Director - Lab Services

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Directly manages and oversees the work of managers, supervisors and staff, with 24-hour responsibility for the full operations of the Clinical Laboratory

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for providing overall technical direction and administration to Laboratory personnel in order to ensure that the departments operate efficiently and effectively. In so doing, reviews and revises, as necessary, guidelines and ensures that diagnostic procedures comply with all Hospital and regulatory agency standards. Directs the operation of Laboratory and Outreach Laboratory with other areas of the hospital. Develops, secures approval of, and administers the capital and operating budgets. Interviews, hires, and evaluates the performance of and, when necessary, disciplines and discharges employees. Develops and implements appropriate methods to monitor adherence to budgets and resolve variances. Oversees the development and maintenance of Quality Control, equipment maintenance programs, Quality Improvement, safety.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Consistently supports and communicates the Mission, Vision and Values of St. Joseph Medical Center.
• Follows the St. Joseph Medical Center Guidelines related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), designed to prevent or detect unauthorized disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI).
• Promotes a culture of safety for patients and employees through proper identification, proper reporting, documentation and prevention of medical errors in a non-punitive environment.
• Through supervisory employees, plans and directly administers the effective management and delivery of diagnostic Laboratory and Outreach Lab departmental procedures for the hospital in accordance with all hospital and regulatory agency standards.
• Develops Laboratory goals and objectives and in collaboration with Executive Management, designs and implements plans to meet agreed-upon goals and objectives.
• Develops, secures approval of and administers the capital and operating budgets in order to meet agreed-upon departmental goals and objectives.
• Develops and implements appropriate methods to monitor adherence to budgets and resolve variances.
• Interviews, hires, evaluates the performance of and, when necessary, disciplines and discharges employees.
• Approves hiring and, when necessary, discharge recommendations of subordinate supervisory employees, and assists in resolving complex employee relations matters.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of Quality Control and equipment maintenance programs necessary, to ensure that all tests conducted are performed properly, and that tests results are valid and accurate prior to release.
• Oversees development, evaluates effectiveness and directs implementation of technical procedures, guidelines for Laboratory, Safety, Quality Assurance and other programs and activities.
• Oversees development of departmental in-service training programs to ensure that Laboratory employees maintain knowledge and competency of current techniques and procedures in testing, equipment operation, and quality control.
• Maintains cooperative working relationships with a variety of hospital personnel and physicians, in order to resolve problems and to enhance the smooth and efficient delivery of laboratory services.
• Reviews and approves recommendations for department equipment modifications, new supplies and equipment purchases.
• Recommends and secures approval of major capital expense items.
• Initiates the bidding process with vendors and upon approval, awards bids.
• Ensures that all department and operation records are properly maintained.
• Directs the management, and/or outside agencies.
• Serves as technical resource to employees in resolving complex problems, and in investigating and taking corrective actions in response to incident reports and/or patient or patient care area complaints.
• Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate journals, books and other literature and attending related seminars and conferences.
• Maintains cooperative, working relationships with other Directors in the region.
• Serves on/leads committees, groups, Boards, etc., within or outside the hospital, to represent the hospital, develop and promote business interests, and/or advise on various issues.
• Supportive of the compliance program set forth by St. Joseph's Medical Center and demonstrated by:
  • Upholds the Standards of Conduct and Corporate Compliance.
  • Adheres to dealing appropriately and fairly with employee misconduct.
  • Enforces all compliance policies as they pertain to his/her area.
  • Provides and assures timely compliance education as requested by the Regional Compliance & Safety Officer and/or through corporate initiatives.
• Sets an example to all staff in their daily activities.
• Supports, reviews, and understands DNV's compliance activities and expectations. Ensures departmental compliance with DNV standards.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Work Experience:

• Five (5) years of clinical department management experience

License/Registration/Certification:

• Certification as a Medical Technologist: CLS (NCA) OR MT (ASCP)

Education & Training:

• Bachelor's degree program in Medical Technology, Biology or a closely related discipline, successful completion of a CAHEA accredited program in Medical Technology.
• Master's degree in related health field preferred

Skills:

• Technical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills relevant to area in order to effectively communicate with physicians, health team members, patients and families.
• Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Intermediate computer knowledge.

Houston's oldest hospital is GROWING!

Welcome to St. Joseph Medical Center (SJMC), Houston's first and only downtown hospital delivering world-class care for the last 137 years and looking forward to the next century of exceptional care to Houstonians when they need us most.

Whether it's for a scheduled surgery, the birth of a baby, an unexpected emergency, or an outpatient visit, we have staff available around the clock to provide you access to immediate, quality health care. SJMC has been providing health care services to Greater Houston residents for over 130 years, which should give you great comfort in knowing that we have a great tradition of caring for our community. We strive to meet our patients' expectations and encourage our patients to provide us with feedback on how we can help them have the best experience possible while they're in our care.

Over the last years we have expanded our services to include the Advanced Wound Care Center, Comprehensive Cardiac and Vascular Services, the Women's Center, the St. Joseph Maternal Fetal Medicine Center, and a Weight Loss Surgery Program, just to name a few. As you work with our physicians, nurses, case managers, educators, and other staff, you will be guided through your health care journey, from diagnosis to treatment, with compassion every step of the way.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are at the foundation of the care St Joseph Medical Center provides to our community we are privileged to support in all of our employment practices. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression or any other non-job-related characteristic.