Lead Histology Technician (Days)

JOB SUMMARY

At Houston Methodist, the Lead Histology Technician position is responsible for serving as the lead person for the assigned section(s) within Laboratory Services and in this capacity performs lead job duties and/or regularly leads projects or performs specialized responsibilities as a regular part of normal job responsibilities. This position serves as the liaison between management, staff and physicians for routine matters, resolving questions and issues. This position serves to support staff in ensuring the delivery of exceptional patient care and adherence to standards of practice for optimal patient safety, quality outcomes, and customer service. Duties may be varied and may include many of the following: organize work schedules, create work assignments, review timecards for accuracy, conduct quality assurance audits of staff performance, develop and implement quality improvement activities, train and mentor staff, provide feedback on staff performance and developmental needs, collect/analyze/report on data, prepare reports on performance and metrics, and other responsibilities of a similar nature and level. This position performs Histology Technician/Specialist functions, such as performing both routine and complex analyses and ensuring that specimens are accessioned and processed expeditiously in order to deliver quality laboratory results in an effective and cost efficient manner. This position also fulfills the duties of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) General Supervisor when required.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 25%

1. Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Role models to team members effective communication skills, assisting in their development of such skills. (EF)
2. Effectively implements protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service. Provides feedback to management on team member performance and conduct. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes. Interviews applicants and provides input into hiring of new staff. (EF)
3. Participates in laboratory and organization wide initiatives. Represents Laboratory Services in committees as directed. (EF)

SERVICE - 25%

1. Coordinates the workflow, processes, staff assignments, and services provided for assigned laboratory section(s), adjusting as needed, to result in optimum patient care, throughput and patient experiences. Ensures turnaround time expectations as defined by management are met by the section teams. (EF)
2. Serves as liaison between team members, management and physicians, resolving routine matters for the shift and sections. (EF)
3. Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures in the assigned work area. (EF)
4. Recognizes and ensures critical values (and/or reportable results) with appropriate laboratory information system documentation. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 25%

1. Processes specimens and demonstrates knowledge of specimen requirements and laboratory rejection policies. (EF)
2. Actively participates in and achieves an acceptable level of performance on proficiency and competency testing samples. (EF)
3. Develops plan, leads implementation, and performs data analysis of validations. Coordinates instrument maintenance and repairs. Assists with policy review and submission. (EF)
4. Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues for section. Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff. (EF)
5. Compiles and reviews monthly quality control data, to include actions for variances identified, and provides proper documentation. Oversees section compliance by reviewing and responding to College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation Checklists questions/findings. Completes online CAP Inspector Training. Investigates and responds to reports on patient safety matters. (EF)

FINANCE - 15%

1. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Provides leadership to staff on efficient utilization of time according to budgetary guidelines. Accurately reviews and edits team member’s timecards for management approval. (EF)
2. Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 10%

1. Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service. (EF)
2. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies for self and others with a focus on continual development. Gains and utilizes knowledge of new technologies that are emerging for laboratory. (EF)

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

o Associate degree in related field if certified after December 31, 2004

o If fulfilling the duties of CLIA General Supervisor - Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

o Four years of experience as a Histology Technician. May consider HM employee with at least three years of experience, of which a minimum of one year as a HM Histology Technician and who demonstrates leadership abilities