Job Abstract

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the technical and scientific oversight of the laboratory, day to-day laboratory operation and personnel performing testing and reporting test results.
• As directed by the Laboratory Director, Clinical Consultant and Technical Supervisor, the Laboratory Supervisor:
  • Participates in selection of test methodology appropriate for the clinical use of the test results
  • Participates in verification of the test procedures performed and the establishment of the laboratory's test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system
  • Ensures enrollment and participation in an HHS approved proficiency testing program commensurate with the services offered
  • Establishes a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed and establishing the parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance and ensuring that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process from the initial receipt of the specimen, through sample analysis and reporting of test results;
  • Resolves technical and operational problems and ensuring that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications;
  • Ensures that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly;
  • Identifies training needs and assuring that each individual performing tests receives regular in-service training and education appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed;
  • Evaluates the competency of all testing personnel and assuring that the staff maintain their competency to perform test procedures and report test results promptly, accurately and proficiently.
• As delegated by the Laboratory Director or Technical Supervisor ensures the competency of testing personnel in area of responsibility i.e. moderately complexity and/or high complexity testing.
• Ensures that the staff maintains their competency to perform test procedures and report test results promptly, accurately and proficiently.
• Evaluates and documents competency assessment of testing personnel in laboratory area of responsibility at least semiannually during the first year the testing personnel tests patient specimens and annually thereafter.
• Evaluates testing personnel competency through:
  • Direct observations of routine patient test performance, including patient preparation, if applicable, specimen handling, processing and testing;
  • Monitoring the recording and reporting of test results;
  • Review of intermediate test results or worksheets, quality control records, proficiency testing results, and preventive maintenance records;
  • Direct observation of performance of instrument maintenance and function checks;
  • Assessment of test performance through testing previously analyzed specimens, internal blind testing samples or external proficiency testing samples; and
  • Assessment of problem solving skills
• Maintains competency assessment documentation.
• Notifies Technical Supervisor, Clinical Consultant, or Laboratory Director immediately of detected problems.
• Supervises staff and handles: staffing, hiring, orientation, scheduling, evaluating and developing staff including continuing education initiatives.
• Ensures efficient utilization of resources.
• Develop and maintain department objectives and services.
• Assist with policy and procedure development; ensures compliance.
• Maintains instruments and equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. Implements and maintains performance improvement program.
• Assists with annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitors, analyzes and justifies expense and revenue within departments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from a four-year college or university.

Certifications:

• For Clinical Pathology:
  • MT (ASCP) or ASCP eligible preferred.

Complexity of Work:

• Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work unsupervised or with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

Work Experience:

• Have at least five years of clinical laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing, to include time spent in Chemistry, Hematology, and Blood Bank.
• Two years of clinical laboratory management or supervisory experience preferred.
• Laboratory training or experience and can be met by any combination of years of clinical laboratory training or experience. Clinical laboratory training or experience can be met by:
  • Medical technology internship
  • Full time experience performing non-waived testing for the required number of years
  • Part-time experience performing non-waived testing, with 2080 hours equivalent to one year.
• If the required clinical laboratory training and experience occurred at an outside facility, a signed, official letter from the facility or organization is required which details the dates and laboratory discipline experience and training.

• The candidate needs to qualify as a CLIA General Supervisor for Blood Bank and CLIA Technical Consultant for Hematology and Chemistry.

• Must have the following experience:
  1 year of experience in blood bank
  2 years of experience in hematology
  2 years of experience in Chemistry

Physical Requirements:

• Visual acuity to study specimens under a microscope.
• Ability to differentiate color, hue, saturation and tones.
• Fine motor skills and manual dexterity to handle specimens and lab equipment required to process specimens and repair equipment.
• May be required to stand for long periods of time.
• Light lifting may be required.
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, biohazards, radioactive materials, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

The policy of Cleveland Clinic Health System and its system hospitals (Cleveland Clinic Health System) is to provide equal opportunity to all of our caregivers and applicants for employment in our tobacco free and drug free environment. All offers of employment are followed by testing for controlled substance and nicotine. All offers of employment are follwed by testing for controlled substances and nicotine. All new caregivers must clear a nicotine test within their 90-day new hire period. Candidates for employment who are impacted by Cleveland Clinic Health System's Smoking Policy will be permitted to reapply for open positions after one year.

Cleveland Clinic Health System administers an influenza prevention program. You will be required to comply with this program, which will include obtaining an influenza vaccination on an annual basis or obtaining an approved exemption.

Decisions concerning employment, transfers and promotions are made upon the basis of the best qualified candidate without regard to color, race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran or any other characteristic protected by law. Information provided on this application may be shared with any Cleveland Clinic Health System facility. 

Please review the Equal Employment Opportunity poster. 

Cleveland Clinic Health System is pleased to be an equal employment employer: Women / Minorities / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities