Laboratory Services Director in Odessa, Washington at Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center

Job Title: Laboratory Services Director
Annual Salary: $110,000
Full Benefits: Medical, Delta Dental, MetLife, SBA
Additional Benefits: 4-day, 10-hour shifts (4’ 10s)

As the Laboratory Services Director, you will be responsible for overseeing the overall operations and management of the moderate-complexity laboratory at OMHC. Your leadership will ensure that the laboratory meets the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The Director will drive continuous improvements in patient care, operational performance, and adherence to safety and regulatory guidelines. This role reports directly to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).

Laboratory Operations Management:

• Supervise daily laboratory operations to ensure efficient specimen collection, testing, and result reporting.
• Oversee inventory management for lab supplies and reagents, ensuring optimal stock levels and timely reordering.
• Address and resolve workflow inefficiencies and operational bottlenecks to maintain smooth laboratory functions.

Staff Management and Development:

• Supervise, mentor, and train laboratory support staff, including nursing, imaging, and clinic personnel.
• Ensure staff competency in lab procedures, safety regulations, and compliance with proper work schedules.
• Foster a collaborative and team-oriented work environment, encouraging continuous staff development and adherence to lab policies.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control:

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (CLIA, OSHA, CAP).
• Manage and implement quality control programs to guarantee accurate, reliable, and timely test results.
• Lead laboratory inspections and audits, ensuring corrective actions are implemented when necessary to maintain compliance.

Budget and Financial Oversight:

• Assist with the management of the laboratory budget, tracking operational costs and identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Oversee the efficient allocation of resources while maintaining high service quality standards and operational effectiveness.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with medical staff, nursing, and administrative leadership to ensure seamless laboratory operations.
• Communicate effectively with hospital leadership and external stakeholders regarding laboratory performance, issues, and improvements.
• Respond to patient and provider concerns promptly, maintaining professionalism and customer satisfaction.

Health and Safety Management:

• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, including infection control, hazardous materials handling, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.
• Promote a safe and healthy working environment by enforcing safety protocols, conducting training, and managing incident reports.

• Full-time position: Typically, Monday to Friday, with flexibility based on operational needs.
• Potential weekend, holiday, or evening shifts may be required to ensure continued operations.

Education / Experience:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field required.
• 5-7 years of experience in clinical laboratory operations, including at least 2-3 years in a leadership role (e.g., Supervisor, Manager, or Director) within a hospital or similar healthcare setting.
• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT) by ASCP or an equivalent certifying body preferred.
• Proven experience in overseeing laboratory operations, managing staff, budgeting, and ensuring regulatory compliance (including CLIA, CAP, and other laboratory regulations).
• Experience managing moderate to high complexity laboratory services, with a focus on improving operational efficiency, patient care, and laboratory performance.

• Extensive knowledge of CLIA regulations, CAP standards, and other relevant healthcare and laboratory regulations.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to direct and mentor laboratory teams in a complex environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with medical, nursing, and administrative staff across multiple departments.
• Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently, as well as manage laboratory operations under pressure in a dynamic, fast-paced healthcare setting.
• Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail and an ability to maintain high standards of quality and compliance.
• Ability to manage laboratory budgets, including cost control, resource allocation, and financial forecasting.