Laboratory Operations Manager

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:


The Laboratory Operations and Point of Care Manager is responsible for the operational oversight, regulatory compliance, quality management, and strategic coordination of the Point of Care Testing program across Lake Charles Memorial Health System. This position serves as the primary liaison between Laboratory Services and clinical departments performing point of care testing.


In addition, the Manager supports daily operations of the core laboratory by coordinating staffing schedules, assisting with implementation of new instrumentation and testing platforms, facilitating workflow improvements, resolving operational challenges, and promoting efficient laboratory services. The position works collaboratively with laboratory leadership, nursing leadership, physicians, and ancillary departments to ensure safe, accurate, timely, and compliant testing services.


RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Point of Care Responsibilities:

• Serves as the primary administrator and operational leader for all Point of Care Testing throughout the health system.
• Maintains compliance with CLIA, Joint Commission, CMS, and other applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Oversees implementation, validation, quality assurance, competency assessment, and ongoing monitoring of POCT devices and methodologies.
• Develops and maintains POCT policies, procedures, and training materials.
• Coordinates testing standardization across facilities and departments.
• Reviews quality control, proficiency testing, maintenance records, and corrective action documentation.
• Investigates and resolves POCT quality issues, documentation deficiencies, and compliance concerns.
• Collaborates with nursing, respiratory therapy, emergency services, surgical services, and physician practices regarding POCT utilization and performance.
• Participates in regulatory inspections, audits, and accreditation surveys.

Lab Operations Responsibilities:

• Maintains staffing schedules and coordinates personnel coverage for core laboratory operations
• Supports implementation and optimization of laboratory workflows and operational processes.
• Coordinates equipment installations, validations, go-live activities, and system upgrades.
• Collaborates with vendors, biomedical engineering, IT, and laboratory personnel during system implementations.
• Assists with troubleshooting instrumentation, workflow bottlenecks, and daily operational challenges.
• Monitors workload trends and recommends operational improvements to enhance efficiency and service quality.
• Participates in strategic planning initiatives, process improvement projects, and departmental goals.
• Supports laboratory quality management initiatives and performance improvement activities.
• Assists with emergency preparedness planning and operational continuity efforts.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership and guidance to laboratory and point of care testing personnel.
• Promotes a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and customer service.
• Participates in employee training, competency assessments, and professional development programs.
• Encourages interdisciplinary collaboration between laboratory services and patient care departments.
• Assists with performance improvement initiatives and achievement of departmental objectives.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for laboratory operations and point of care testing.
• Other duties as assigned.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.


EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or related field.
• 4 years of laboratory experience preferred.
• National certification- MLS(ASCP) or equivalent required
• Louisiana State license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist required
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common specific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, speak, and hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be at risk for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and tuberculosis.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Mental competence and alertness, dexterity, and accuracy of physical movements; clear, concise, pleasant speaking abilities; accurate hearing is essential; visual acuity is a must; stability of emotional make up is essential.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.