Specimen Processing Supervisor Jobs in Washington

Working hours for this role are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a weekend rotation.

General Summary of Position

Performs specimen testing and analysis on patient samples to aid clinicians in diagnosis and treatment. Ensures that all quality control, quality assurance, and equipment maintenance activities are documented and maintained according to established standards. Provides exceptional customer service as needed. Serves as a subject matter expert and technical consultant within specialty area(s). These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and MedStar Health philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluates specimen adequacy for test performance and obtains specimens for quantitative and qualitative analyses.
• Performs routine and specialized testing in assigned areas. Correlates laboratory findings with disease stages, integrates and relates data from other laboratory specialty areas, confirms abnormal results and specimen discrepancies, and initiates appropriate follow-up procedures.
• Reviews and verifies test results; recognizes and follows through on abnormal or unusual results and communicates findings to appropriate personnel. Accurately completes all required documentation. Utilizes judgment and discretion when evaluating sample integrity, process calibration, reagent concentration and stability, quality control, relationships to unknown results, unexpected patient results, and error identification prior to releasing test results.
• Performs and documents daily quality control and quality assurance measures to ensure tolerance limits are not exceeded. Advises the supervisor of quality assurance and quality control issues. Evaluates CAP and other proficiency testing materials as required.
• Analyzes technical problems related to specimen collection and instrumentation. Determines causes and resolves issues in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.
• Maintains adequate reagents and supplies in the work area and on instruments to avoid delays in sample processing.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area at all times in accordance with established Lean standards. Decontaminates counter surfaces, instruments, computers, telephones, and general work areas according to laboratory protocol.
• Ensures turnaround time standards are met within the laboratory section and communicates variances to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Participates in the education and training of students and new employees.
• Maintains individual competency requirements as scheduled.
• Assists with departmental competency requirements, such as performing training assessments or direct observations, as delegated by the Medical Director.
• Provides technical advice and support to other laboratory personnel as needed.
• Communicates pertinent information to incoming shifts to maintain efficient operations.
• Demonstrates troubleshooting skills ranging from simple to complex issues.
• Participates in at least three of the following technical activities:
• Takes an active role in training new associates.
• Reviews and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Performs competency sign-offs.
• Manages inventory and/or supplies for a section.
• Serves as charge technician or safety representative.
• Participates in at least three of the following quality assurance activities:
• Serves as a member of the quality, safety, or service improvement team.
• Completes accurate performance of QC, PT specimens, patient testing, and maintenance.
• Represents the laboratory on a hospital or MedStar workgroup.
• Participates in process improvement projects.
• Performs comparison studies for linearity, precision, and accuracy.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Science, required; or
• Completion of a program offered by the military or a vocational school, required.

Experience

• Three to six years of clinical laboratory training and/or experience, required.

Licenses and Certifications

• MLT – Medical Laboratory Technician (ASCP) certification, required upon hire; or
• AMT – Medical Laboratory Technician (AMTMLT) certification, required upon hire.

This position has a hiring range of USD $25.86 - USD $46.12 /Hr.