Director of Laboratory Services

Overview

In conjunction with medical and operational leadership, is responsible for the overall management and operations of contracted laboratory services across the organization. Ensures optimal and uninterrupted clinical lab services for all patients across people, process, and technology dimensions. Ensures that services are of the best quality, are cost contained and results effectively and efficiently delivered. Provide subject matter expertise and guidance in the development and assessment of clinical laboratory requirements, contract capacity, and clinical demand for laboratory services. Participate in continuous quality improvement activities related to laboratory structures, processes, and outcomes. Collaborate with and serve on a variety of interdisciplinary team structures, committees, and organizational functions to promote patient safety and optimal clinical outcomes. Plan and conduct studies on technical and administrative problems involving personnel shortages, organizational structure, new technology, program deficiencies, reporting systems and other relevant aspects of clinical laboratory services delivery.

** The candidate hired for this role will be working a hybrid schedule that will require them to spend some time in the offices in Austin, Texas every week, therefore we are looking for someone that lives in the Central Texas area.**

Responsibilities

• Directs, manages, and supports the contracted laboratory services across the organization.
• Actively participates in committees and work groups to promote integration and alignment of services.
• Sets long term and short term goals consistent with system wide vision and objectives.
• Prepares the Laboratory capital and operating budgets to support patient care service throughout the organization.
• Reviews lab services, recommends additions/deletions, and implements approved changes.
• Coordinates with the contracted laboratory services provider to assure requirements are being met, and concerns and issues are being addressed.
• Provides input to medical and operational leadership, including the CMO, regarding the development of utilization criteria.
• Develops and monitors productivity and quality metrics against established benchmarks
• Complies with organizational contracting standards in the purchase and/or lease of new equipment or contracting with new or alternate vendors.
• Promotes and provides for a positive work environment.
• Meets with contracted laboratory staff on a regular basis to discuss laboratory issues/concerns.
• Shares quality scores with contracted laboratory staff; includes staff in issue resolution.
• Is accountable for all laboratory activities 24 hours per day with delegation to others as needed.
• Interacts with patients, staff, and providers at clinical sites.
• Identifies opportunities for improving patient outcomes.
• Responds to services and quality issues.
• Addresses complaints/concerns promptly.
• Investigates problems or unusual circumstances and reports to administration, risk management as appropriate.
• Creates a process for corrective action to occur in a timely manner.
• Provides feedback to stakeholders as directed.
• Supports the system wide development of Laboratory Outreach/Outpatient Programs
• Is alert to customer concerns and addresses them promptly.
• Provides adequate number and mix of staff members to meet the needs and demands of the clinical sites and overall organization.
• Flexes contracted staff up/down to meet productivity targets
• Assures contracted staff qualifications are consistent with job responsibilities.
• Provides a climate conducive to educational experiences for health care students as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of clinical laboratory services.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations.
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information.
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner. 

Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION:   Bachelors Degree in clinical laboratory science, medical technology or chemical, physical or biological science.

PREFERRED EDUCATION:   Masters Degree in clinical laboratory science, medical technology or chemical, physical or biological science.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:  1 year laboratory training/experience and 1 year supervisory experience in a laboratory.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Experience with regulatory and accreditation of laboratory operations, preferably CLIA and CAP.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE: Certification by American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT).

REQUIRED COURSES/COMPLETIONS: Basic Life Support (BLS) - Obtained through approved American Heart Association Training Network or the Military Training Network.