| Director of Regional Laboratory | |
| Department: | LAB |
| Salary: | Health, dental and vision insurance. |
| City/State: | Tyler, Texas |
| Education: | Certifications required in milk and water must be equal to or greater than ten years, AND Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 24 hours in biological science and two years of full-time paid experience performing diagnostic microbiological procedures, |
| Type: | Full-time |
| Experience: | |
| Work Schedule: | |
| Contact Name: | Amanda N Williams |
| Contact Email: | [email protected] |
| Date Posted: | 2024-12-06 | Description |
|---|---|
| FUNCTION: Serves as Team Leader and oversees the performance of the laboratory clerical and technical staff. Ensures the technical staff are trained both in their primary assignment and cross-trained to assist as needed. Assists in staff development by recommending, coaching and team building strategies. Coordinates Team’s leave schedules. Evaluates and implements performance data of team members. Responsible for making significant decisions by utilizing considerable working knowledge of all procedures. Maintains Standards Operating Protocols (SOP). SCOPE: Maintains “Certified Analyst” credentials from the Department of State Health Services, Laboratory Evaluation Office for the examination of dairy products and for water bacteriology with Texas Commission of Environmental Quality and other testing areas as needed. Maintains successful test scores in all proficiency as required. MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITITY -Prepares and updates Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) following manufacture’s guidelines for all the tests performed in the laboratory as needed. -Ensures inventory of Laboratory’s unique supplies and reagents are available as needed. -Prepares/oversees the preparation of QC materials, standards and reference materials following CLIA guidelines. -Prepares corrective action reports as needed. -Directs personnel in the Laboratory and instills in the team members a “service attitude” that is evident to those being served. -Utilizes considerable working knowledge of all procedures to participate in maintain analytic accuracy. -Coordinates milk test scheduling with DSHS Region 4/5 Milk Sanitarians. -Initiates QA incident reports. -Manages Gen-Probe collector management. -Manages Gen-Probe required State and local required reports. -Presents grand rounds concerning laboratory utilization. -Chooses and utilizes appropriate quality management tools to assess processes to maximum quality, effectiveness, and efficiency. -Responsible for independently performing specimen preparation and analysis, quality control and assay acceptability, data and work list evaluation, result entry, release of final results, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, and training of personnel. -Duties are performed with extensive latitude for use of professional knowledge and judgment. -Participates with the Team to maximize specimen workflow for efficiency and productivity based on comprehensive knowledge of laboratory operations. -Leads efforts to maintain laboratory policies and programs to acquire and maintain accreditation with pertinent agencies. -Communicates effectively with officials from the various governmental and regulatory agencies. -Manages the laboratory departmental budget efficiently. -Establishes and implements policies to maintain assessment of employee competency. TASK ASSIGNMENTS: Administrative -Provides technical assistance to other departments within the district as needed. -Uses diplomacy and planning to accomplish assignments. -Researches, writes and edits correspondence. -Prepares training material on policies and procedures. -Develops policy procedures and guidelines with laboratory staff. -Complies and analyzes data, makes calculations, and prepares reports. -Maintains confidential client and provider information as required. -Assist in the development of district policies and procedures. -Skilled in time management, organizing workloads, and setting priorities to meet deadlines. -Effectively works with the laboratory Team and coordinates laboratory departments diverse activities. -Ability to organize and maintain tracking of patient’s test requisitions. -Ability to identify problems and suggest or implement solutions when appropriate. -Provides performance data on laboratory’s activities. Milk Bacteriology -Performs and reports Standard Plate Counts on raw and processed milk products accurately and expeditiously. -Performs and reports Coliform Counts on processed milk and milk products accurately and expeditiously. -Performs and reports alkaline phosphatase analysis on processed milk and milk products accurately and expeditiously. -Performs and reports antibiotic analysis on raw and processed milk and milk products accurately and expeditiously. -Performs and reports, accurately and expeditiously, somatic cell counts on raw milk by means of Direct Microscopic Somatic Cell Count and Optical Somatic Cell Count. -Prepares and performs quality control on all media and reagents required for milk analysis. -All procedures performed, quality control documented, and proficiency testing performed to acceptable levels in order to maintain laboratory certification. -Performs scheduled maintenance and minor repairs on laboratory equipment. -Inventories supplies, media, low stocks or media and reagents nearing expiration. -Prepares or assists in the preparation of laboratory manuals. -Performs necessary testing on assigned weekends and holidays. -Reports high counts by telephone or e-mail to the Department State Health Services (DSHS), Milk and Dairy Division, in Austin. -Schedules monthly milk schedule by coordinating with Regional 4/5 Milk Sanitarians. Water Bacteriology as needed -Performs and reports Colilert Tests for coliform bacteria in drinking water accurately and expeditiously. -Performs and reports Multiple Tube Fermentation Tests for coliform bacteria in drinking water, source water, bottled water, ice samples, food industry water supply samples, and dairy water samples accurately and expeditiously. -Performs and reports confirmatory testing for E.coli in Colilert and Multiple Tube Fermentation Tests accurately and expeditiously. -Prepares and performs quality control on all media and reagents required for water bacteriology analysis when needed. -All procedures performed, quality control documented, and proficiency testing performed to acceptable levels in order to maintain laboratory certification. -Performs necessary testing on assigned weekend and holidays. -Assigns accession numbers for sample identification accurately. APTIMA Gen-Probe as needed -Assigns accession numbers for specimen identification accurately. -Prepares specimens and controls for testing according to standard methods specified in bench manuals -Prepares specimens and reagents for testing according to standard methods specified in bench manuals and package inserts. -Prepares DNA probes