Lead Medical Lab Scientist - Pequot

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.

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager, the Lead Technologist assists with the oversight of laboratory operations, including the monitoring of day -to-day operations, scheduling or edits to work assignments as needed, advanced problem solving resolution, ordering and inventory control, and contributes to the employee appraisal system. Assists with the laboratory Quality Control and Quality Assurance programs. Serves as the section lead regarding special projects, IT changes and upgrades, new protocols, and the implementation or evaluation of new instrumentation. Provides technical assistance to all staff and serves as a resource capable of handling complex problems. Cooperatively and proactively assists in other areas as needed in a teamwork-oriented environment. Maintains procedural knowledge and implements all new and revised procedures in real time. Provides proficiency testing oversight following all routine standards and workflow. Maintains effective communication and harmoniously transfers information of new and revised procedures to employees following all CHAMP and HRO standards. Maintains operational effectiveness and assumes full responsibility for continuing education requirements, licensure and expertise in the field of medical technology.

1. Demonstrates knowledge of all aspects of a given assay, including such concepts as analytical theory, control evaluation, reference ranges, critical values, clinical significance of the assay, instrumentation used, reagent stability, calibration, etc.

2. Demonstrates the ability to write laboratory procedures that conform to CLSI, CLIA and CAP standards. Reviews and updates procedures on an annual or as -needed basis. Ensures that all staff in the lab have read and understand all applicable procedures and/or revisions.

3. Performs testing and takes a bench assignment as needed according to laboratory procedures with acceptable accuracy and precision. Maintains competency for all assigned workbenches. Performs at a high degree of skill with regards to analytical instrumentation, including operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures.

4. As requested, in conjunction with the Medical Director and Lab Manager, develops and/or evaluates new tests and methods including statistical testing, reagent issues, tests codes/fees, LIS issues, staff training, etc. Makes recommendations about implementation of these procedures/products.

5. Monitors daily workflow; and addresses problems /issues as they arise. Proactively and continually reassesses staffing needs in the lab and rearranges as required to maintain optimum operational efficiency to attain target turnaround time goals .

6. Ensures that proper procedures are being followed by the staff; intervenes and takes corrective actions when improper procedures are being utilized.

7. Along with Laboratory Manager, develops and implements training checklists, scripts and competency assessment materials used for staff training. Utilizes these materials to effectively perform and document staff training and competency in an organized manner.

8. Participates in Performance review process for supervised staff by providing appropriate and timely input to the manager; maintains detailed documentation of incidents where performance standards are exceeded /not met.

9. Monitor staff compliance with hospital and laboratory policies and procedures.

10. Assists with conflicts among staff. Obtains facts in response to specific complaints and discusses the issues with the management team. Provides limited disciplinary action when appropriate or deemed urgent.

11. In conjunction with the lab manager, reviews on a regular basis all aspects of the Laboratory 's QC program, including QC data assessment by the staff, documentation of corrective action, review of QC data on a weekly /monthly basis, investigation and documentation of actions in response to outliers/shifts/trends.

12. Participates in the Laboratory's Quality Assurance program. Analyzes data, participates in the development of corrective actions and implementing those corrective actions

13. In conjunction with the Lab Manager, participates in the oversight of the CAP Proficiency Testing program for the laboratory section, to ensure that PT samples are tested in a timely fashion and in a manner that is compliant with regulatory requirements. Completes CAP action reports for all results that exceed acceptable limits or deviations from acceptable peer group limits. Investigates outliers and shifts /trends for possible corrective action.

14. With the assistance from lab staff, coordinates, monitors and maintains inventory for the lab. Assists all with the ordering and inventory control process; orders supplies as needed in a timely manner that ensures adequate inventory levels; keeps emergency orders to a minimum.

15. Demonstrates excellent problem-solving skills; responds to problems in an immediate fashion; thoroughly investigates all aspects of the problem; responds to complaints in a timely fashion; demonstrates excellent customer service by always being courteous and responsive to a complaint.

16. In conjunction with the Lab Manager, ensures that the laboratory is in compliance with all items on the current CAP inspection checklists.

17. Supports staff in activities that enhance overall laboratory efficiency and environment. Recognizes staff ideas, encourages suggestions by providing feedback.

18. Demonstrates knowledge of use of laboratory computer functions including downtime procedures.

19. Participates in activities that demonstrate commitment to competency, career growth and professionalism.

20. Has excellent communication skills. Effectively communicates with the staff in a clear, concise and respectful manner. Encourages and elicits feedback from staff on work process improvement. Communicates well with other members of the staff, including physicians, nurses, diagnostic imaging, patient access staff, and others. Effectively communicates pertinent issues to the Laboratory Manager.

21. Participates in continuing education/ professional enrichment and encourages staff participation in a variety of educational opportunities.

22. Demonstrates a sensitivity to needs of coworkers and patients by monitoring adherence to policies governing confidentiality. In conjunction with the Lab Manager, takes immediate action when violations occur ; will take action independently if necessary.

23. Accepts constructive criticism in a positive manner and takes immediate corrective action to improve performance when needed.

24. Privately provides valuable feedback to staff. Never openly criticizes or embarrasses staff.

EDUCATION (number of years and type required to perform the position duties):

Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology or equivalent with MLS / MT (ASCP) certification or equivalent. Continuing education, project involvement, high performance maintenance, and professional commitment required

EXPERIENCE (number of years and type required to meet an acceptable level of performance):

Two (2) to three (3) years' experience in a Clinical Laboratory required. Experience in both Hematology and Chemistry preferred.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

Working knowledge and experience with instrumentation and equipment used in a Clinical Chemistry and /or Hematology laboratory; excellent communication skills required. High level efficiency in word processing applications, spreadsheet design / utilization and use of web-based resources. High level of knowledge of laboratory information systems preferred. Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate in an effective and professional manner with Smilow offsite full office staff. Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills are required. The ability to work as a member of a team is essential.

ACCOUNTABILITY (how this position is held accountable for such as goals achievement, budget adherence, or other areas of accountability):

Accountable to the Pequot lab manager for maintaining the highest professional standards. Responsible for overseeing and coordinating activities laboratory and escalating problems as needed for consultation and direction. Monitors staff performance and provides input during the performance appraisal process.

In personal and job-related decisions and actions, consistently demonstrates the values of integrity (doing the right thing), patient-centered (putting patients and families first), respect (valuing all people and embracing all differences), accountability (being responsible and taking action), and compassion (being empathetic).

COMPLEXITY (describe planning, problem solving, decision making, creative activity, or other special factors inherent in the responsibilities of this position):

Responsible for day-to-day quality control, troubleshooting of instrumentation, and training of new staff, students or others as needed. Ensures the smooth operation of the laboratory and is responsible for the timely issuance of patient laboratory reports.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

MLS / MT (ASCP) certification or equivalent