Specialist, Northwest Division Technologist, Chemistry

Under the direction of the Department Director or Manager, formulate, implement and direct programs, policies and procedures which assure quality and standardization of departmental technical services in all Northwest Region Laboratories. Act as region-wide technical advisor for laboratory personnel and Northwest Permanente Clinicians. Coordinate vendor purchasing, negotiation, capital equipment acquisition functions, and direct the region-wide technical services of the specific departments. Observing the principles of partnership and in collaboration with Supervisors may perform administrative functions including recruitment, hiring, training, performance management, performance evaluation and termination.

• Serve as a region wide technical consultant for managers, supervisors, lab staff, physicians, and other health care professionals. Analyze, advise, direct and coordinate technical problem identification and resolution activities, both internal and external to the laboratory. For Hematology, this includes review of abnormal blood smears, and consultation with Pathologist. For Chemistry, this includes interpretation of protein electrophoresis, toxicology review, evaluation of monoclonal protein work up, and interpretation of hemoglobinopathy work up. Discuss findings with clinicians, acting as a technical consultant. Advise and discuss additional testing where appropriate.
• Appraise existing methodologies and instrument systems, modify as needed to enhance quality of performance. Analyze clinical and laboratory needs, direct the selection and evaluation of new methods and instruments. Collaborate with Laboratory Managers and Supervisors to manage the provision of departmental testing in all laboratories and to organize implementation of new programs, instruments and tests.
• Develop, coordinate, and standardize region-wide departmental practices and procedures; direct implementations; ensure all standards are met as outlined by accrediting and regulating agencies including ISO, CAP, TJC , OSHA / WSHA and CMS.
• Observing the principles of partnership management, collaborate with the Department Director (s) to formulate, plan and direct region-wide technical goals, policies and programs.
• Develop and oversee the region-wide department quality improvement programs; instruct and authorize supervisors to review quality assurance and quality control records, perform follow-up review to evaluate and approve corrective action and recommend an alternate course of action when appropriate. Specify appropriate level of proficiency testing for each laboratory. audit and review results of all proficiency programs.
• Observing the principles of partnership management and in collaboration with supervisors, recruit, interview, and select, orient, provide training, coach evaluate performance, recognize achievements; initiate, implement and document department continuing education events; coach, discipline and terminate in accordance with state and federal law, eeo guidelines and organizational policies. Effectively schedule staff to meet service needs. Provide development opportunities to staff members by delegating responsibilities, assigning projects, and providing educational opportunities. Assist in development of student training programs. Coordinate and monitor on-site training and evaluation of students.
• Formulate and administer the annual labor and non-labor operating budget for assigned cost centers; monitor and account for variances. Advise laboratory managers and supervisors on preparation of non-labor operating budgets in regards to technical area of expertise. Collaborate with directors, laboratory managers and supervisors to formulate and administer long term and short term Capital Equipment Budgets. Prepare and document administrative and financial reports, participate in formulation and revision of laboratory policies. serve on laboratory and regional committees and task forces, representing departmental Services.
• Coordinate inventory/purchasing/vendor policies for supplies: specify products used; forecast inventory based on workload, stability and product consumption; interact with vendors in collaboration with strategic sourcing as needed to maintain effective service involving individual supervisors as appropriate.
• Maintain a thorough working knowledge of safety laws, regulations and standards; identify risks and hazards associated with departmental testing; communicate and enforce all state, federal and organizational rules. Evaluate continuing education needs, plan, coordinate, conduct and promote in service or other continuing education programs. Train and instruct staff as necessary to insure proper test performance and maximal quality of care.
• Perform other duties as requested.