Laboratory Section Manager - Chemistry

MAIN FUNCTION: The Section Manager of Chemistry oversees the technical and regulatory activities of the Chemistry Section on all shifts, manages the day-to-day operations of the section, ensures all procedures and protocols are being appropriately followed, and acts as a liaison between the Chemistry Section, other departments, providers, and other affiliated institutions.
The Chemistry Section includes chemistry, special chemistry, and reference laboratory send-outs.
The Chemistry Manager reports to the Systems Director of Laboratory Services and the Laboratory Medical Director.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: As a working manager, maintains a working knowledge of all procedures performed within the section and in the operation of all equipment.
Maintains competency documentation to a level that allows replacement of the technical personnel on the bench.
Operates area of responsibility by standards established by external licensing, accreditation, regulatory, and auditing entities to ensure compliance with all regulatory agencies, including (but not limited to) NYSDOH and The Joint Commission.
Understands and enforces compliance with all Laboratory Policies and Procedures, Arnot Health and or System Policies and Procedures, Federal Regulations, and New York State Department of Health Regulations, especially as they pertain to their area(s) of responsibility.
Maintains readiness for unannounced internal inspections by other Arnot Health System employees and external inspections by NYSDOH, The Joint Commission, and other State and Federal agencies.
Ensures all team members working in the Chemistry Section are appropriately trained and competency assessed on the proper procedures for performing appropriate testing.
This includes completing the competency assessment of assigned technical and non-technical employees in the section after their training, six (6) months after training, and annually after that, as well as at their initial, 90-day, and ongoing annual reviews and periodic reviews as required.
This documentation of competencies should include all procedures of competency, where applicable: a) direct observation of test performance; b) review of recording and reporting of test results; c) review of intermediate test reports and worksheets, QC records, PT results, and preventive maintenance records; d) direct observation of maintenance procedures & function checks; e) assessment of test performance through testing of previously analyzed specimens, internal “blind testing” samples or external proficiency testing materials; and f) assessment of problem-solving skills; h) direct observation of compliance with safe practices required to perform specimen handling; and i) assessment of competency for any delegated supervisory functions.
Maintains documentation of such assessments and remediation(s) as necessary.
Maintains section-level operational, statistical, quality control/assurance, and workload records as required or requested; completes reports and surveys related to the Chemistry section within applicable timeframes.
Actively participates as a member of Departmental and System committees as requested.
Conducts section level Team Huddles at least daily and ensures active communication within and between other sections in the Department.
Maintains current and develops new procedures for the Chemistry Section, including all appropriate validation multi-system agreements, calibration verifications, and linearity studies.
Ensures that all section SOPs are accurate and written following CLSI guidelines and are formatted according to Arnot Health standards (including being uploaded to and maintained in the current electronic document management system.
Make appropriate changes to these SOPs to keep the SOP current and obtain the Medical Director's approval for all major changes.
Reviews all procedures biennially and documents this review in the current electronic document management system.
Investigate all incident reports or complaints involving the area of responsibility and document findings and follow-up action (s).
Investigate and resolve any Patient File Alterations (PFALTs).
Counsel employees promptly when warranted and maintain adequate counseling and corrective action documentation.
Initiates necessary disciplinary actions promptly.
Develop and submit plans of correction to the Systems Director, Quality Systems Manager, and Medical Director(s) to address ongoing problems within the section and issues detected during routine QA activity.
Works with the Quality Systems Manager to ensure that corrective action has resolved the issue and will reduce the potential for similar issues.
Reviews testing is performed in the area of responsibility at least to a level consistent with regulatory requirements and provides immediate follow-up on any discrepancies.
Monitors and ensures scheduled instrument and equipment maintenance is performed at the intervals required by regulatory standards and manufacturer instructions.
Monitors daily quality control to ensure the accuracy of test results as appropriate.
Submits and reviews quality control data for peer group analysis as available.
Understands and recognizes results outside statistical or established quality control (QC) limits and takes appropriate action.
Directs timely completion and result submission of proficiency testing (PT) surveys.
