Laboratory Manager

Kern Valley Healthcare District; Lake Isabella (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern Valley Healthcare District is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Manager to coordinate and supervise all functions within the Clinical Laboratory. This role includes staffing, training, scheduling, budgeting for cost containment, and maintaining quality control.

The manager will ensure regulatory compliance, supervise staff evaluations, and liaise with physicians and administration. The position requires California MT licensure and strong leadership, with responsibilities extending to

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Biology, or Chemistry.
• California licensure as Medical Technologist or related specialty certification preferred.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all Laboratory functions and staff.
• Develop and implement operating policies and procedures meeting licensure requirements.
• Plan and manage the annual budget with cost containment.
• Ensure 24/7 laboratory coverage and efficient test processing.
• Maintain quality control documentation and check test results for accuracy.
• Supervise staff recruiting, evaluations, and continuing education.
• Collaborate with Pathologist and other departments for patient care improvements.

Skills

Staff supervision

Communication skills

English proficiency

Education

BS in Medical Technology/Biology/Biology or Chemistry

California MT licensure or related certification

Tools

Laboratory equipment proficiency

Job description

Responsible for coordinating and supervising all functions of the Clinical Laboratory. This includes staffing, training, scheduling, budgeting that promotes cost containment, maintaining PAR and relating with various department physicians and administration of the District. Responsible for recognizing results or problems that requires referral to the Pathologist.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs all Laboratory functions.
• Establishes, reviews and updates short- and long-term goals for the department consistent with District plans.
• Develop and implement operating policies and procedures that meet requirements for licensure and other regulatory requirements.
• Develops comprehensive realistic annual budget that reflects departmental needs based on external and internal environments and the application of cost-effective management. Operates within this approved budget.
• Manages the department in a cost-effective manner utilizing current materials management techniques, maximizing human resources, and continuously reevaluating the manner in which services are delivered.
• Establishes and monitors standards of performance among all Laboratory staff and ensures that standards are being consistently met.
• Performs 6-month and annual performance evaluations for staff prior to the anniversary date of hire.
• Improves staff performance through ongoing counseling, coaching, delegation, and feedback practices.
• Plans and coordinates staff development and continuing education. Provides in-services for staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to supervise and provide care appropriate to the age of patients served.
• Establishes and maintains a system to check the accuracy of tests and test results.
• Responsible for staff scheduling to ensure that tests are conducted in an expeditious manner.
• Responsible for accurate quality control documentation.
• Interviews, hires, terminates, and evaluates employees according to District policy and procedure.
• Supervises daily operations of the Clinical Laboratory including maintaining PAR.
• Responsible for evaluating new testing methods and new instrumentation before implementation in the Clinical Laboratory.
• Responsible for investigating new products.
• Responsible for being informed regarding current technologies through discussions with vendors, technical staff, and the Pathologist.
• Perform duties as assigned by the Pathologist.
• Demonstrates ability to review test results to ensure quality control.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and carefully.
• Ensures that the physician and environmental conditions of the laboratory work area are appropriate for testing.
• Consults other departments, as appropriate, to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Meets current documentation standards and policies.
• Follow standard precautions at all times.
• Is responsible for maintaining performance improvement activities in the department.
• Ensure that the laboratory has coverage 24/7, that is, if a CLS calls in sick, the lab manager will make sure that someone's going to cover it.
• Holds department in-services and staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Completes annual education requirements, attends annual review, continuous quality improvement activities (CQI), management meetings and performs departmental in-service.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all states, federal and other regulations. Always maintains and ensures patient/resident and employee confidentiality.
• Perform duties in a safety-conscience manner to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of work-related injury or illness.
• Resolves personnel concerns at the departmental level, utilizing the grievance process as required.
• Maintains a good rapport and cooperative relationship with all staff.
• Effectively and consistently communicates administrative directives to personn l and encourages interactive departmental meetings and discussions.
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures regarding operations, fire, safety, and infection control.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, ethics, and goals of the facility, as well as the focus statement of the department.

Qualifications And Skills

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology, Biology or Chemistry.
• California licensure as a Medical Technologist or one of the following specialties: Chemistry, Hematology, Blood Bank, Serology, or Microbiology certification preferred.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Additional Languages Preferred.

• Basic computer knowledge.
• Proficiency in use of laboratory equipment and testing.