Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist

Job Summary: Incumbent will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Core Laboratory including but not limited to the coordination, support, and guidance of the daily laboratory activities following CLIA/COLA regulation and standards. Review of laboratory records/documents for compliance and acceptable performance. Performs all applicable requirements for documentation, record keeping, reporting, and quality assurance of required laboratory activities such as preventive maintenance, quality control, test reporting, etc., to meet CLIA/COLA and CAIHC Laboratory requirements. Assists to establish and implement laboratory procedures using the continuous quality improvement approach. Assists in maintaining CLIA/COLA readiness and preparations for regulatory inspections. Develops the staffing work schedule to adequately cover and support clinic hours of operation.

Adhere to the TCC Ch'eghwtsen' model of service and guiding principle which requires providing timely and effective service along with the ability to interact with others in a way that inspires trust and demonstrates respect, compassion and empathy.

Essential Functions: This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Representative Duties: Under the direct supervision of the Laboratory Director, job incumbent:

1. Coordinates the activities of laboratory staff, including continuing education opportunities, encouraging and ensuring full participation and involvement of the laboratory team in decision making and planning for the lab.

2. Performs a full range of clinical laboratory tests and examinations on a variety of clinical specimens.

3. Coordinates/monitors the development and implementation of a quality assurance/improvement program including: quality assessment, proficiency testing, preventative maintenance, safety, and methodology assessment and staff competency. Participates in continuing process improvement.

4. Monitors record keeping and reporting, assuring the completion of all reports and procedures required for continued COLA certification and maintaining records in accordance with COLA, AAAHC, and CLIA regulations. Maintains departmental Policy and Procedures manuals on a regular basis. Responsible for reviewing daily and weekly laboratory records as required.

5. Monitors laboratory supplies in order to maintain an adequate supply and reagent inventory levels.

6. Responsible for the technical and scientific oversight of the laboratory and the day-to-day supervision and coordination of testing personnel, reporting of test results, and laboratory activities.

7. Serves as liaison with clinical consultant and others as required.

8. Participates in program planning and budgeting; orients physicians, nurses, and others to laboratory and specimen collection procedures.

9. May be required to share on-call and weekend coverage as needed. Responds to internal/external disasters as needed.

10. Responsible to access the knowledge and skills of department staff in the areas of principles of growth and developmental stages of patients throughout the continuum of life as they relate to the collection of specimens and the interpretation of results.

11. Is clear and concise, both verbally and in writing when communicating with staff and the public. Builds effective, supportive relationships with co-workers and internal/external customers. Uses positive interpersonal skills to promote success of team members and promote laboratory and health center goals.

12. Supports and may assist the Laboratory Director in overseeing moderate complexity testing in the sub-regional clinics. And may work in cooperation with the POC Lead Technologist to support the point-of-care testing in sub regional clinics.

13. Maintain accurate patient and instrumentation records; maintain patient confidentiality.

Laboratory Information Systems:

1. Coordination of Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) activities as CAIHC and UTHC.

2. In Coordination with Information Technology LIS assistance will be provided to aide in install of applications, analysis, modification, enhancement, design, implementation, upgrade and testing, application analysis, maintenance and problem solving, project documentation and user support.

3. System Optimization to achieve Laboratory Goals.

4. Plays large role in researching and resolving software problems as part of daily operation support.

5. Works with Orchard and Athena to maintain, update and modify data tables for LIS interfaces, tests, all aspects of interface, maintains documentation while working with database coordinators to have tests on-line in appropriate time frames as determined by the Laboratory Director.

6. Coordinate and manage ongoing applications installations and future modification/upgrades.

7. Applications and Interface Enhancements/Development.

8. Provider the Laboratory Director with recommendations for operational and information for new version upgrades, system integration issues, advanced technology trouble shooting and root cause analysis.

9. Lead configuration of new features for integration with Orchard/Athena.

10. Provides Day-to-Day operational support for LIS.

11. Provide Advanced LIS troubleshooting to resolve complex patient safety issues under stressful situations.

12. As subject matter expert, test complex system changes or system integration issues, assist with training materials, and provide LIS training and competency assessment.

13. Assist the Laboratory director in LIS documentation, including user manuals, policies and SOPs.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Perform other job related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological, or Clinical Laboratory Science from an accredited institution OR the capabilities normally equated with completion of a Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological or Clinical Laboratory Science and 7 years laboratory experience. MT or CLS (ASCP) registration or licensure as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist (CLT) by AMT.

2. One year, Clinical Laboratory Information Systems Experience Required.

3. Must be able to pass the core competencies annually.

4. Must pass background check pursuant to federal Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Basic knowledge and understanding of management practices and principles.

2. Knowledge and understanding of universal precautions and infection control practices.

3. Pertinent knowledge and understanding of Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations regarding health care.

4. Demonstrate leadership skills.

5. Prepare clear and concise reports.

6. Work independently in the absence of supervision.

7. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

8. Comprehensive knowledge of professional medical technology/clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work.

9. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement providing for sound independent work.

10. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.

11. Ability to interpret and apply complex written instructions.

LIS Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

1. Go-Live/Version Upgrade Project Experience.

2. Expertise in the use, support, and management of a clinical application and associated database management.

3. Informatics and Operational Expertise.

Supervision: Supervises the daily operations and the direct work of the Laboratory Staff at the direction of the Laboratory Director.

Physical demands: Able to spend long periods of time sitting or standing. Have good color discernment. May be exposed to communicable diseases, blood born pathogens, and hazardous materials. May need to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally. Traveling from site to site (includes travel in small aircraft), standing, and stooping for extended periods of time. Exposure to a variety of working environments, including rural village communities.

Work Schedule: Hours of work may be subject to change based upon the needs of the department.

Shift Rotation: YES Weekends/Holidays: YES On-Call: RARELY

This is an exempt position, when being asked to cover technical benches, typical start and end times are:

• First shift start time is as early as 7:00AM - 9:30AM.
• Second shift start time is as early as 10:00AM and the Stop Time is Dependent on the Last Patient Seen in Urgent Care 7 Days a week.