Involves all team members who perform patient testing in proficiency testing within the limits prescribed by regulations.
Documents PT performance and any required remediation as part of the employee’s competency record.
Keeps up with the current state of clinical laboratory science, including new instrumentation, techniques, and procedures.
Evaluates, appraises, and screens new products presented by vendors.
Recommends purchasing and repairing equipment to the System Director of Laboratory Services.
Cooperatively works with the System Director of Laboratory Services to request vendor bids for equipment purchases, leases, or rentals.
Manages and monitors stock levels and ensures an adequate supply and verification of appropriate reagents and other consumables for the section’s instrumentation and equipment.
Maintains appropriate Safety Data Sheets (SDS) documentation for areas of responsibility, informing employees of hazards and risks of various chemicals.
Maintains familiarity with and demonstrates quality improvement and assurance principles and procedures and actively participates in the laboratory’s quality process.
Assists with and maintains quality monitors within the area of responsibility and can demonstrate quality improvement within the area of responsibility over time.
Assists the System Director of Laboratory Services and Medical Director (s) in developing projects and coordinating their completion.
May perform related research activities, special studies, and assignments under the direction of the System Director of Laboratory Services, Medical Director (s), or Pathologists.
Maintains close communications with the Medical Director, System Director of Laboratory Services, and Quality Systems Manager.
Informs laboratory leadership of issues (actual or potential) and actions taken to resolve those issues.
Works closely with other Laboratory leaders to provide continuity of all Laboratory operations on all shifts.
Schedules section personnel in coordination with the Laboratory Leadership team to provide comprehensive laboratory coverage.
Maintains team staffing level in the section to ensure that team staffing is consistent with workload and maximizes productivity.
Willingly permits team members to assist in other areas of the Laboratory as workflow permits.
Notifies the Systems Director of Laboratory Services regarding team member issues to ensure the timely completion of section testing.
As appropriate, provides education and training for new employees, students, and current employees to develop new procedures or skills.
Ensures all section team members are appropriately licensed, orientated, trained, and competently assessed.
Maintains complete documentation of all team members' training and competency assessment.
Develop subordinates to assume increased responsibilities and involvement within the Chemistry section, Laboratory, and Arnot Health.
Is familiar with and demonstrates Customer Service and Employee Engagement principles both as an individual and as a leader & role model in the Department and Arnot Health.
Participates in human resource management of the section’s team members.
This includes but is not limited to understanding System human resource policies and procedures, interviewing and participating in selecting new candidates, providing periodic counseling and performance evaluations, investigating incidents, and, when necessary, fair, equitable, and timely disciplinary actions.
Participates in and documents at least twelve (12) hours of continuing education per calendar year.
Is responsible for attending and participating in all annual mandatory educational programs as required by the position, the Department, and Arnot Health.
Ensure their section-specific licensed testing personnel have at least twelve (12) hours of continuing education per calendar year.
Has a working knowledge of all computer systems as they apply to this area of responsibility.
It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the position; however, it is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, or higher preferred, in clinical laboratory technology (or Medical Technology) from a program registered by the NYSED or determined by the NYSED to be substantially equivalent; or have received a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or the physical sciences or the substantial equivalent and also have received an advanced certificate from an accredited clinical laboratory technology program or a program determined by the NYSED to be the substantial equivalent.
Must have and maintain a NYSED Clinical Laboratory Technology license or have documentation that an application for a license has been submitted .
EXPERIENCE: Meets all requirements of federal and state regulations for a supervisor and possesses high-level organizational and communication skills.
Is found to have adequate clinical laboratory experience to qualify as a Technical Supervisor with the New York State Department of Health.
Four (4) years of pertinent clinical laboratory experience after qualification as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist (or meets one of the additional qualifications of laboratory supervisor following section 58-1.
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CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENT: No CPR certification is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Light to moderate physical effort.
Routine prolonged standing and walking.
Typical clinical laboratory environment.
EXPOSURE CATEGORY: Category I.
Tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.
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Essential Functions