Lead Laboratory Technician

PRIMARY FUNCTION
The Lead Laboratory Technician is responsible for overseeing and monitoring laboratory test analysis and specimen integrity for assigned lab sites to ensure proper patient care. Ensures all laboratory policies and procedures are followed for specimen collection, test performance and result entry. Supervises, trains, and maintains competency of lab staff and maintains laboratory instruments. Ensures lab follows standards for CLIA licensing and inspections.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This list may not include all the duties that may be assigned.

1. Provides training for lab new hires including phlebotomy training. Completes lab training tracking sheets and training packet. Provides weekly progress reports including 60- and 90-day evaluations.
2. Communicates and reports employee training progress and performance to Practice Manager. Escalates employee deficiencies and areas of concern.
3. Ensures lab staff are performing daily standard quality control (QC) testing. Reviews daily, weekly, and monthly QC.
4. Performs and completes annual calibration of lab instruments. Responsible for all maintenance (daily, weekly, 6 months, annual) and calibration of the instruments. Ensures all equipment is in good working condition.
5. Monitors laboratory test analysis and specimen integrity to ensure proper patient care is provided and lab policies are followed. Monitors the LIS worklist daily, including reference lab orders.
6. Assesses lab staff proficiency test results. Provides support by coaching employees and corrects any equipment error for proficiency scores of less than 100%.
7. Supports the lab operations in medical offices and covers lab shifts when needed. Performs laboratory testing procedures in Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Serology, Microbiology and Spirometry. May also perform phlebotomy including venipuncture, finger sticks and heel sticks for pediatric patients.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILTIES
Supervises, trains, and conducts reviews for Lab Technicians.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Graduation from accredited Medical Assistant or LPN program preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 3 years of lab experience in healthcare setting required.
• Minimum 2 years as a Pediatric Associates Lab Technician strongly preferred.

LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION

• CPR required.
• Medical Assistant, State of Florida Clinical Laboratory Technician, and Phlebotomy certification preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to supervise, train, lead, delegate, and mentor staff.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control requirements
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology
• Knowledge of universal precaution procedures in medical safety practices
• Phlebotomy skills
• Ability to communicate and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees, and the public.
• Ability to assess emergency situations and act accordingly.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Patient-facing
• Indoor work
• Operating computer
• Exposure to hazards
• Reach outward, reach above shoulder.
• Manual Dexterity
• Lift/Carry 10 lbs. or less.
• Push/Pull 12 lbs. or less.
• Sitting, walking, squatting, kneeling, or bending.
• Travel 100% local, less than 5% out of state travel.

OTHER PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Vision
• Sense of sound
• Sense of smell
• Sense of touch
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE)

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Reports laboratory results correctly, accurately and in a timely manner to healthcare clinicians.

Adhere to all organizational information security policies and protect all sensitive information including but not limited to ePHI and PHI (Protected Health Information) in accordance with organizational policy, Federal, State, and local regulations.