Laboratory Supervisor

Description

The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily laboratory operations and supervising laboratory staff to ensure the delivery of accurate, timely, and reliable laboratory services within the Health Department. This position monitors quality control activities, proficiency testing, staff competency requirements, and regulatory compliance to maintain laboratory standards. The Laboratory Supervisor develops and maintains laboratory policies and procedures, provides technical guidance and training to laboratory staff, and works under the direction of the Laboratory Director and coordinates technical matters with the designated Technical Consultant to support efficient laboratory operations and quality patient care for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain confidentiality of patient, employee, provider, and organizational information in accordance with applicable privacy regulations and Tribal policies.
• Supervise daily laboratory operations to ensure accurate, timely, and efficient delivery of laboratory services.
• Provide direction, training, and ongoing support to laboratory staff to promote quality performance and professional development.
• Monitor staff competency requirements, coordinate training, schedule required competency assessments, maintain documentation, and ensure assessments are completed by appropriately qualified personnel.
• Conduct employee performance evaluations, and addresse performance concerns in accordance with departmental policies.
• Assist with the selection, onboarding, and training of laboratory personnel.
• Ensure compliance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and other applicable laboratory regulations and standards.
• Monitor proficiency testing activities and ensure all testing is completed, documented, and submitted within required timeframes.
• Review, perform, and troubleshoot quality control procedures to maintain the accuracy and reliability of laboratory testing.
• Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory policies, procedures, and workflow processes subject to required review and approval by the Laboratory Director.
• Evaluate laboratory equipment, testing methods, and operational practices and recommend improvements as needed.
• Monitor laboratory inventory, equipment maintenance, and supply levels to support uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Investigate testing discrepancies, equipment issues, and quality concerns and implement corrective actions when appropriate.
• Ensures escalation of unresolved QC failures, testing discrepancies, and equipment problems to the designated Technical Consultant and Laboratory Director. 
• Hold affected patient results when QC or test-system performance is unacceptable, following approved procedures, until corrective actions are completed and acceptable performance is verified.
• Maintain effective working relationships with providers, clinic staff, vendors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, maintain required laboratory records, and support inspections, audits, and accreditation activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of clinical laboratory procedures, testing methodologies, quality control practices, and laboratory safety standards.
• Knowledge of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and other applicable laboratory regulations.
• Ability to supervise, train, evaluate, and develop laboratory staff while promoting accountability and professional growth.
• Ability to perform, review, and troubleshoot laboratory testing, quality control procedures, and equipment performance issues.
• Ability to develop, implement, and maintain laboratory policies, procedures, and workflow processes.
• Ability to interpret laboratory data, identify testing discrepancies, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple responsibilities, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, providers, staff, vendors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships while contributing to a collaborative healthcare environment.
• Knowledge of inventory management practices, equipment maintenance requirements, and laboratory supply controls.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint, for communication, reporting, documentation, and record management.
• Knowledge of Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma culture, values, traditions, and governmental structure, with the ability to work respectfully and effectively within a Tribal healthcare environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive patient, employee, and organizational information.
• Meet applicable CLIA testing personnel qualifications under 42 CFR §493.1423 and maintain documented training and competency for all assigned testing

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology required; Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or Clinical Laboratory Science from an accredited institution preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on nonwaived testing experience in a clinical laboratory setting performing diagnostic testing, quality control procedures, proficiency testing, and laboratory operations.
• Experience providing staff training, competency evaluations, workflow oversight, or supervisory responsibilities within a laboratory environment preferred.
• Documented qualifications, training, and competency for the testing assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, and move throughout the laboratory and clinical environment during the course of daily operations.
• Ability to operate laboratory instruments, computers, telephones, and other standard office and laboratory equipment for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move laboratory supplies, equipment, and materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read laboratory results, equipment displays, quality control data, technical procedures, and electronic records.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills necessary to perform laboratory testing procedures, operate laboratory equipment, and handle biological specimens safely.
• Ability to work in an environment with potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, hazardous chemicals, and other laboratory-related hazards while utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Successful completion of applicable tribal drug test.
• Successful completion of applicable tribal background check.
• Must pass background investigation for suitability of character identified in accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license with no serious violations.
• Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap), Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and Varicella vaccinations, with proof of previous vaccinations or proof of positive titer.