Lab Lead

Riverland Community Health is a Federally-Qualified Health Center in St. Paul, where patients receive community-based Family Practice medical care in addition to mental health, dentistry, social work and other integrated services. When joining RCH, you become part of a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming team who are dedicated to serving our patients and pursuing our mission to deliver excellent healthcare for all and training for the providers of tomorrow. 

JOB SUMMARY:

The Lead functions independently in performing all work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice. A Lead acts as a resource for problem resolution and interpretation of results. The Lead may be responsible for bringing in new lab tests, instrument correlation, and method validation. The Lead correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise, and other conditions affecting test results. The Lead participates in performance improvement activities and works with supervisor/manager to improve lab workflows. The Lead may direct work flow in the daily operation of the lab and provide direction and problem solving skills for laboratory functions in the absence of supervisor/manager. The Lead supports the laboratory department by performing routine laboratory tests such as hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, hemoglobin A1C, point-of-care testing, kit testing, and phlebotomy; and prepare specimens to send to reference laboratory. This position also involves performing daily controls, maintenance and upkeep on equipment, filing of lab reports and ordering related supplies. The Lead will also ensure safe and secure specimen handling, ensure efficient workflows, and provide accurate lab results by following lab protocols.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform technical laboratory functions including hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, hemoglobin A1C, point-of-care testing, kit testing.
• Prepare specimens to send to reference laboratory.
• Report test results following lab protocols alerting providers and/or nurses about abnormal results.
• Performs phlebotomy and capillary punctures on patients to obtain samples for testing in accordance with laboratory procedures and policies.
• Participates in quality improvement activities including: analysis of proficiency testing samples, performing and documenting quality control, monitoring and distributing results according to established guidelines to ensure accuracy of tests performed in the laboratory.
• Perform and document equipment maintenance including, troubleshooting and problem solving equipment malfunctions ensuring proper functioning of lab equipment.
• Monitors and requests laboratory supplies to ensure proper inventory to avoid interruption in service.
• Assists in training of new personnel as assigned to ensure established procedures are understood and followed. Documents      training on training checklist.
• Answers incoming department calls and responds appropriately.
• Comply with all laboratory policies and OSHA, CLIA, and COLA regulations related to safety, cleanliness and infection control.
• Maintain confidentiality of all employee, patient, and other privileged information regarding UFPHC business activities and according to HIPAA standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

LEAD RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct work flow in the daily operation of a laboratory section and provide direction and problem solving skills for laboratory functions.
• Functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice.
• Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedures.
• Completes specified maintenance on instruments.
• May be responsible for method development research, instrument correlation, and method validation.
• Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them.
• Acts as a resource for problem solving, corrective action and troubleshooting for lab procedures and unexpected events in lab operations.
• Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
• Consults with supervisor/manager if unable to resolve issues.
• Exercises critical thinking to maintain and improve department productivity and efficiencies.
• Assists supervisor/manager in designing, implementing and evaluating new work processes or methods.
• Ensures compliance to meet COLA standards.
• Documents deviations and action taken.
• Takes action to evaluate and resolve QC outliers. Consults with supervisor/manager for assistance if needed. Assumes responsibility for the lab Performance Improvement program by suggesting areas for improvement, collecting data, reviewing the results, and recommending corrective action to be taken. 

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

• Communicates in a manner consistent with positive patient relations.
• Demonstrates a welcoming environment by smiling and making eye contact when greeting all patients and family members.
• Provides helpful assistance in anticipating and responding to the needs of all patients and family members. 
• Collaborates with customers in planning and decision making to result in optimal solutions. 
• Remains calm under pressure and effectively deals with difficult people.
• Independently recognizes, interprets, and evaluates situations and their level of urgency.
• Completes training checklists and evaluations as appropriate.
• Responsible for monitoring and documenting the progress of orientation and training, provides feedback to trainee.
• Fosters a culture of improvement, efficiency and innovative thinking.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent customer/patient service, verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to details and organizes effectively.
• Problem solves and recommends solutions.
• Works independently and effectively as a team player.
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Ability to adapt easily to changing conditions and work responsibilities.
• Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations.
• Proficient ability to use a computer and electronic medical record.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Associates degree in Medical Laboratory Technician or Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology OR
• Two years or more required of recent experience in an accredited laboratory is required. 
• At least 1-year lead/supervisory experience is strongly preferred. 
• X-ray certification preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Requires full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Frequent standing and walking for extensive periods of time.
• Occasional sitting, reaching, and bending.
• Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires corrected vision, cannot be color blind, and requires hearing in normal range

 Full-time Monday-Friday, with the requirement to work occasional Saturdays on operational needs. 

A summary of our benefits include but are not limited to: health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, basic life insurance, voluntary additional life insurance, spousal and child insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and a 403b retirement plan. 

In addition, job offers made during flu season are conditioned on the candidate receiving the annual flu vaccination before their start date.

RCH is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.