What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Medical Lab Scientist position at Houston Methodist?
At Houston Methodist, the Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist position is responsible for serving as the lead person for the assigned section(s) within Laboratory Services and in this capacity performs lead job duties and/or regularly leads projects or performs specialized responsibilities as a regular part of normal job responsibilities. This position serves as the liaison between management, staff and physicians for routine matters, resolving questions and issues. This position serves to support staff in ensuring the delivery of exceptional patient care and adherence to standards of practice for optimal patient safety, quality outcomes, and customer service. Duties may be varied and may include many of the following: organize work schedules, create work assignments, review timecards for accuracy, conduct quality assurance audits of staff performance, develop and implement quality improvement activities, train and mentor staff, provide feedback on staff performance and developmental needs, collect/analyze/report on data, prepare reports on performance and metrics, and other responsibilities of a similar nature and level. This position performs Medical Laboratory Scientist/Specialist functions, such as performing both routine and complex analyses and ensuring that specimens are accessioned and processed expeditiously in order to deliver quality laboratory results in an effective and cost efficient manner. This position also fulfills the duties of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) General Supervisor when required.
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Role models to team members effective communication skills, assisting in their development of such skills.
- Effectively implements protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service. Provides feedback to management on team member performance and conduct. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes. Interviews applicants and provides input into hiring of new staff.
- Participates in laboratory and organization wide initiatives. Represents Laboratory Services in committees as directed.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Coordinates the workflow, processes, staff assignments, and services provided for assigned laboratory section(s), adjusting as needed, to result in optimum patient care, throughput and patient experiences. Ensures turnaround time expectations as defined by management are met by the section teams.
- Serves as liaison between team members, management and physicians, resolving routine matters for the shift and sections.
- Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examination using various analyzers and/or manual methods.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Performs the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all areas assigned to work.
- Recognizes, investigates and correctly resolves test discrepancies. When problems arise, takes appropriate action to investigate and address and notifies management for follow-up.
- Develops plan, leads implementation, and performs data analysis of validations. Coordinates instrument maintenance and repairs. Assists with policy review and submission.
- Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues for section. Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff.
- Oversees section compliance by reviewing and responding to College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation Checklists questions/findings. Completes online CAP Inspector Training. Investigates and responds to reports on patient safety matters.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Provides leadership to staff on efficient utilization of time according to budgetary guidelines. Accurately reviews and edits team member's timecards for management approval.
- Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service.
- Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies for self and others with a focus on continual development. Gains and utilizes knowledge of new technologies that are emerging for laboratory.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor's degree
- If fulfilling the duties of CLIA General Supervisor - Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Three years of experience in a clinical laboratory as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist or comparable role
