Director of Laboratory Service

Overview

Utilizing clinical and formal education, the Director of Laboratory Services is responsible for the management of the Laboratory Services Department day-to-day operations. The Director works with Administrative staff, Clinicians, and Clinical Customers ensuring that testing processes for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of health are performed in an accurate, timely, efficient, patient-driven, and cost-effective manner. The Director of Laboratory Services manages the department to the best quality in accordance with all applicable regulations and utilizes best ARH business practices to ensure the operational and financial health of services.

Responsibilities

Manages the day-to-day operations of the laboratory to ensure testing is performed accurately, efficiently, and within established turnaround times.
Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of laboratory personnel.
Recommends new testing procedures, equipment, technologies, and processes based on community needs and advancements in laboratory medicine.
Evaluates and improves existing processes to enhance accuracy, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and turnaround times.
Determines staffing needs, priorities, and scheduling patterns.
Recommends staffing adjustments based on productivity and workload demands.
Schedules staff coverage to ensure continuous laboratory operations.
Implements, maintains, reviews, and participates in quality control programs.
Implements, maintains, reviews, and participates in quality assurance programs.
Maintains and manages inventory of supplies, reagents, chemicals, and other materials required for laboratory operations.
Prepares and reviews the departmental budget annually in collaboration with administrative staff.
Establishes departmental goals and evaluates employee performance.
Interviews candidates and recommends hiring, disciplinary action, or termination in accordance with ARH policies.
Collaborates with other departments, medical staff, and administration to develop procedures and resolve operational issues.
Develops and conducts employee in-service education and training programs regarding policy updates, procedural changes, and other operational needs.
Collects, analyzes, and reports laboratory performance, productivity, and operational statistics.
Maintains departmental records and documentation in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, accreditation standards, and ARH policies.
Assists with staffing coverage and on-call responsibilities as needed.
Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements.
Participates in committees, councils, meetings, and projects related to laboratory services and organizational initiatives.
Prepares and presents reports to administration, medical staff, and other departments as requested.
Manages human resource functions, including recruitment, retention, onboarding, employee development, performance evaluations, counseling, discipline, and termination, in collaboration with Human Resources.
Trains and mentors new employees and students within the laboratory.
Collaborates with appropriate partners to promote laboratory services to clinics, nursing homes, providers, and other potential clients.
Works collaboratively with laboratories throughout the ARH system to promote standardized practices and procedures.
Serves as the CLIA-qualified Technical Supervisor for the laboratory.
Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of practice.

Qualifications

Required Education

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Medical Laboratory Science, Healthcare Administration/Laboratory Management, or a Chemical/Biological Science and certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by ASCP, AMT, or an equivalent certifying body and a minimum of four (4) years of clinical laboratory experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience; or
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Medical Laboratory Science or a Chemical/Biological Science and certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by ASCP, AMT, or an equivalent certifying body and four (4) years of clinical laboratory experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience; or
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Medical Laboratory Science and certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by ASCP, AMT, or an equivalent certifying body and six (6) years of clinical laboratory experience.

Required Licenses and Certifications

Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) through ASCP, AMT, AAB, or an equivalent certifying body required.

Preferred Licenses and Certifications

Diplomate in Laboratory Management (DLM) certification through ASCP preferred.

Required Licensure

Clinical Laboratory Practitioner License required for positions located in West Virginia.
No current licensure requirement exists for Kentucky.

Required Experience

Minimum of four (4) years of full-time clinical laboratory experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, including two (2) years of supervisory experience; or
Six (6) years of full-time clinical laboratory experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures and the ability to perform patient testing.
Ability to understand laboratory mathematical processes and perform relevant calculations.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Knowledge of laboratory equipment operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair processes.
Understanding of procedure, reagent kit, and analyzer evaluation, validation, implementation, and selection processes.
Knowledge of financial processes related to laboratory operations.
Inventory and materials management skills, including ordering and utilization review.
Ability to plan staffing, scheduling, coverage, and work assignments.
Basic understanding of Lean principles and performance improvement methodologies.
Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance program development, implementation, and maintenance.
Strong interpersonal communication and public speaking skills.
Ability to prepare reports, presentations, and supporting documentation for administration and management.
Knowledge of record maintenance practices and applicable regulations.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laboratory regulatory requirements.
Understanding of financial management principles as they relate to laboratory operations.
Basic human resource management skills.

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