Medical Technologist

Laboratory Lead Technologist

The Laboratory Lead Technologist serves in following roles. Leads lab assistants and staff medical technologists in overseeing the daily workflow, including but not limited to assigning personnel, troubleshooting equipment issues, reviewing quality control, scheduling of personnel, and assisting the managers with regulatory review of procedures and proficiency testing as requested. This position also serves as the principle technical authority for the assigned area(s) of responsibility. As the principle technical authority for an area, this position oversees a specialty or section(s) within the Laboratory, and maintains and calculates quality metrics. S/he leads the development and implementation of laboratory procedures and techniques and planning, installation and test/validation of new equipment, laboratory tests or technologies.

This position's work location is on site only.

Responsibilities

Operations

• Directs and assists clerical, lab assistants, and technologists with laboratory work flow.
• Accountable for performance and documentation required in work area on a daily basis.
• Maintains a wide base of knowledge and is capable of handling problems in areas assigned, taking and documenting corrective action as appropriate according to department guidelines.
• Standardizes, calibrates, performs preventive maintenance, and performs in-depth troubleshooting on laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Assists in the development and/or designing of new test procedures and/or methodologies; participates/leads in the evaluation, correlation, and introduction of new instruments or procedures.
• Performs laboratory test on blood, urine, body fluids and other specimens to provide data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of current policies and procedures through conduct of daily duties.
• Performs other special projects and miscellaneous duties as assigned. Assumes designated functions of the supervisor in his/her absence according to College of American Pathologists and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments requirements.
• Maintains inventory and orders in sufficient quantities to meet test requirements with minimal waste.
• Attends necessary departmental meetings.

Quality

• Monitors results, quality control and proficiency testing results, applying rules and corrective actions according to department guidelines.
• Ensures maintenance schedules are followed, instrument validation/testing is done, and maintains appropriate records for certification and regulatory agencies.
• Responsible for quality assurance program for area(s) with assistance from the area Med Tech II and the Laboratory supervisor(s).
• Responsible for successful regulatory inspections of area(s).
• Actively leads and/or participates in process improvement activities and other duties as assigned.
• Maintains policies and procedures and guidelines of practice.

Personnel Management

• Trains new or less skilled personnel procedures, equipment, and policies (safety, hospital, laboratory). Is a technical resource for the area.
• Evaluates and documents staff competency according to regulations and accreditation requirements.
• Educates technologists in preparing for annual competencies.
• Assesses the clerical and technical needs of the medical laboratory scientist II's and assists them in accomplishing their duties and goals.
• Sends tests to references lab(s) and verifies accuracy of reference testing and orders. Is a resource for the lab assistants, nurses and physicians.
• Provides direction and guidance for questions and/or problems referred by other laboratory and/or hospital personnel concerning specimen acceptability, unusual or discrepant results, instrument or method problems, and/or out-of-control situations. Communicates with nurses, physicians, health-care workers and public concerning lab results, procedures and technology.
• Keeps supervisor/ manager/director-appraised of employee performance and conduct issues.

Compliance/Safety

• Responsible for reporting any safety-related incident in a timely fashion through the NHA reporting tool; attends all safety-related training programs; performs work in a safe manner; monitors work environment for possible safety issues and ensures others are also performing work in a safe manner.
• Stays current and complies with state and federal regulations/statutes and company policies that impact the employee's area of responsibility.
• If required for the position, ensures all certifications and/or licenses are up-to-date and valid prior to expiration dates.
• Completes all company mandatory modules and required job-specific training in the specified time frame.

Qualifications

Education:

Associates Degree in Medical Technology - Required

Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology- Preferred

Technical Role: Specialist designation or continuing education related to relevant area(s) of specialty - Preferred

Certification & Licensures:

MLS (ASCP), MLT (ASCP) or equivalent - Required

Technical: Certified as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Technician by AMT or ASCP - Required

Technical: Specialist certification related to specialty (i.e., ASCP Certified Specialist in field/Chemistry, Hemo, Microbiology, BloodBank) - Preferred

Qualifies as a General Supervisor according to CLIA guidelines- PreferredEmployee will obtain and maintain appropriate clinical competencies for the roles assigned by their departmental leader.

Experience:

3 years in the field of Medical/Clinical Laboratory Science in an acute care facility- Required

Competent in hematology, serology, chemistry, urinalysis, coagulation, special chemistry, blood banking and/or basic microbiology - Required

Healthcare is a rapidly changing environment and technology is integrated into almost all aspects of patient care. Computers and other electronic devices are utilized across the organization and throughout each department. Colleagues must have an understanding of computers, and competence in using computers and basic software programs.