Lead Laboratory Tech

Beacon Health System; Dowagiac (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Health System in Dowagiac, MI is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist to perform routine tests, ensure quality, and support daily department operations. The role involves day shift duties with a rotating weekend schedule and participating in QA/QC programs.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science and ASCP certification (or equivalent) with state licensure where applicable; includes opportunities to contribute to quality improvements and staff development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or related field.
• ASCP certification or equivalent required within the stated timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory tests, calculations, and analyses per approved procedures.
• Assesses specimen acceptability and handles collection/processing as assigned.
• Reviews data and quality indicators before reporting results.
• Maintains compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Assists in hiring, training, and evaluation of staff.
• Maintains documentation and participates in quality control/assurance programs.

Skills

Quality control

Lab testing

Equipment maintenance

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science

ASCP certification or equivalent

Job description

Full time. 36 hrs/week. Day shift. Monday-Friday, 0600-1630 with rotating weekend schedule

Assists with the day-to-day supervision of associates and routine operations. Participates in the preparation and updating of procedures, department manuals, and the development and implementation of quality control and quality assurance programs. Performs all essential job duties and responsibilities of a Medical Laboratory Scientist.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Performs assigned laboratory tests, calculations, and analyses; verifies, documents, and reports results according to approved procedures and defined acceptance criteria.
• Assesses specimen acceptability and performs or supports specimen collection, identification, accessioning, processing, storage, transport, and referral testing as assigned.
• Reviews test data and quality indicators for accuracy, completeness, and validity before reporting results in the laboratory information system or other approved application.
• Assists in setting departmental standards of quality, productivity, and performance
• Provides input into hiring, training, developing, and appraising associates, making recommendations when requested.
• Participates in the preparation and updating of procedures and other departmental manuals, making recommendations to stay current with new technology and laboratory standards.
• Participates in the development and implementation of quality control and quality assurance programs.
• Completes analyzer/assay implementation, validation, and correlation studies, as needed.
• Provides input and support for the development and implementation of laboratory improvements, including identifying opportunities, providing data, and recommending solutions.
• Ensures associates perform duties using safe work techniques and procedures in accordance with OSHA, State and Federal regulations, and all hospital policies and procedures.
• Develops and maintains a positive work environment and effective working relationships with both internal and external laboratory stakeholders.
• Ensures all assigned laboratory areas meet state, federal, and other regulatory requirements.
• Recognizes critical, abnormal, inconsistent, or unusual findings and promptly communicates critical results to physicians or other authorized caregivers in accordance with policy.
• Identifies pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic problems; performs and documents corrective action; and refers unresolved or significant issues to laboratory leadership.
• Performs and documents quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, calibration, verification, and performance checks according to established requirements.
• Operates laboratory instruments and equipment safely; performs routine maintenance and troubleshooting; and escalates equipment or system failures appropriately.
• Maintains accurate procedures, records, logs, worksheets, and regulatory documentation.
• Prepares specimens and supplies for transport or shipment in accordance with applicable packaging, handling, and shipping requirements.
• Maintains adequate supplies and reagents, monitors inventory and expiration dates, and initiates replenishment in accordance with department processes.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment; follows infection prevention, bloodborne pathogen, chemical hygiene, hazardous waste, spill response, and contaminated waste disposal requirements.
• Provides technical information about laboratory testing and results to authorized individuals within the scope of the role.
• Assists with orientation and instruction of new employees and students in routine procedures when assigned and after appropriate authorization.
• Participates in competency activities and assesses staff competency only when assigned and qualified under applicable requirements.
• Assumes charge or general supervisory duties only when assigned and qualified under applicable regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Maintains required continuing education, competencies, credentials, and professional knowledge.

Organizational Responsibilities

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR), and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or chemical, biological, or related laboratory science from an accredited institution.
• Completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist program is preferred and may be required by organizational policy or the applicable certification pathway.
• Must meet applicable federal, state, and organizational qualifications for moderate- and high-complexity testing before performing patient testing.
• Current state license or permit required where applicable.
• Medical Laboratory Scientist certification from ASCP Board of Certification or another organization accepted by the employer is required at hire or within one year of hire or graduation, unless a different timeframe is approved by Human Resources and Laboratory Leadership. Certification must be maintained thereafter. Failure to obtain or maintain certification within the required timeframe may result in corrective action or reclassification per organizational policy.
• Three years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist required.
• When formally assigned and independently qualified, may perform the duties of a Technical Consultant, General Supervisor, or Technical Supervisor in accordance with the applicable CLIA requirements, laboratory scope, and written delegation.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of clinical laboratory principles, procedures, testing systems, quality practices, and factors that may affect test results.
• Skill in specimen handling, laboratory testing, result evaluation, quality control, instrument operation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to organize work, manage competing priorities, and maintain accuracy and timeliness in a fast-paced, quality-focused environment.
• Sound judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to recognize when escalation is required.
• Effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills for working with patients, providers, coworkers, and the public.
• Proficiency with computers, laboratory information systems, electronic records, and related applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with patient privacy, safety, infection prevention, and regulatory requirements.

Working Conditions

• Works in a clinical laboratory environment with potential exposure to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, human specimens, hazardous chemicals, biological materials, and other conditions typical of laboratory operations.
• Requires use of personal protective equipment and consistent compliance with established safety, infection prevention, chemical hygiene, and hazardous waste procedures.
• May require varied shifts, weekends, holidays, on-call coverage, or work across assigned laboratory areas based on operational needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; sit, reach, bend, and perform repetitive tasks; and use hands and fingers for precise manipulation and eye-hand coordination.
• Ability to communicate clearly and use near and far visual acuity, depth perception, and color discrimination as required for assigned testing, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 35 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, and to comply with safe-handling practices.