Job Description

Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. (DLS) is Hawaii’s largest locally owned and operated medical testing laboratory. DLS is considered a leader in the Hawaii, Guam and Saipan communities we serve. As an integral part of the patient care team, DLS uses state of the art testing and value-based informatics to promote optimal patient care and positively impact patient outcomes.

SCHEDULE

Regular Full-Time Position
Must be available Monday to Friday
Must be flexible with schedule changes to meet operational needs.

HIRING RANGE

$90,000.00 to $111,852.00 annual salary

Actual pay commensurate with experience

JOB SUMMARY

Assists Microbiology Manager with directing supervisory staff and the overall operations of the department in support of the company and department mission, vision, shared values and strategic goals. Assumes the responsibility and authority of the department in the absence of the Manager. Provides leadership by planning, organizing and directing operational activities of the department and works with the Manager as applicable to ensure service levels meet the needs of the clients and patients. Positively represents management and the company.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Listed below are the major duties and responsibilities of this position in order of importance. Essential job functions are identified with an *.
2. Assists Manager in supporting staff and supervisory personnel by leading and/or participating in company and department projects and sharing the information, setting priorities, assigning responsibilities and establishing objectives to meet company, department and customer/staff satisfaction goals (30%)*
   1. Supports department management team by directing Seniors, Supervisor and Coordinator, as applicable.
   2. Shares information from other projects, teams, meetings, etc. with the department.
   3. Manages personnel, including performance appraisals, training, development and corrective actions as applicable.
   4. Ensures consistently effective and efficient use of personnel based on accurate productivity tools with the Manager.
   5. Communicates effectively with other department management personnel, other departments, vendors, clients and patients and consistently represents the company on a professional level in community projects.
   6. Develops, promotes and maintains a positive work environment and effective working relationships.
3. Assists Manager in directing the Department to ensure operations comply with all Policies and Procedures according to regulatory requirements. (20%)*
   1. Directs overall operations for department.
   2. Provides guidance for Microbiology-related functions at the hospital laboratories.
   3. Ensures that all policies and procedures are accurate and reflects current practices and are communicated with management team and staff and performed within established guidelines and conditions.
   4. Ensures that the department trains and maintains staff competencies by having accurate and applicable policies, processes and procedures that are the foundation for an effective training and competency assessment program.
   5. Maintains all facilities in compliance with all federal, state and company regulations and/or policies in regards to safety, compliance, IT security, etc.
   6. Coordinates technical issues with the company Technical Coordinators as applicable.
   7. Maintains confidentiality in accordance with company policies and procedures.
4. Proactively investigates, assess and implements improvements to current systems and operations to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and overall Employee satisfaction (20%)*
   1. Coordinates with other departments, such as Purchasing/Supplies, to maximize quality and efficiency by increasing revenue or decreasing expenses.
   2. Evaluates and recommends capital improvements, staffing improvements and system revisions to meet business objectives.
   3. Evaluates work trends and staffing needs; adjustments implemented as indicated.
   4. Participates in department's financial performance reviews, and provides assessment and recommendations.
   5. Represents the department on company projects that affect the department.
   6. Assists Manager in developing and implementing plans regarding strategy and new business development in coordination with other departments.
   7. Identifies and analyzes problems; makes decision and takes appropriate action(s).
5. Ensures that professional skills and operational knowledge is on the cutting edge with innovative systems, processes and technology (20%)*
   1. Ensures continuing education and development for management team is available.
   2. Participates in technical, management and IT continuing education.
   3. Participates in appropriate professional societies.
   4. Performs other related activities as assigned.
6. Applies knowledge as a teaching tool and fosters close relationships with customers and healthcare partners (10%).
   1. Participates as a member of the Queen’s Infection Prevention & Control Committee in the absence of the Manager.
   2. Participates in meetings and conferences required with laboratory partners, such as the State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.
   3. Participates in daily laboratory rounds and provides direction to staff on critical and problem testing interpretations.
   4. Provides direction to pathology residents and medical students during their microbiology rotations.
7. Performs other duties as required.
8. Job Expectations:
   1. Ensures operations of assigned area(s) meet company requirements and customer service goals.
      1. Evaluates performance of department in relation to established goals using appropriate data and personal observation, as assigned.
      2. Develops standards of quality, productivity and performance with manager.
      3. Develops, implements and monitors appropriate audit systems to ensure accuracy, validity and confidentiality of departmental processes
      4. Delegates responsibility and authority appropriately
      5. Ensures staffing and work assignments meet operational requirements.
      6. Ensures documentation of all departmental activities meet established requirements
      7. Develops protocols with the Manager and Technical Director, and oversees technical validations and evaluations, including Point-of-Care (POC) and off-label (“laboratory developed”) testing
         1. Evaluates new instruments, equipment and products
         2. Evaluates and assesses methodology changes
      8. Communicates relevant information to team members, manager and other appropriate people in a timely and appropriate manner.
         1. Prepares reports and documents for immediate supervisor and other relevant people.
      9. Investigates and addresses incidents involving patients, employees, clients, visitors.
         1. Handles situation using appropriate company policy or procedure
         2. Consults manager or other appropriate resource
      10. Monitors supply procurement, inventory management and maintenance of facilities and equipment.
          1. Plans, organizes and implements procedures for the efficient use of supplies and equipment
          2. Ensures service and maintenance are routinely scheduled, and agreements are kept current
   2. Ensures operations of assigned area(s) meet state, federal and other regulatory requirements and accreditation requirements as applicable.
      1. Ensures the availability of technical supervision in accordance with regulatory agencies.
      2. Ensures quality control/assurance programs meet state, federal and other regulatory requirements.
      3. May serve as General Supervisor and/or Technical Consultant/Supervisor to meet CLIA requirements. Refer to Laboratory Personnel and Licensure Requirements policy (QI-11-PER-01) for performance assessment and regulatory responsibilities.
   3. Assists in developing and implementing plans within scope of responsibility to meet organization’s strategy.
   4. Hires, trains, develops and appraises staff appropriately and in compliance with federal and state employment and labor laws.
      1. Plans and coordinates training, development and assessment of staff.
      2. Takes corrective action as necessary on a timely basis.
      3. Consults with manager and Human Resources as appropriate.
      4. Ensures proper documentation.
   5. Assists manager in preparation of departmental budget and monitoring budget compliance.
   6. Keeps abreast of changes in industry and makes recommendations and implements changes with manager’s approval.
   7. Develops and implements improvements for assigned area.
      1. Identifies opportunities for improvements
      2. Analyzes appropriate data and information needed to make decisions with consideration to impact on financial, inventory and labor resources.
      3. Discusses proposed improvements to Manager and Technical Director.
      4. Implements and monitors changes.
   8. Participates in meetings and projects.
      1. Participates in, leads and facilitates administrative, managerial and technical meetings and projects involving internal and external stakeholders.
      2. Manages projects utilizing process improvement methods.
   1. Ensures working environment that provides maximum safety and health and encourages safety awareness among employees.
      1. Ensures that employees perform duties using safe work techniques and procedures in accordance with OSHA, State and Federal regulations and DLS policies and procedures.