for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis according to standard methods specified in the bench manuals. -Pipets controls, specimens, and reagents (target capture reagent amplification reagent, enzyme reagent, probe reagent and selection reagent) into reaction tubes without cross contamination. -Accurately incubates specimen/reagent mixtures at the correct temperature and time using SB 100 dry heat bath/vortexer and/or water baths. -Demonstrates proper use of the APTIMA work list editor, target capture system, SB 100 instrument, Leader HC + luminometer and APTIMA Assay Software. -Accurately prepares end of month and quarterly reports. -Accurately decants, blots, and washes reaction tubes without cross contamination. -Prepares Leader 450 Luminometer according to standard methods prior to inserting reaction tubes. -Accurately records test results on work sheets as the luminometer prints out results. -Separates positive, negative, unsatisfactory, and repeat forms. Report forms marked accurately. -Prepares monthly reports of Gen-Probe activity including: positive, negative, and unsatisfactory reports; submission site report; reagent kit shipment received reports. -Maintains acceptable proficiency test results for genetic probe tests as required by CLIA Regulations. -Inventories reagents and supplies used in Gen-Probe testing. Reports to the dept. head low stocks or reagents nearing expiration. -Unpacks and stores properly all shipments of Gen-Probe reagent kits and supplies. EDUCATION: Certifications required in milk and water must be equal to or greater than ten years, AND Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 24 hours in biological science and two years of full-time paid experience performing diagnostic microbiological procedures, OR have earned an associate’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, OR a minimum of 36 hours in biology, 10 of which are in microbiology, and 12 in chemistry from a accredited institution and experience that may be substituted as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ’88) Standards. Knowledge in microbiology. Knowledge of quality assessment, quality control, and CLIA regulations in a laboratory. Experience in performing all testing with speed and accuracy. Experience in evaluating data, interpreting test results, and taking corrective actions if needed. Ability to communicate effectively with work teams; follow verbal and written instructions including Standard Operating Procedures. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM IN THIS POSITION: -Ability to interpret written protocols following manufacturer’s guidelines and update as needed. -Ability to plan and prioritize assignments. -Ability to keep accurate, detailed records. -Ability to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious material. -Ability to detect malfunctions in test protocols and errors in transcribed results. -Ability to maintain positive customer relations. -Knowledge of quality assessment and quality control functions and CLIA regulations. -Knowledge of validation process of reagents/kits as required by CLIA. -Ability to establish goals and objectives for work teams and to monitor progress of teams. -Ability to teach concepts and procedures; use of various items of laboratory equipment; communicate technical instructions and interact effectively with staff. -Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience. -Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting. -Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. -Skill in manipulating standard laboratory equipment including microtiter equipment with speed, accuracy and safety. -Experience in milk and water analysis as a certified analyst with DSHS and TCEQ. -Experience in syphilis serology or ability to perform successfully on syphilis serology proficiency testing samples within six months if holding Bachelor’s degree and two years experience performing diagnostic microbiological procedures. -Ability to perform successfully on proficiency testing samples in milk bacteriology, water bacteriology, and serology. -Ability to use and troubleshoot various items of laboratory equipment associated with the laboratory work area. -Ability to operate and adjust various laboratory equipment including, but not limited to: microscopes, pipetors, somatic cell counters, cryoscopes, rotators, centrifuges, refractometers, heat blocks, hot plates, hot air oven, autoclave, incubators, electronic balances, pH meters, conductivity meters, scintillation counters, fluorescent illumiators, water stills, flow cell cytometer, Fluorophos fluometer, vortex mixers, microwave ovens, Bunsen burners, Bacti-cinerator, Quebec colony counter, Automatic glassware cleaners, water baths, microtiter equipment, Vernier calipers, hand tally, and slide drying device. WORKING CONDITIONS: -Demonstrates the following positive performance attributes: -Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with the District’s leave policy, unless other arrangements are made. Is punctual. Notifies Team members in a timely manner (in advance, if possible) if must be late or absent. Arranges annual leave in coordination associated with laboratory functions and tam leave schedules. -Is adaptable and flexible. Is willing to occasionally work different hours (including weekends and holidays) as workload requires. Is able to re-prioritize work as needed. Adapts to handle new other phases of work when needed. Is receptive to new ideas and methods. -Performs work without needing to be reminded and without close supervision. Accepts responsibility for own actions. Completes work assignments in a timely fashion. -Functions as a Team Leader and performs his/her fair share of the team’s workload. Willingly assist team members to accomplish assigned tasks. Shows willingness and ability to work in harmony with others and does not let personal differences interfere with accomplishing the task at hand. Maintains open communication department heads and director and other staff members. Contributes positively to staff morale. -Takes advantage of opportunities to learn at work and on own time. Identifies own learning needs. Is receptive to and follows through on recommendations made by supervisor for professional development. -Works with laboratory Team to help keep corrected laboratory reports to a minimum. -Offers suggestions for increasing efficiency and for better meeting needs of clients and staff. Demonstrates willingness and ability to cooperatively solve problems with supervisor and team members. -Treats clients and staff with courtesy and without discrimination. Maintains client confidentiality. -Actively participates in keeping all work areas clean and neat and contributes the same to the rest of the Health District. Utilizes supplies in a cost effective and efficient manner. -Observes General Safety Policy at all times. -May be exposed to pathogenic organisms. -Must be able to spend up to eight hours walking, standing, and/or sitting. -Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. |
|
