Supervisor, Immunohematology Reference Laboratory

Formerly Puget Sound Blood Center and Lane Blood Center, Bloodworks is backed by more than 70 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. A national leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks has been chosen to serve more than 90 hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska – partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. We are local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based.

We have a wonderful new job opportunity for a Supervisor in the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory. The incumbent would supervise departmental staff, ensure the management of departmental projects, and participate in interdepartmental projects according to established priorities and timelines. Coordinate quality review and management of errors, error correction, corrective actions, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) revisions, and validations associated with IRL projects. Provide technical expertise in IRL testing and the development and implementation of new methods and as needed, perform clinical laboratory testing.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES Include, But Are Not Limited To:

As a member of the Leadership Team (LT)

• Participate as a collaborative member of the LT to support leadership across the entire organization, in addition to providing leadership to the teams and functions reporting through you.
• Appropriately and responsibly serve as a representative of Bloodworks / The Organization in your interactions with employees, volunteers, vendors, donors, and others.
  
  
  

As a leader of Bloodworks

• Provide timely and honest feedback to fellow managers regarding how the team functions.
• Challenge and offer support to fellow managers to ensure each department is contributing to the success of the organization.
• Ensure the safety of the workforce through the administration of safety policies and monitoring of safety incidents.
• Maintain confidentiality.
  
  
  

Within the department

• In partnership with senior department leaders, assist in setting department direction, vision, values, goals, and objectives consistent with Bloodworks mission and strategic plan; consistently model values, and coach and mentor for same expectation. Contribute and build upon current practices and procedures in support of values, mission, and goals.
• Personally demonstrate and inspire a commitment to quality through compliance with laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and practices; ensure that department actions (self, staff, documentation, etc.) are consistent with this commitment.
• Hire, develop, and retain a successful team
• With staff, determine performance goals and provide ongoing feedback
• Monitor the successes and challenges of the team
• Ensure the department supports a balance of employee personal and business goals
• Ensure customer needs and expectations are met
• Adhere to the department budget and forecast
• Recommend and maintain proper staffing levels to carry out department objectives
• Recommend systems, resources, and procedures to achieve the department’s success
  
  
  

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to: As an IRL Supervisor:



Supervise Frontline Staff.

• Interview and select new staff. Review hiring selections with the Manager and Vice President.
• Oversee the training for staff members to perform the duties as listed in their job descriptions. Ensure that training is documented and assure that staff performs only those duties for which they have been trained.
• Coordinate ongoing competency assessments and ensure they are completed promptly.
• Maintain all related documents in employee files, including onboarding, CLIA requirements, and Competency. Ensure staff progression and growth following successful Competency and addition of responsibilities.
• Evaluate individual performance based on pre-determined expectations. Coach staff to ensure continuous development. Counsel, discipline, and terminate staff when performance does not meet expectations.
• Provide feedback to employees on attendance and punctuality.
• Conduct periodic performance evaluations.
• Select, coach, and develop lead tech personnel to serve as supervisory backup.
• Communicate frequently using a variety of methods, including one-on-one, email, and staff meetings.
• Implement departmental and organizational policies and procedures.
• Review time coding before payroll deadlines. Assure pay practices and policies are consistently applied and followed.
  
  
  

Assure Operations Are Efficient And Customer Requirements Are Met.

• Identify opportunities and implement process improvements, best practices, and/or processes that assure work efficiency.
• Schedule staff work assignments to ensure optimal productivity and cost-effectiveness. Monitor schedules to ensure staffing resources are appropriately allocated. Coordinate assignment of workload to applicable IRL staff according to each staff member's training and ability.
• Manage workflow to ensure that turnaround time goals are met.
• Set priorities and arrange staffing for emergency or STAT procedures.
• Maintain competence to be able to perform testing during instances of staffing gaps. Review workup documentation, and final reports, and coordinate billing for testing performed.
• Serve as initial consult to external laboratory personnel and physicians regarding the clinical significance of results, with support from Bloodworks Medical Staff.
• Participate in the development of the annual personnel and operating budget of the department. Administer the budget with emphasis on optimal use of the resources and waste reduction.
• Rotate as the on-call supervisor and be available for consultation after hours.
• Utilize LEAN principles to manage inventories of reagents, supplies, and other resources, to minimize waste and maximize efficiency.
• Identify opportunities and implement process improvement, best practices, and processes that assure work methods are efficient. Coordinate the evaluation of alternate reagents and equipment for potential future process integration.
• With the Laboratory Manager, CLIA Director, Vice President, and/or staff, establish departmental performance metrics and quality indicators. Communicate performance to the laboratory.
• Assure staff are customer-focused and understand the needs of the customer. Resolve customer service issues in collaboration with the Manager, CLIA Director, and/or Vice President.
  
  
  

Assure Quality and Regulatory Standards are met.

• Comply with all applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as written.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Assure quality practices are followed and error reporting is documented.
• Investigate and document occurrences that contribute to errors, accidents, or adverse outcomes including risk assessment. Report results to the manager in a timely fashion. Recommend and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and process improvements when identified. Utilize technical resources to assist in problem resolution and remediation.
• Authors and/or participate in the qualification and validation of new/revised processes, equipment, and software.
• Participate as part of the management team in laboratory accreditation inspections, and internal and external audits.
• Monitor work practices to ensure current Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are employed, quality control is performed, and equipment is maintained.
• Coordinate the completion of Proficiency Testing (PT) CAP/AABB Surveys. Ensures rotation of proficiency testing among all staff. Directly reports survey results to CAP/AABB or delegates to appropriate Lead Scientist.
• Ensure the integrity of written and electronic records generated by the department.
• Coordinate laterally within Transfusion Services to ensure processes are optimized, resources are appropriately used, and quality practices are consistently applied.
• Oversee 24-hour REES monitoring for equipment, in concert with Managers.
• Develop written standard operating procedures as assigned.
• Assure a safe work environment by reviewing safety practices, developing safe practices, communicating with staff, and ensuring compliance. Evaluate safety reports and remediate problems.
• Ensures that employees are scheduled appropriately to complete CLIA Competency Assessments and that such assessments are completed on time.
  
