Job Abstract

The Pathology Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all Anatomic Pathology department sections including histology, cytopathology, immunohistochemistry, special stains, specimen grossing area and send-out specimens. This position is responsible for technical and scientific oversight as it relates to: selection of the procedural methodology that is appropriate for the clinical use of the test results; verification of the procedures performed and establishment of the laboratory’s performance characteristics, including the quality of sections and stains; establishing a quality control program appropriate for histology procedures; establishing the parameters for acceptable levels of quality, and ensuring that those levels are maintained throughout the process from initial receipt of specimen through reporting of diagnoses.

Essential Functions:

• The Pathology Supervisor will lead and manage technical, clinical, and operational aspects of the laboratory and pathology services. Monitor test results, equipment, and laboratory information systems.
• Perform, assist and support functions within laboratory as needed. Responsible for exceptional care and service by leading and supervising technical, clinical, and operational aspects of the laboratory and pathology services.
• The Pathology Supervisor resolves technical problems, insures remedial actions are taken whenever systems deviate from performance standards, and ensures that test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the system is functioning appropriately.
• S/he oversees the performance of all pathology staff and assures the accurate monitoring, recording and reporting of test results.

• Oversees regulatory and accreditation requirements to ensure departmental technical, quality, and administrative activities are compliant with all regulatory requirements including, but not limited to CAP, CLIA, FDA, OSHA and CMS.

• Promotes continuous quality improvement activities.

• Continually evaluates, maintains and / or improves section performance to ensure consistent clinical value and quality of results.

• Selection and implementation of the clinically appropriate procedural methodology / instrumentation including (optimization, validation and verification)

• Completes all projects assigned by the Laboratory Medical Director, Administrative Director or Lab Manager in a timely fashion.

• Ensures excellent communication and feedback within and outside the department as needed.

• Resolves technical problems, ensures remedial actions, and provides timely and effective communication and feedback related to projects, tasks, problems, challenges, and problem resolution.

• Ensures adherence to all departmental and hospital policies and procedures. Maintains up to date policies and procedures in accordance with regulatory guidelines (CAP, Joint Commission). Informs staff of policy and procedure changes.

• Establish, implement, and maintain service standards to meet member and internal client expectations.

• Implements and monitors new service offerings to meet changing business needs.

• Supervises technical staff, ensures adequate training, conducts competency assessments, and completes annual performance appraisals on time.

• Interviews and selects personnel that contribute to an engaged and motivated staff. Coaches and develops staff and initiates corrective actions via Human Resources as necessary.

• Participates in hospital committees as appropriate to represent the laboratory. Leads lab work groups.

• Provides direction to the technical and clerical staff to maintain optimal workflow and productivity. Coordinates staffing to assure maximum efficiency and equal distribution of the workload.

• Interacts courteously and professionally with all Laboratory customers, clients, pathologists and hospital staff. Promotes positive interdisciplinary relations.

• Establishes both short and long term operational goals, and implements appropriate monitoring and control systems to ensure the laboratories are achieving strategic goals

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of laboratory operation. Strong mathematical, computer, reasoning and language skills preferred.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required:

• Associate’s Degree is required or, Bachelors of Science degree in a laboratory related science such as Biology or Chemistry or, Military training and experience in Histopathology.
• HT (ASCP) or equivalent required (military training acceptable). HTL (ASCP) is preferred.

• Four years of bench level laboratory experience in a medical histology laboratory under a CLIA / CAP qualified laboratory director including accessioning, embedding, microtomy, routine stains, special stains, immunohistochemical and special stains is required. At least two years of supervisory / leadership experience preferred.