Laboratory Manager

The incumbent in this position manages all operations of the assigned laboratory sections. Leads the assigned laboratory sections to ensure that proper procedures and tests are being performed. Serves as a resource to the technical staff and ensures quality control/quality assurance and regulatory compliance for the laboratory. Leads the management of the operational, personnel, and financial activities of the assigned laboratory sections. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and Georgetown University Hospital's philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards.

• Manages assigned operational and capital budgets according to hospital guidelines. Works collectively with Laboratory Supervisors to ensure that financial targets are achieved within each assigned laboratory section. Reviews laboratory sections' monthly reports and completes required documentation/justification as requested. Manages and monitors all billing and revenue-generating activities for the assigned laboratory sections.
• Reviews reports and conducts audits to ensure compliance with all billing regulations. Adjusts CPT & ICD-9 code assignments as needed. Resolves billing issues as needed. Works collectively with the Administrative Director in drafting ROI calculations & business plans for developing new services and/or implementing new testing within the department.
• Collaboratively works with the Laboratory Supervisor(s) of assigned lab sections to ensure patient care testing is performed according to hospital standards & regulatory guidelines. Completes patient care testing for specimens received in assigned laboratory sections as outlined in the training and/or competency assessment documentation.
• Performs patient care testing on assigned specimens without supervision and/or director review for specimen processing, test performance, or result reporting unless specified and documented in the competency assessment or testing procedure.
• Manages employee schedules, bench assignments, and instrument layout with the Laboratory Supervisor(s) to ensure operational objectives are achieved. Leads Laboratory Supervisor(s) and section staff in process improvement activities within the assigned lab sections to ensure all operational goals and standards are achieved. Assists Laboratory Supervisor(s) in reorganizing specimen flow as needed.
• Collaboratively works with the Laboratory Supervisor(s) of assigned lab sections to ensure all competency assessments, proficiency tests, and other quality control activities are completed in a timely manner and according to manufacturer/regulatory guidelines. Creates, reviews, and revises laboratory section SOPs to meet all required guidelines.
• When inspected, works directly with the regulatory agency to ensure all questions are answered. Leads the inspector through the inspection process and responds to all regulatory requests after the inspection has been completed.
• Works collectively with Laboratory Supervisor(s) to ensure the laboratory meets and exceeds all safety requirements, including, but not limited to, maintaining temperature charts, equipment logs, control materials, laboratory cleanliness, and transportation of hazardous wastes to the department's pick-up area.
• Ensures that staff within the assigned lab sections comply with all designated safety policies and procedures in the work area, including the use of applicable protective equipment when necessary to prevent exposure to potentially infectious agents.
• Complies with department customer service standards and holds assigned staff accountable to these standards.
• Ensures that turnaround time standards are met within the assigned laboratory sections. Always maintains a positive image when interacting with others outside of the laboratory. Proactively provides assistance to the outside department when needed.
• In conjunction with the Laboratory Supervisor(s), provides staff training and education on the patient care testing process of the assigned laboratory sections. Leads all validation studies within the assigned laboratory sections when new tests are being implemented. Ensures all regulatory requirements are fulfilled when test menus change (i.e., new tests being added and tests being removed).
• Leads the evaluation of new procedures and equipment as requested for the assigned laboratory sections. Works with Laboratory Supervisor(s) and assigned staff to repair laboratory equipment as needed. Leads assigned staff through the process of continual patient care testing despite equipment outages (i.e., downtime process, send-out specimens, reroute specimens).
• Assumes personnel management of staff members in assigned laboratory sections. The items include, but are not limited to, interviewing, hiring, orienting, training, scheduling, coaching, counseling, evaluating, promoting, and terminating employees. Ensures Laboratory Supervisor(s) of assigned sections are addressing personnel issues on a timely and equitable basis.
• Works collaboratively with Human Resources to ensure that all paperwork is completed in a timely manner. Ensures all employees within the assigned laboratory sections who participate in the career ladder continue to meet the requirements on an annual basis.
• Observes Joint Commission (JC) standards, Patient Safety initiatives, Patient Rights, and HIPAA Privacy standards. Follows care documentation and cleanliness standards in the performance of job duties; completes in-services and education on a timely basis; completes continuing education requirements for recertification as required by certification organizations.
• Is focused on patient safety during the performance of duties and improves or makes corrections when safety issues arise; notifies the department manager as required; interacts with other team members, both on the unit and in other units, in an appropriate and proactive way to benefit the patient.

Education

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Medical Laboratory Science, required; or closely related field.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• 8-10 years of laboratory experience required, which includes three years in some type of supervisory/management role; and
• Experience in an acute care hospital or healthcare facility preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• ASCP - American Society of Clinical Pathologists required; or
• ABHI - American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics required; or
• Eligible candidates will be accepted and expected to sit for & pass the certification exam within 1 year, required.

• Excellent knowledge and skills in laboratory operations.
• Able to set priorities and work under stress.
• Must be able to remain calm and tactful when resolving problems involving all levels of staff, patients, visitors, vendors, etc.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing conditions.