Central Specimen Processing coordinator

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

At Bridgeport Hospital, we are committed to providing quality medical care and treatment that is coordinated and centered on the patient's specific needs. We strive to achieve benchmarks as a Patient Centered Medical Home and provide health care in a setting where patients are at the center of their care team. All employees of Bridgeport Hospital are part of the patients care team and contribute to the team approach of promoting access, continuous, comprehensive care and work to provide quality improvement in the care provided to their patients.

Works closely with other managers, and coordinators of the Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Departments. Performs the daily tasks of Medical Laboratory Assistants, and is responsible for the oversight and coordination of the Anatomic Pathology (AP) Specimen Processing area. Works with the Manager to maintain and improve workflow Assists with staff training, employee scheduling, inventory needs, policy/procedure review, and competency requirements, as well as overseeing day-to-day operations.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

• 1. Performs all daily tasks of the Laboratory Associate and other duties within this work section as necessary. Assists the PA with handling and cutting the frozen section samples, fine needle aspirates, and other requests. Demonstrates a thorough working knowledge of the Laboratory Information Systems. Understands and is able to implement downtime procedures.
• 2. Under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager, is responsible for the supervision of the Anatomic Pathology Specimen Processing area and Laboratory Associate staff. Provides input to the Laboratory Manager for the performance reviews on all Laboratory Associate Staff. Maintains detailed documentation of incidents where performance standards are exceeded/not met. Works with the Laboratory Managers to maintain and improve workflow in the AP accessioning area, coordinates training, employee scheduling, and day-to-day operations. Assists with on boarding and training of new employees. Compiles new hire training packet and provide feedback during training for the trainee's performance including behavior and ability to receive constructive feedback and follow instructions. Addresses problems/issues as they arise; proactively and continually reassesses staffing needs in the lab section and rearranges staff as required in order to maintain optimum operational efficiency and attain target turnaround time goals.
• 3. Assists the Laboratory Manager in the writing of, and annual review of procedures for work processes that the Laboratory Associate performs. Participates in staff training and education; performs staff competency assessments as required by JCAHO, CLIA, CMS and CAP. Documents training in organized fashion. Understands and is compliant with all laboratory safety procedures and policies, including emergency procedures/policies. Monitors staff compliance with safety policies.
• 4. Responsible for monitoring quality in all applicable work areas. Develops corrective action plans for all significant error found. Collects follow-up data to determine the effectiveness of corrective actions. Ensures that proper procedures are being followed by the staff; intervenes and takes corrective actions when improper procedures are being utilized. Reviews quality assurance forms with staff when errors are made and enters RL's for improving patient safety.
• 5. Effectively communicates with the staff in a clear and concise manner. Encourages and elicits feedback from the staff on work process improvement. Responsible for ensuring that high standards of customer service are maintained by the Laboratory Associate staff, by monitoring such items as telephone response times, telephone etiquette, specific task turnaround times, etc. Communicates well with other members of the Hospital staff, including physicians, nurses, managers, and supervisors of other departments and is an active advocate for Laboratory.
• 6. Performs other duties as assigned by Management. Assists with training of safety orientation and annual safety training. Maintains inventory needs of the section. Participates and encourage greater teamwork and engagement through team-building activities and suggestions.
• 7. Coordinates the needs of Yale School of Medicine Pathology department and the LA staff at SRC. Works closely with the YSM management to ensure the proper handling and shipping of the specimens to YSM for processing. Work closely with the onsite Pathologist and the SRC OR areas to ensure proper scheduling for pickup of samples or handling a frozen section.
• 8. Provides office support as needed.
• 9. Performs other duties when necessary.

EDUCATION

High School diploma required. Associate degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Three (3) to five (5) years experience working as a lab aide or equivalent setting. One (1) to three (3) years supervisory experience preferred, but not required.

LICENSURE

Not Applicable

SPECIAL SKILLS

Excellent knowledge of laboratory processing, workflow and medical terminology required. Exhibits excellent communication, team-building and organizational skills. Self-directed, desire to educate, give instructions and be a resource staff member. Must be able to multi-task and prioritize in response to workload volume fluctuations. Strong interpersonal skills, builds rapport with team both technical and non -technical staff, has excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills along with good computer skills. Must be able to provide training to new hires and in-service to staff. Consistently displays effective HRO CHAMP behaviors and professionalism at all time.