At Houston Methodist the Medical LaboratoryScientist Specialist position is responsible for performing bothroutine and complex analyses at a subject matter expert level whichnecessitates knowledge of laboratory techniques principles andequipment and their interrelationship.
This position exercises goodjudgment by using critical thinking skills and takes an active rolein problem solving for the laboratory section.
The MedicalLaboratory Scientist Specialist also ensures that specimens areaccessioned and processed expeditiously in order to deliver qualitylaboratory results in an effective and cost efficient manner.
Additional responsibilities include serving as a role model andpreceptor for staff and leading quality control initiatives forsection.
PEOPLE ESSENTIALFUNCTIONS
Promotes apositive work environment and contributes to a dynamic team focusedwork unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimaldepartment results.
Collaborates with all members of the patientcare team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patientcare information and data in a comprehensivemanner.
Orients guides andmentors team members and students to help build confidence andcompetency in skills knowledge and abilities.
Administers andgrades staff competencyassessments.
Participatesin laboratory and organization wide initiatives.
SERVICE ESSENTIALFUNCTIONS
- Performsqualitative and quantitative tests and examination using variousanalyzers and / or manualmethods.
- Sets pace forworkload and troubleshoots workflow issues for laboratory section.Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performingadditional tasks.
- Meetsturnaround time expectations as defined bymanagement.
QUALITY / SAFETYESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Performsthe six elements of competency for test systems used to generatepatient test results in all areas assigned towork.
- Recognizesinvestigates and correctly resolves test discrepancies. Whenproblems arise takes appropriate action to investigate and addressand notifies management forfollowup.
- Compiles andreviews monthly quality control data to include actions forvariances identified and provides proper documentation of allvariations.
Oversees section compliance by reviewing and respondingto College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation Checklistsquestions / findings.
Completes online CAP InspectorTraining.
- Develops planleads implementation and performs data analysis of validations.Coordinates instrument maintenance andrepairs.
- Independentlyhandles resolution of complex problems and issues for section.Assists with policy review andsubmission.
FINANCEESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Adjustswork schedule to accommodate departmental / organizational needs.Appropriately utilizes the time recordingsystem.
- Uses resourcesefficiently; does not waste supplies. Actively participates ininventorymanagement.
GROWTH / INNOVATIONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Generates andcommunicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality orservice.
- Seeksopportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies witha focus on continualdevelopment.
This job description isnot intended to be allinclusive; the employee will also performother reasonably related business / job duties as assigned.
HoustonMethodist reserves the right to revise job duties andresponsibilities as the need arises.
EDUCATION
Bachelorsdegree
WORKEXPERIENCE
Three years ofexperience in a clinical laboratory as a Medical LaboratoryScientist / Medical Technologist or comparable role.
May consider HMemployee with two years of experience to include a minimum of oneyear as a HM Medical Laboratory Scientist and who demonstratesprogressive responsibilities.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONSREQUIRED
- Must have one ofthe following required certifications :
- Preferred Certified as a Medical Technologist ClinicalLaboratory Scientist Medical Laboratory Scientist or categoricalcertification by Board of Certification (ASCP)
- Certified as a MedicalTechnologist by American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- Certified as a Clinical LaboratoryScientist by National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel(NCA)
- HLA only One of thefollowing is required :
Medical TechnologistMT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist MLS(ASCP) certification
Certified by American Board ofHistocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI)
Microbiology only One of the following is required :
Medical Technologist MT(ASCP) or MedicalLaboratory Scientist MLS(ASCP) certification
Microbiology M(ASCP) certification
Clinicalmicrobiology registry from American Society for MicrobiologyRM(AAM)
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ANDABILITIES
- Demonstrates theskills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assignedjob determined through ongoing skills competency assessments andperformanceevaluations
- Sufficientproficiency in speaking reading and writing the English languagenecessary to perform the essential functions of this job especiallywith regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety orsecurity
- Ability toeffectively communicate with patients physicians family members andcoworkers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus andapplication of positive languageprinciples
- Exhibits stronginterpersonal teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of thehealthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer serviceto all patients visitors physicians andcoworkers
- Adapts tomultiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy workflowwith minimalsupervision
- Strongattention to detail and ability to achieve and maintainaccuracy
- Ability to workindependently and execute above average technicalskills
- Demonstrates soundjudgment and discretion to recognize problems ranging from simpleto complex identify causes and take correctiveaction
- Possesses basiccomputer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to includeHospital / Laboratory Information Systems and Office software tomaintain patient and testing records and other relateddocuments
- Ability torecognize changes that are critical to patientcare
SUPPLEMENTALREQUIREMENTS
WORKATTIRE
- UniformNo
- Scrubs Yes
- Businessprofessional Yes
- Other (department approved)No
ONCALL*
- Notethat employees may be required to be oncall during emergencies (ie.DIsaster Severe Weather Events etc) regardless of selectionbelow.
- On Call*Yes
TRAVEL
Travelspecifications may vary bydepartment
- May requiretravel within the Houston Metropolitan areaYes
- May require travel outside HoustonMetropolitan areaYes
CompanyProfile :
Houston Methodist CypressHospital scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025 will beHouston Methodists ninth hospital and will incorporate the mostadvanced technology available from the day the doors open.
With 100beds (at our opening; licensed for 276) and a prime location in theheart of the rapidly growing U.S. 290 corridor the hospital will beequipped with technologically advanced innovations implementedduring COVID many of them designed to make patient communicationwith physicians staff and families the very best and most effectivein any health care facility.
Even though the hospital wont be fullyoperational until 2025 we have several services and specialtiesopening in 2024.
Houston Methodist is an equalopportunity employer inclusive of women minorities disabled personsand veterans.
Equal EmploymentOpportunity
Houston Methodist isan Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal employmentopportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodistis firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage indiscrimination against or harassment of any person employed orseeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of racecolor religion sex sexual orientation gender identity nationalorigin age disability status as a protected veteran or othercharacteristics protected by law.
VEVRAA Federal Contractorpriority referral Protected Veteransrequested.
Remote Work :