1. 9. 2. Reports unsafe work conditions, injuries/illnesses and incidents in a timely and proper manner.
   10. Identifies and analyzes problems; makes decisions and takes appropriate action(s).
       1. Manages access to instruments, equipment and programs.

1. 10. 2. Troubleshoots issues, assists with interface builds and provides input to improvements to the laboratory (LIS) and/or hospital (HIS) information system(s).
   11. Assists internal and external customers with questions, concerns, problems, etc.
   50. Develops, promotes and maintains a positive work climate and effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
   1000. Maintains attendance as scheduled/assigned, consistent with DLS policies and procedures.
   14. Participates in continuing education/in-service programs and in management and laboratory administration related courses.
   15. Participates in appropriate professional society(ies) and activities.
   16. Models the behaviors consistent with the mission, vision and shared values of the organization.
   17. Maintains confidentiality of information in accordance with company policies and procedures.

JOB DEMANDS

Communication Demands:

• Able to read, analyze and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents
• Able to respond to inquiries and complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or business community
• Able to actively listen to accurately identify issues
• Able to write business reports, policies and procedures, speeches and articles for publication
• Able to effectively communicate and deliver presentations and speeches to upper management, public groups, scientific audiences, and/or boards of directors.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Requires fine manipulation and simple grasping.
• Requires clear vision with correction if applicable.
• Requires speaking and active listening on a continual basis.
• May require standing, sitting, typing / keying up to 4 hours on a continual basis.
• May require walking, bending or climbing stairs up to 2 hours on an intermittent basis
• Requires lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling supplies weighing up to 35 pounds on an occasional basis.
• May require wearing protective equipment (PPE) such as, but not limited to, lab coats, gloves, eye protection, face shields, and face masks.
• May require air or ground travel.

Typical Working Conditions:

• Work environment includes conditions common to a hospital / laboratory environment, including working directly with bio-hazardous materials, potentially hazardous chemicals and/or patients with communicable diseases.
• Generally works in an indoor, air-conditioned area.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

Required:

• At least five (5) years experience as Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Specialist with relevant clinical training in Microbiology (moderately- and high-complex testing).
• At least three (3) years management experience.

Preferred:

• Reference laboratory experience.

Certification:

Required:

• Certified as a Medical Technologist (MT), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Technologist or Specialist in Microbiology by an agency recognized by the Hawaii Department of Health State Laboratories Division.

Licensure:

Required:

• Hawaii State License as a Technologist, Technician or Specialist in Microbiology.

Skills:

Required:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbal and written form
• Effective coaching skills
• Exhibit effective decision making with good judgement.
• Intermediate personal computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook and routine database.
• Ability to work in a fast pace and high volume environment.
• Knowledge of quality assurance practices and procedures.
• Proven ability to problem solve/troubleshoot and provide solutions.
• Familiar working with a Laboratory Information System (LIS).

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA/Disability/Vet