Director, Hospital Labs

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General Summary

              Responsible for short- and long-range planning, staffing, and development of a budget for the departments.  Integrates interdepartmental and intradepartmental services to achieve objectives.  Establishes policies, procedures, standards, and objectives for the departments consistent with organization's goals.  Works through managerial and supervisory personnel to accomplish set goals and objectives. Establish policies, procedures, standards, and objectives for the provision of laboratory services; evaluate performance and maintain total quality management, coordinate with other departments and clinical chiefs to provide optimal levels of care to patients and hospital staff, while maintaining 24-hour accountability for operations.  Ensures the provision of laboratory services across both the Downtown and Midtown campuses to meet the needs of patients, and perform in accordance with accepted standards and practices, as well as regulations stipulated by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), The Joint Commission, FDA, AABB, FAA, and OSHA.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

              The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Plans, organizes and directs department’s mission, vision and values.  Develops goals and objectives, establishes and implements policies and procedures for department operation.  Reviews department performance, changes as needed to improve quality of services and to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.  Keeps UMMC Administration, Medical Staff and Nursing informed of department mission, performance, needs, challenges, regulations as well as other clinical, administrative and fiscal matters pertaining to assessment, fiscal analysis, regulatory compliance and continuous quality improvement (CQI).
2. Oversees all aspects of workforce management including but not limited to: recruitment, retention, staff development, performance management and succession planning. Responsible for overseeing the development of training/orientation and overall department staff performance through subordinate supervisory staff.   Develops standards of performance, monitors and leads staff; evaluates performance and initiates or approves personnel actions such as merit increases, promotions, disciplinary actions, and career/practice development incentives. Develops and maintains job descriptions and standards of performance for all staff members.  Assures competencies of all staff.  Resolves staff grievances.
3. Develops, recommends and manages the departmental operating budget and ensures that the department operates within allocated funds and/or the strategic realities of the specific patient care environment at UMMC.  Achieves planned annual operating budget and labor productivity benchmark targets as assigned by UMMC.  Maintains reports and statistics for administrative, planning, quality improvement and regulatory responses. Identifies and coordinates capital expenditures with Finance through the Administration.  
4. Ensures the delivery of quality laboratory services for the various patient populations served by the UMMC Laboratories of Pathology.  Participates in University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) initiatives, when deemed appropriate.
5. Develops and maintains total quality management relative to the mission of the department in collaboration with the medical directors for Laboratory of Pathologies.  Evaluates laboratory functions, practices, reporting mechanisms, record keeping, and drug control. 
6. Proactively and effectively partners with key stakeholders on all projects.  Engage and manage key vendor relationships.  Partner with the Performance Improvement Team to target process improvement efforts to enhance patient and provider satisfaction, quality, and financial performance.
7. Assures the delivery of quality Laboratory services for the various patient populations served.  Proactively provides educational guidance and consultation to all staff.
8. Evaluates laboratory functions, practices, reporting mechanisms and record keeping.  Introduces and demonstrates new technologies, care modalities, equipment and research findings to staff.  Appraises the staff of the total care environment (professional/academic/fiscal/ethical) affecting their sphere of practice and mission.  Interacts regularly with Medical and Nursing staff regarding Laboratory operational improvements, issues, and resolutions. 
9. Participates in administrative staff meeting and attends other meetings as assigned.  Establishes and maintains communications across the Laboratory of Pathology department and with other hospital departments.  Develops relationships with professional affiliations and others as appropriate.
10. Develops and maintains department records, reports, and patient records; collects and analyzes statistical data regarding pharmaceutical care, as appropriate
11. Oversees the Assistant Directors, Managers, and Supervisors responsible for facilities, supplies, compliance, safety, infection and environmental control policies and procedures for the department.
12. Maintain established performance metrics to optimize performance related to: 1. Quality, Safety, 2. Patient Experience, 3. Employee Engagement (ex., Employee satisfaction survey), 4. Productivity & Efficiency, 5. Financial performance
13. Create and sustain a culture for operational excellence by engaging process improvement thinking, tools, and processes to create value, reduce waste, and implement standard work.
14. Develop and maintain a state of continuous health emergency readiness including but not limited a surge staffing plan, and departmental surge contingency plans.

Education , Experience, Licensure/Certification

1. Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Lab/Medical Technology and/or science related degree (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, etc.) is required. Master’s degree in Health Care Management, Business Management, or Hospital Administration is required. A Biology, Microbiology or Chemistry degree may be considered.
2. Ten years of laboratory experience, with at least five years progressive management experience. Experience in lab administration within a healthcare system is a plus.
3. ASCP or equivalent preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Strong Verbal and written Communications Skills
2. Excellent Interpersonal Skills
3. Proven Computer Skills (Microsoft Office) and working knowledge of Lab Information Systems
4. Excellent Organizational Skills
5. Strong Customer Service Skills
6. Proven Analytical Skills. 
7. Proficient supervisory and management skills, directing and managing the work of laboratory professionals and supervisory staff, including determination of work priorities, auditing work quality, orienting and training, evaluating and discipline of staff.
8. Proficient knowledge in the theory and application of computer systems related to clinical laboratories.

VI.         Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety
2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
3. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.