Lead Microbiology Clinical Lab Scientist

POSITION SUMMARY:    Responsible for coordinating and technical supervision of a laboratory section.  Assist in coordinating and supervision of laboratory services.  Maintain a customer driven focus and coordinating healthcare throughout hospitalization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs clinical testing on blood, urine, and other body fluids and follows departmental procedures; i.e., draws arterial, venous, and capillary specimens for analysis.  Accountable for the delivery of high standard of care.Researches and recommends new testing procedures.  Designs, writes procedures, validates, and trains staff in new testing procedures.

   Demonstrates expertise in performing and documenting calibration and quality control procedures as outlined in departmental manuals. Corrective actions are performed and documented as required. Reviews monthly quality control testing and takes appropriate action when needed and submits monthly summary to the Laboratory Quality Assurance Specialist for review. 

2. Demonstrates expertise in performing and documenting routine and preventative maintenance as outlined in departmental manuals. Recognizes and resolves problems arising from reagent and instrumentation. Troubleshoots malfunctioning instrumentation and documents as required

    Organizes department work-load to assure accurate and timely laboratory services.

   Assists in orientation and training of all licensed and non-licensed staff. Provides direction for technical questions and situations.

3.  Assists the Director in the operation of the laboratory areas. Is in charge laboratory operations during the absence of the Director. Assists in monitoring and evaluating staff in timely manner. Notifies Director of Laboratory Services of problems in a timely manner.

   For areas of responsibility: Assesses the need for improvement of services, quality indicators and/or studies. Involves the staff in the development, implementation, and compliance of quality studies. Responsible for leading the collection of data and participation in Quality, PI and Joint Commission and regulatory processes.

4. Effectively manages conflict and/or change. Proactively identifies and assists in addressing concerns and problems.

5. Maintains and demonstrates professional skills through self-development and continuing education. Attends classes pertinent for specific skills relevant to clinical area. Responsible for leading educational projects and staff participation in competency and in-servicing for areas of responsibility.

6. Functions within guidelines and has knowledge of regulatory, licensing, and accrediting bodies, i.e., Title 17, Title 22, Conditions of Participation, Joint Commission, etc.

   OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

7. Assures adequate supplies and reagents in work area. Maintains neat and legible records as well as a neat and clean work area.

8. Participates in the development, compliance with, and updating standards for the area of responsibility. Writes and updates policy and procedure manuals. 

9. Behavior indicates a Role model professional hospital behavior. Improve perceptions of department and hospital.

10. Assists the Laboratory when directed with special projects as needed.

11. Uses effective verbal and written communication skills. Clearly and accurately communicates pertinent aspects of the patient’s care to other members of the health care team. Maintains positive and caring interpersonal relationships with patients, families, and co-workers.

    EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

12. Four year college degree.

13. At least 5 years of experience preferred.

14. Clinical experience specific to the areas of supervision, with successful completion of orientation and training to the point of competence of CLIA 88 Technical Supervisor requirements

    LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

    Current valid California Laboratory Scientist/Technologist license issued by the State of California.