Clinical Processing Lead

Company: Northwest Pathology, PS
Location: Bellingham
Posted on: May 26, 2023

Job Description:

To maintain equity with existing team members, dependent upon various factors, new team members are generally brought in at a rate that typically falls from the minimum to the midpoint of the range. Final compensation placement will vary based on many factors, including placement of existing team members, work experience, skills, geographic location, etc. the stated pay range is our good faith belief at the time of this posting.

Available Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

JOB SUMMARY

The Clinical Processing Lead will coordinate and perform tasks and activities in the pre-analytical department of the clinical laboratory. This position will monitor the daily workflow of incoming clinical specimens, assist and direct other techs on appropriate actions, and keep leadership informed of the completion of tasks.

To be eligible for this position, employee must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years in clinical laboratory.
• Completion of all departmental competencies.
• Ability to train and mentor clinical processing staff. Northwest Pathology, P.S. dba Avero Diagnostics operates on a 24/7/365 basis; individual may be required to work various shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Schedule flexibility with and without advanced notice is required.
  
  ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  • Assists in unpacking, sorting, and triaging of incoming specimens.
  • Accessions, labels, and processes all incoming clinical specimens from Avero patient service centers, In Office Phlebotomists (IOPs), and outside clients.
  • Maintains that all aspects of processing, handling, and resulting of specimens referred out to reference laboratories (routine and esoteric) are carried out in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner
  • Researches specimen requirements for reference labs and arranges for critical specimen handling and complex transportation arrangements when needed.
  • Refers to appropriate policy and procedure manuals as necessary and communicates with reference labs for proper specimen requirements
  • Under the supervision and direction of a medical technologist performs test processing in certain areas of the clinical lab which may or may not include the following:
  • Various duties in microbiology which may include routine culture setup, setting up MIC's, logging patient demographics into computer.
  • Logging and distribution of patient test specimens from the processing areas in the lab to the respective test areas
  • Point of Care and waived testing, as required.
    • Keeps leadership informed of the malfunctioning of any lab equipment
    • Processes all laboratory test requisitions and specimens quickly, efficiently, and appropriately
    • Consistently determines proper priorities when organizing daily tasks and is able to adjust schedule in view of STAT's
    • Assists other laboratory personnel as workload permits and performs tasked assigned by lab leadership. Lead & Training Duties:
      • Responsible for mentoring, training, and competency completion/renewal of new and existing processing staff.
      • Assists in specimen resolution for in-house and send-out testing, including collaboration with other affected departments such as operations, billing & RCM, and customer service.
      • Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve client satisfaction. Makes recommendations to the manager, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the clinic and Avero Diagnostics.
      • Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the Laboratory area. Develops effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding.
      • Assists supervisor with administrative needs, daily checklists, compiling quality metrics, and department supply ordering.
      • Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field of phlebotomy by attending team meetings and reading professional journals. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/LICENSE
        • High School Diploma or equivalent required; college degree is a plus
        • Active and valid US State-Issued Driver's License with acceptable motor vehicle record as defined and approved by the company's vehicle insurance carrier. EXPERIENCE
          • Minimum 3 years of experience required:
          • Specimen collection and/or processing in a clinical laboratory environment (i.e. hospital, reference lab, provider office, etc.)
          • Phlebotomy experience and/or certification a plus.
          • Experience in a leadership, training, or mentor role a plus. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
            • General knowledge of clinical lab departmental functions, specimen types, and basic specimen requirements preferred.
            • Dedicated to providing excellent patient care.
            • Can work well in a team environment with rotating responsibilities.
            • Can demonstrate Microsoft Office suite and Windows operating systems proficiency.
            • Minimum typing speed of 25wpm.
            • Exhibits patience and approachability, sets positive tone and example for team member behavior, work ethic & quality, abilities, skills and overall performance.
            • Demonstrates ability to maintain confidentiality at all levels; acts with high integrity.
            • Establishes and maintains solid interpersonal relationships with team members across all levels of an organization.
            • Demonstrates and facilitates professional communication skills; must be able to understand, listen, write and speak fluently, professionally, and, effectively in the English language.
            • Motivated, responsible and organized self-starter who excels at time management, timely follow-up, meeting commitments, and, possesses a passion for continuous learning and improvement.
            • Strong attention to detail, analytical, research and problem-solving skills. Pro-active ability to identify, assess, improve/refine and solve complex challenges, processes and/or situations.
            • Ability to successfully work collaboratively within a team as well as independently with minimal supervision.
            • Flexible and able to thrive in a fast paced, high growth, team-based environment while successfully handling competing and ever-changing priorities and responsibilities with frequent interruptions.
            • Solid track record of taking responsibility and holding one's self accountable for high quality task deliverables within established deadlines.
            • Effective facilitation, collaboration, negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.
            • Exhibit personal presentation in a professional manner as it relates to appearance, communication and actions.
            • Proficient software/computer skills utilizing various applications which includes, but is not limited, to the following: MS Windows, MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, health care database/systems, etc.
            • Regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
            • Focused on overall team success vs. solely on individual success. WORKING CONDITIONS
              • We share a collaborative obligation to ensure that we conduct ourselves in the utmost ethical manner and that we hold each other accountable to the values and standards of the organization. Every employee has the responsibility to ask questions, seek guidance, and report concerns and/or violations of company policy or ethical standards.
              • The organization has several processes in place to communicate with leadership and expects that employees will have a commitment to integrity and uncompromising values.
              • This position works in a demanding, fast-paced office and lab environment with the need to meet daily workload requirements. Incumbent may be exposed to chemicals and requires the use of personal protection equipment and universal precautions.
              • This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers/keyboards/mice, printers, phones, mobile devices, photocopiers, filing cabinets, fax machines, etc. The noise level in the office work environment varies from moderate to loud. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
                • Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
                • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear; sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; grasp and/or reach with hands and arms; repetitive movements of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
                • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close visual acuity and ability to adjust focus to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; reading reports, various forms charts or records, transcribing; viewing computer monitor(s); extensive reading; and legally operate a motor vehicle.
                  The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties and/or work various shifts as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
                  
                  Available Schedule:
                  
                  Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Keywords: Northwest Pathology, PS, Bellingham , Clinical Processing Lead, Healthcare , Bellingham, Washington