Assistant Director Hospital Laboratory Pathology

Assistant Laboratory Director

The Assistant Laboratory Director, under limited supervision, serves as a management team member reporting to the Administrative Director, Laboratory and manages the laboratory departments, and participates with other administrators in the overall management of the laboratory. Establishes policies, procedures, standards, and objectives for the provision of laboratory services; evaluates performance and maintains total quality management. Coordinates with other departments and clinical chiefs to provide optimal levels of care to patients and hospital staff.

1. Plans, organizes, and directs certain aspects of the department mission, vision, and values with the Administrative Director, Laboratory, and department Directors. Develops goals and objectives and establishes and implements policies and procedures for department operation. Reviews departmental performance, implements changes as needed to improve the quality of services and assures compliance with regulatory requirements. Informs Administration, Medical Staff, and Nursing of the department's mission, performance, needs and challenges, new lab regulations, as well as clinical administrative and fiscal matters on the assessment, fiscal analysis, regulatory compliance, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).

2. Selects, trains/orients, and assigns department staff through subordinate supervisory staff. Develops standards of performance, monitors and leads staff, evaluates performance, and initiates or approves personnel actions such as merit increases, promotions, disciplinary actions, and career/practice development incentives. Encourages career/practice development through such strategies as in-service education and outside conferences, providing opportunities for research and gain sharing. Develops and maintains job descriptions and standards of performance for all staff members. Assures competencies of all staff. Resolves staff grievances.

3. Develops, recommends, and manages aspects of the departmental operating budget for which there is direct responsibility in collaboration with the Administrative Director, Laboratory, and ensures that the area of responsibility operates within allocated funds and/or the strategic realities of the specific patient care environment at UMMS. Maintains reports and statistics for administrative, planning, quality improvement, and regulatory purposes. Coordinates capital expenditures with Finance through Laboratory Administration.

4. Ensures the delivery of quality laboratory services for the various patient populations served by the Laboratories of Pathology. Provides educational guidance and consultation staff as needed.

5. Develops and maintains total quality management paradigms relative to the department's mission in collaboration with the Administrative Director, Laboratory. Evaluates laboratory functions, practices, reporting mechanisms, record keeping, and drug control. Introduces and demonstrates new technologies, care modalities, equipment, and research findings to staff. Apprises the staff of the total care environment affecting their sphere of practice and mission.

6. Interacts regularly with medical and nursing staff regarding patient care and laboratory operational issues. Ensures that the department's vision is articulated at conferences and working committees.

7. Participates in administrative staff meetings and attends other meetings as assigned by the Administrator. Establishes and maintains communications within the Laboratories of Pathology department and with other hospital departments. Develops relationships with professional affiliations and others as appropriate.

8. Maintains certain department facilities and equipment in proper condition for efficiency and compliance with standards and accepted practices for the health, comfort, and safety of staff and patients. Evaluate and justify equipment and supply needs and purchases; negotiate and document maintenance schedules. Plans for the use of space, evaluation, purchase of new equipment, and related tasks.

9. Establishes and maintains safety, infection, and environmental control policies and procedures for the department.

10. Develops and maintains certain department records, reports, and patient records, as appropriate.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or one of the biological sciences or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. ASCP or equivalent preferred.

Experience: Six years of professional experience in a healthcare setting, including hospital/laboratory experience, is required. Direct supervisory experience is required.