Must be able to delegate duties and maintain efficient standards of operation.

DISCLAIMER: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.