Medical Laboratory Technician, Lead

CARTI; Pine Bluff (AR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

CARTI is seeking a Lead Medical Technician/Technologist to supervise testing personnel and ensure efficient workflow across regional clinics. You will analyze test results for accuracy, support staffing, and coordinate with leadership on technical and operational issues.

The role requires an Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, relevant certification within 12 months, and the ability to manage equipment, inventory, and quality control while maintaining patient confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Basic computer knowledge and skills.
• Ability to multi-task effectively.
• Ability to learn and retain information regarding patient care procedures.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and complete delegated tasks.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and caring in dealing with others.
• Ability to be flexible and do what is necessary to get the job done right in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all testing personnel and medical assistants to ensure efficient workflow.
• Manages daily schedule with the support of the Lab Supervisor and Lab Coordinator to ensure appropriate staff is assigned to support the volume.
• Performs, verifies, and reports laboratory tests in assigned areas as per policy/procedure manuals.
• Analyzes test results for accuracy and critical limits.
• Keeps laboratory operations compliant with safety and quality standards.
• Maintains instrument operation and preventive maintenance requirements.

Skills

Medical terminology

Basic computer skills

Multitasking

Patient care procedures

Task prioritization

Compassionate care

Flexibility

Education

Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology

NAACLS-accredited MLT program preferred

Tools

Laboratory computer systems

Job description

Brief Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Regional clinics may have a Lead Medical Technician/Technologist who performs diagnostic testing on patient samples to aid physicians in the diagnosis and/or monitoring of various disease states. Follows standardized procedures and helps prepare samples for testing. Analyzes test results for accuracy, acceptability, and critical limits. The Lead acts as a liaison between management and staff and serves as a point of contact for any issue in the daily operations of the clinic. They will assess, resolve, and/or escort issues to the Director of the Laboratory for technical issues and to the AVP of Operations for non-technical issues, as appropriate. The Lead Medical Technician/Technologist will work closely with the team to control patient flow for the clinic. The Lead Medical Technician/Technologist will work to ensure staffing is adequate for the volume, call‑ins, and vacations are covered, and will control and explain overtime. The Lead Medical Technician/Technologist will supervise Lab Coordinators and Lab MAs and be responsible for performing assessments, one‑on‑ones, and performance evaluations.

Specific Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Oversees all testing personnel and medical assistants to ensure efficient workflow
• Manages daily schedule with the support of the Lab Supervisor and Lab Coordinator (if present) to ensure appropriate staff is assigned to support the volume.
• Always looking for ways to improve organizational workflow and manage appropriately.
• Performs, verifies, and reports laboratory tests in assigned areas as per policy/procedure manuals. Is knowledgeable concerning the practices, principles, and techniques.
• Analyze blood cells by using microscopic techniques and procedures.
• Ensures operation of analyzers and other laboratory equipment by calibrating, completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer's instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, calling for repairs, maintaining equipment inventories, and evaluating new equipment and techniques
• Maintains laboratory supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies, placing and expediting orders for supplies, and verifying receipt of supplies.
• Conserves laboratory resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Provides medical technology information by answering questions and requests.
• Prepares reports of technological findings by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Maintains inter- and intradepartmental workflow by fostering a spirit of cooperation.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection‑control and hazardous waste policies and protocols.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects the organization by keeping information confidential.
• Adheres to quality control policies/procedures and assists in quality assurance. Is aware of the requirements and helps ensure proper documentation for licensure/accreditation.
• Performs tasks in an organized, efficient manner while maintaining a clean area and orderly documentation.
• Possesses a good working knowledge of the laboratory computer system relating to the position.
• Investigate abnormal or unexpected test results before reporting patient testing.
• Communicates test results and concepts to fellow employees, other personnel, and physicians with clarity and confidentiality.
• Demonstrates procedural performance to new personnel both in theory and technical‑related areas. Prepares and assists in technical in‑services.
• Follows stringent safety guidelines requiring the use of potentially harmful infectious agents and follows and enforces the practice of universal precautions.
• Participates in proficiency testing as assigned. Responsible for all phases of patient testing- pre‑analytical, analytical, and post‑analytical
• Will hold monthly one‑on‑one meetings with those reporting to this person.
• Will be responsible for annual evaluations with the support of the AVP of Operations and Laboratory Director.
• Will perform annual competency assessments of Lab MAs and Lab Coordinator
• Participates in leadership development.
• Communicate closely with the AVP of Operations for any employee issues that may need to be addressed. If the AVP of Operations recognizes any technical issues, it will be reported to the Laboratory Director.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Travel may be required and must be available to work at all CARTI locations.

Education, Certification, Licensure, Registration

• Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology.
• Completion of a NAACLS‑accredited MLT program preferred.
• Current certification or certification eligibility within 12 months of hire as a Medical Laboratory Technician by ASCP or AMT, or an equivalent national certifying agency.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS And ABILITIES

• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Basic computer knowledge and skills
• Ability to multi‑task effectively
• Ability to learn and retain information regarding patient care procedures
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and complete delegated tasks
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and caring in dealing with others
• Ability to be flexible and do what is necessary to get the job done right in a timely manner

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.

Interpersonal Skills

• Must interact and communicate both verbally and in written form.
• Must interact and exchange information regarding patients with physicians and other departmental personnel, and outside agencies on a frequent basis while respecting the confidentiality of patient information.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This position involves potential exposure to infectious diseases. Team members are offered appropriate vaccinations and safety training.

Comments

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

This position is a Safety Sensitive Position. The essential functions, physical demands, and mental competencies of this job require the employee maintain the ability to work in a constant state of alertness in a safe manner.