Laboratory Supervisor, Blood Bank Lab - Full-Time, Day Shift

UChicago Medicine · Harvey

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Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, Ingalls Memorial Hospital, as a Laboratory Supervisor in the Blood Bank laboratory. In this role, you will be responsible for training, supervising, and ensuring accountability of laboratory staff within their area of oversight. The Supervisor provides input on the departmental budget as requested and educates staff on the theoretical basis of laboratory procedures. They are responsible for conducting performance appraisals for their designated sections and for troubleshooting issues that may interfere with laboratory operations, including those related to laboratory information systems. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

The Supervisor is expected to know, follow, and actively support the philosophy, mission, and vision of Ingalls Memorial Hospital. They must adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and standards of care, while also complying with corporate compliance requirements. Any issues must be promptly communicated to the appropriate parties as outlined in the Corporate Compliance Plan.

Collaboration with pathologists is required to establish critical value limits, perform workload analysis, implement method changes, ensure accreditation readiness, conduct method validation, and support other key technical functions that ensure efficient and accurate test analysis. This role also involves regular interaction with hospital departments and laboratory clients to deliver timely, accurate, and compliant laboratory test results.

Essential Job Functions 

• Observes and adheres to all corporate and departmental compliance requirements and communicates issues as they arise to the appropriate parties, as outlined in the Corporate and Departmental Compliance Plans.
• Supports Laboratory Business Development in alignment with the departmental mission, following all established policies and procedures.
• Remains aware of hospital financial considerations and helps ensure departmental operations stay within budgeted guidelines.
• Observes principles of data security and patient confidentiality while maintaining high ethical standards.
• Implements cost-saving measures and process improvements as outlined in departmental goals and objectives.
• Controls and maintains inventory and supplies in a cost-effective manner.
• Trains and supervises laboratory staff in the use of the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and other applicable computer systems to ensure efficient operations and maximum system availability.
• Ensures appropriate staffing levels based on anticipated workload and monitors staff productivity.
• Provides input for the departmental budget, as requested.
• Reviews monthly financial reports and submit written variance reports when required.
• Assists in the selection and approval of vendors for budgeted purchases.
• Develops and monitors compliance with safety and waste management procedures.
• Identifies opportunities for revenue enhancement and cost containment in conjunction with financial reporting.
• Maintains attendance in accordance with hospital policy.
• Maintains departmental policies, procedures, and forms in compliance with document control standards. 
• Promotes teamwork through effective communication and mutual support.
• Demonstrates the ability to identify and resolve interpersonal conflicts constructively within the department.
• Supports the hospital’s vision by consistently exhibiting a positive and supportive attitude toward patients, physicians, visitors, and co-workers, and by representing the department in a professional manner.
• Provides instruction and guidance to patients, visitors, students, and co-workers regarding laboratory testing and procedures.
• Displays respect, empathy, and concern when addressing and resolving issues or concerns.

• Is trained and experienced in the designated discipline or area of service for which the individual is responsible.

• Performs standard and specialized laboratory techniques, both automated and non-automated.

• Operates all laboratory instruments, equipment, and peripheral devices within their section, ensuring proper functionality for patient registration, order entry, and/or testing.

• Troubleshoots instruments and equipment malfunctions and maintains operational efficiency.

• Ensures remedial actions are taken when test systems deviate from established performance specifications.

• Maintains accurate records and documentation in accordance with laboratory standards.

• Reviews and updates policies, procedures, and manuals to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies (CLIA, CAP, AABB, DNV, TJC, CMS, HIPAA, and IDPH).

• Maintains competency documentation for all staff under their oversight.

• Serves as the primary technical and operational resource in the department.

• Meets internal thresholds for pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes (collection, resulting, reporting).

• Ensures the quality and timeliness of patient results by investigating issues related to specimen collection, result reporting, and turnaround time.

• Adheres to Standard Precautions and hospital/laboratory safety policies and procedures at all times.

• Utilizes the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) process to review and improve departmental workflows.

• Troubleshoots laboratory information system (LIS) or hospital information system (HIS) issues that affect operations.

• Prepares, reviews, and communicates required reports.

• Develops written goals and objectives annually in collaboration with the manager.

• Participates as a lead resource on hospital and laboratory committees.

• Instructs laboratory staff on new technologies, instruments, procedures, and methods.

• Acts as the primary resource for pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes within designated areas.

