Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist

At Houston Methodist, the Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist position is responsible for serving as the lead person for the assigned section(s) within Laboratory Services and in this capacity performs lead job duties and/or regularly leads projects or performs specialized responsibilities as a regular part of normal job responsibilities. The position serves as the liaison between management, staff and physicians for routine matters, resolving questions and issues. It supports staff in ensuring the delivery of exceptional patient care and adherence to standards of practice for optimal patient safety, quality outcomes, and customer service. Key duties include organizing work schedules, creating work assignments, reviewing timecards for accuracy, conducting quality assurance audits of staff performance, developing and implementing quality improvement activities, training and mentoring staff, providing feedback on staff performance and developmental needs, collecting/analyzing/reporting on data, preparing reports on performance metrics, and other responsibilities of a similar nature and level. The role also performs Medical Laboratory Scientist/Specialist functions, such as executing routine and complex analyses and ensuring specimens are accessioned and processed expeditiously to deliver quality laboratory results effectively and cost‑efficiently. When required, the position fulfills the duties of CLIA General Supervisor.

FLSA STATUS

Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree If fulfilling the duties of CLIA General Supervisor – Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution

EXPERIENCE

Three years of experience in a clinical laboratory as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist or comparable role

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required Certified as a Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or categorical certification by Board of Certification (ASCP) Certified as a Medical Technologist by American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) HLA only – Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification HLA only – Certified by American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI) Microbiology only – Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification Microbiology only – Microbiology, M(ASCP) certification Microbiology only – Clinical microbiology registry from American Society for Microbiology, RM(AAM)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co‑workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co‑workers Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervision Demonstrates critical thinking skills Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy Ability to work independently and execute above average technical skills Demonstrates sound judgment and discretion to recognize problems ranging from simple to complex, identify causes and take corrective action Strong training, leadership, and mentoring skills Able to research information for new platforms and/or emergent technologies Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents Ability to recognize changes that are critical to patient care

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Role models effective communication skills for team members. Effectively implements protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service. Provides feedback to management on team member performance and conduct. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes. Interviews applicants and provides input into hiring new staff. Participates in laboratory and organization wide initiatives. Represents Laboratory Services in committees as directed.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Coordinates the workflow, processes, staff assignments, and services provided for assigned laboratory section(s), adjusting as needed, to result in optimum patient care, throughput and patient experiences. Ensures turnaround time expectations as defined by management are met by the section teams. Serves as liaison between team members, management and physicians, resolving routine matters for the shift and sections. Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examination using various analyzers and/or manual methods.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all areas assigned to work. Recognizes, investigates and correctly resolves test discrepancies. When problems arise, takes appropriate action to investigate and address and notifies management for follow‑up. Develops plan, leads implementation, and performs data analysis of validations. Coordinates instrument maintenance and repairs. Assists with policy review and submission. Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues for section. Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff. Oversees section compliance by reviewing and responding to College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation Checklists questions/findings. Completes online CAP Inspector Training. Investigates and responds to reports on patient safety matters.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Self‑motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Provides leadership to staff on efficient utilization of time according to budgetary guidelines. Accurately reviews and edits team member’s timecards for management approval. Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies for self and others with a focus on continual development. Gains and utilizes knowledge of new technologies that are emerging for laboratory.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

Uniform: No Scrubs: Yes Business professional: Yes Other (department approved): No

ON‑CALL

Note that employees may be required to be on‑call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below. On Call* Yes

TRAVEL

Travel specifications may vary by department May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes #J-18808-Ljbffr Houston Methodist