Medical Laboratory Scientist Lead

The Lead Clinical Lab Tech Generalist performs various laboratory procedures in assigned areas as licensed/certified. Is responsible managing assigned selected aspects of laboratory processes or shifts, which may include workflow, quality control process, performance improvement activities, training of new employees, advanced problem solving for customers and coworkers, department equipment or computer maintenance and upgrades, writing/reviewing procedures, or other tasks assigned. This position requires an individual skilled in all clinical areas as it relates to Laboratory results. This individual helps maintain excellent rapport among Laboratory, Physicians, Nursing Staff and other Hospital Departments. This individual works closely with the Laboratory Leadership team to maintain policy, procedures and day-to-day operations of the specific Department Laboratories.

Work customarily involves analytical testing of blood and/or human biological specimens. Analytical laboratory testing generally requires a moderate to high degree of theoretical and practical knowledge and expertise in licensed area(s). Depending on campus and department, various pre-and post-analytical work processes are included in the work duties customarily performed. Follows laboratory policies and procedures; maintains quality control practices in the Laboratory. Actively participates in outstanding customer service and accepts responsibility in maintaining relationships that are equally respectful to all.

• Manages quality assessment and technical oversight, problem solving, scheduling, interviewing applicants, provides input for staff performance, oversees training and competency evaluations, as assigned

• May assist with Standard Operating Procedures and Document Control 

• As needed and/or assigned, assess competencies according to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations 

• Assists the Laboratory management with special projects as assigned.  

• Reads, examines, and interprets complex test results. Serves as a resource and addresses complex tests/procedures 

• Manages instrument maintenance and troubleshooting practices 

• Leads quality control and quality assurance testing 

• As needed and/or assigned, assists with data collection and special projects

• Performs assigned pre-analytical activities related to laboratory testing, which may include general and analytical equipment maintenance, function checks and documentation; inventory control and supply stocking, specimen collection as needed; biological specimen processing; cleaning and disinfection of selected or assigned laboratory equipment and spaces; quality control and calibration performance; and other pre-analytical activities 

• Performs all expected tests and analytical procedures for assigned department or work area efficiently and accurately, according to established procedures, performance standards, and departmental competency standards

• Participates in proficiency testing, consistently adhering to federal and state regulations as well as Institutional policies 

• Performs post-analytical activities related to laboratory testing, reporting results (including highly abnormal results) in accordance with established procedures. Provides and acts on technical and support information related to the elements of laboratory testing for all age groups, neonatal through geriatric patients 

• Provides orientation and training to new employees and medical technology students as needed, under the direction of the laboratory leadership team. May act as a preceptor when teaching new staff and Students when assigned. Appropriately documents orientation and training of new employees and medical technology students.  

• Provides guidance to technical and support staff, resolution to customer service issues within guidelines, and support education to clinical staff as appropriate or requested. Facilitates workflow when necessary 

• Follows appropriate safety policies including the appropriate use of PPE, handwashing, and hazardous chemical handling. Demonstrates understanding and adheres to Chemical Hygiene plan and Infection Control policies. Employee job duties may include transport of hazardous waste from the point of generation to a designated secure storage area; employee will be required to complete initial training (prior to handling hazardous waste) and refresher training to include proper handling and transport of hazardous waste, and proper selection, use and disposal of personal protective equipment 

• Responsibility for local LIS management, including, but not limited to, requests for new test builds and edits and maintenance of instrument interfaces and LIS regulatory validations. 

• Participates in, and has knowledge of, laboratory and hospital Performance Improvement activities 

• Performs various support activities to facilitate operation of assigned department or work area

• Scheduling flexibility

• Meets attendance policy- absence and tardy

• Leaves bench assigned stocked, communicates clearly with other shift using log/verbal, notes or other appropriate tools.

• Completes assigned work as scheduled in allotted time frame including Turnaround time, proficiency testing

• Performs routine patient testing including identification, preparation, specimen collection, handling, processing, testing and reporting including Critical results according to Lab standards.

• Reports and records timely and correctly result including patient, QC, proficiency testing, preventative maintenance records

• Operation of assigned Lab instruments including reviewing of QC, maintenance and function checks

• Engages in departmental/hospital committees, PI projects, educational offerings to peers, mentoring/precepting of new team members

• Supervises the day-to-day operation of their assigned shift through creating and managing the staff schedule.

• Addresses staff concerns on the shift and coordinates laboratory services being provided on the shift they are responsible for supervising.

• Willing to coordinate with other supervisors and staff regarding the overall operation of the laboratory. Will accept calls and texts on days off, to help assure proper function of the shift and the laboratory.

• Attends Staff Meetings, completes all required competencies and mandatory education as assigned.

• Seeks training, educational, certification and enhancement in area focus/specialty.

• Demonstrates behavior standards that enhance positive interactions with physicians, team members, peers, patients, and family members.

• Assures equipment is operating properly and that staff have the necessary training and knowledge to complete their assignments.

• Trains and mentor staff in the proper operation of the laboratory by following the policies and procedures of the department. Assures others follow the laboratory policies as well. 

• Completes other duties as requested/assigned

Education

Required Degree: Associate's degree

Preferred Degree: Bachelor's degree

Licensure/Certification/Registration

State of Florida Laboratory Personnel (TC or TN) license in all areas

Special Skills/Qualifications/Additional Training/Experience

Required: 

• 2 years with Bachelor’s degree or 4 years with Associate’s degree.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English

Knowledge and Skills