  
  

Operational Support

• Participate with interdepartmental project teams when the scope of those projects affects the daily operations of IRL.
• Partner with laboratory leadership for the implementation of genomics testing into laboratory processes.
• Assure the coordination of the screening, typing, packing, and/or shipment of rare units and rare plasma/serum samples for national exchange.
• Process unusual or complex requests for service or information. Consult with laboratory leadership regarding these requests as applicable.
• Coordinate special research and development projects.
• Maintain software/electronic applications used for daily operations (Antigen Plus, maintain Macros, rare donor list, etc.).
• Coordinate training of medical fellows during rotation and daily report review with the Medical Director and trainees.
• As needed, assist the program director for the MT/MLT or SBB programs to provide lectures or practical training to students.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

• Must qualify as General Supervisor, High Complexity Testing, under CLIA personnel requirements found in Subpart M of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• Certification as a Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) is required. Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of laboratory technical experience with at least two years of experience in immunohematology reference testing is required (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• A minimum of three years of laboratory supervisor or Lead experience is preferred.
  
  
  

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Demonstrated expertise in immunohematology reference testing.
• Basic knowledge of molecular techniques is preferred.
• Requires ability to comprehend the criticality of the testing being performed, as it relates to the blood components being prepared for transfusion, or organs being transplanted. Includes a fundamental understanding of the financial value of the testing reagents, blood components being prepared, and the necessity to follow all regulatory rules and regulations (AABB, CFR, EU, CLIA, HIPAA, and State), including FDA’s “Good Manufacturing Practices”.
• Required mental activities include continuous use of interpersonal skills, teamwork, customer service, decision-making, mentoring, problem analysis, independent judgment and/or independent action, and the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English. Required mental activities also include the use of discretion, creativity, negotiation, presentations/teaching, training/supervising, and the performance of basic math (all used frequently); of basic computer programming and selling (used rarely).
• Must be able to effectively prioritize activities, and to continuously re-prioritize to accommodate tight deadlines and a varying workload; must be able to work effectively under stress.
• Required physical activities include continuous hearing, talking, and handling. Additional required physical activities include standing, walking, reaching, and repetitive motions of hands/wrists (all used frequently); stooping, sitting, bending, kneeling, feeling, and repetitive motions of feet (all used occasionally); and climbing (used rarely).
• The ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds and the ability to push up to 60 pounds is required.
• Significant manual dexterity is required to operate various instruments and to perform required data entry.
• Must be capable of performing independent work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Functional proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required.
• Functional proficiency with Visio, and MS Project applications is preferred.
  
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a highly regulated position and is subject to meeting various regulatory agency and accrediting body rules and regulations (FDA, AABB, CLIA, CAP, etc.).
• Telecommuting is an occasional and not permanent condition of this role.
• The position requires extensive computer and close work; occasional heavy lifting, constant standing, overtime; as well as infrequent evening meetings and weekend work.
• Ability to work scheduled “on-call”.
• The position may require intermittent work (up to 30 minutes on each occasion) in cold rooms (1 – 6oC) and walk-in freezers (-35oC).
• As this is an essential position with direct responsibility to donors and/or patients, the incumbent should be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts and/or possibly at a different location during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies.
• Ability to work scheduled holidays and weekends, as necessary.
• This position has direct exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
• We have a wonderful new job opportunity for a Supervisor in the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory. The incumbent would supervise departmental staff, ensure the management of departmental projects, and participate in interdepartmental projects according to established priorities and timelines. Coordinate quality review and management of errors, error correction, corrective actions, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) revisions, and validations associated with IRL projects. Provide technical expertise in IRL testing and the development and implementation of new methods and as needed, perform clinical laboratory testing.
  
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a highly regulated position and is subject to meeting various regulatory agency and accrediting body rules and regulations (FDA, AABB, CLIA, CAP, etc.).
• Telecommuting is an occasional and not permanent condition of this role.
• The position requires extensive computer and close work; occasional heavy lifting, constant standing, overtime; as well as infrequent evening meetings and weekend work.
• Ability to work scheduled “on-call”.
• The position may require intermittent work (up to 30 minutes on each occasion) in cold rooms (1 – 6oC) and walk-in freezers (-35oC).
• As this is an essential position with direct responsibility to donors and/or patients, the incumbent should be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts and/or possibly at a different location during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies.
• Ability to work scheduled holidays and weekends, as necessary.
• This position has direct exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
• Bloodworks is a community-supported non-profit organization. As such, from time to time, the incumbent can expect to work with volunteers.
  
  
  

Benefits And Perks:

Employees regularly scheduled for 24+ hours per week are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with family coverage also available. Also, able to participate in retirement plans (401a & 403b), consolidated paid leave program (4.8 – 6.8 weeks of time off accrued per year, based on length of service), subsidized back-up childcare program, subsidized transit program, educational reimbursement. Candidates hired from outside of our service area may be eligible for a relocation assistance bonus*

*Conditions apply

Benefits And Perks:

Employees regularly scheduled for 24+ hours per week are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with family coverage also available. Also, able to participate in retirement plans (401a & 403b), consolidated paid leave program (4.8 – 6.8 weeks of time off accrued per year, based on length of service), subsidized back-up childcare program, subsidized transit program, educational reimbursement. Candidates hired from outside of our service area may be eligible for a relocation assistance bonus*

*Conditions apply

Bloodworks Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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