• Processes data and enters results into the LIS/HIS, demonstrating system proficiency.

• Conducts performance appraisals for staff within the supervisor’s area of oversight.

• Oversees staff performance, including development of positive growth records and corrective action plans.

• Supports departmental Lean initiatives through active participation and follow-through on standard work established via Lean events.

• Prepares samples for analysis and assesses sample acceptability per department policies and procedures.

• Evaluates and calculates quality control statistics to assess accuracy, reproducibility, and validity of laboratory methods.

• Takes primary responsibility for all proficiency testing within their department.

• Evaluates and interprets test results, recognizes abnormal values, and documents/report critical value results 100% of the time.

• Demonstrates theoretical knowledge of laboratory procedures and exercises basic analytical and decision-making skills.

• Identifies quality control trends, implements corrective actions, and monitors for effectiveness.

• Uses problem-solving and critical thinking to differentiate between technical, instrument-related, and physiological causes of abnormal test results.

• Correlates laboratory results with other clinical data, validating abnormal results based on the patient’s physiological condition when available.

• Ensures all panic (critical) values are called and documented, and STAT tests are completed within the required timeframe (e.g., less than 45 minutes).

• Collaborates regularly with pathologists to discuss and resolve operational issues including critical value levels, workload analysis, method changes, accreditation readiness, and system modifications.

• Participates in all departmental proficiency testing activities.

• Pursues ongoing professional development through at least three of the following annually.

  • Attendance at job-related seminars

    • Completion of ASCP Tech Samples or equivalent

    • Participation in instrument school in-services or vendor-sponsored education sessions

    • Attendance at management or supervisory seminars

    • Completion of self-improvement courses

• Evaluates and recommends alternative instrumentation, equipment, or processes when needed to ensure delivery of timely and accurate test results.

• Supports the Ingalls Vision by delivering services professionally and effectively, maintaining a positive attitude, and demonstrating supportive behavior in all interactions with customers and staff.

• Promotes trust, recognition, and respect for both the laboratory and the hospital through positive and professional interactions with physicians, patients, visitors, and hospital staff.

• Provides technical support to reference laboratory accounts and staff, ensuring seamless coordination and service delivery.

• Effectively communicates pertinent information across shifts and laboratory sections, promoting operational continuity.

• Holds regular staff meetings (monthly) to keep the team informed, aligned, and engaged.

• Works collaboratively with hospital staff and Ingalls Management Council members to resolve issues, answer questions, and interpret laboratory results (as applicable to technical areas).

• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with hospital personnel and reference laboratory account contacts.

• Maintains open and regular communication with other sections and shifts regarding workflow, changes, or other relevant updates.

• Provides theoretical instruction to laboratory staff, utilizing sound educational methodologies to reinforce learning.

• Trains, supervises, and assigns job tasks to reference laboratory personnel in coordination with the reference laboratory business representative.

• Meets or exceeds customer service goals as defined by the hospital.

• Fosters a respectful and collaborative team environment by building and maintaining healthy working relationships.

• Communicates with physicians regarding patient results, turnaround times, test limitations, and—when appropriate—recommends follow-up testing strategies.

• Identifies, organizes, and leads departmental Performance Improvement (PI) initiatives that align with the organization and laboratory goals for clinical and service excellence.

• Applies knowledge from professional development programs, including Lean methodology, to improve workflows and resolve challenges in day-to-day operations.

• Assists in the implementation of new tests by providing all necessary technical specifications to the computer operations and accounting departments to ensure accurate system setup and billing.

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Required Qualifications

• 5 (five) years of experience within a clinical laboratory workplace is required to have occurred with no more than a 2-year gap
• At least one year of training and/or experience in high-complexity testing. 
• B.S. or B.A. in medical technology or chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science.  
• MT (ASCP) or equivalent
• Working knowledge of scientific principles attained through a baccalaureate degree and/or laboratory experience as prescribed by CLIA-88.  
• Considerable problem-solving and evaluating results.  
• The ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with all physicians, patients, visitors and hospital staff. 
• Computer experience in LIS, PC, HIS, Microsoft office, etc.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in leadership in a Blood Bank laboratory preferred. 
• Successful challenge of an accredited proficiency examination and/or certification through ASCP, NAACLS, HEW or equivalent agency strongly preferred. 

Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE: Full-Time /1.0 FTE
• Shift: Day Shift 
• Unit/Department: Blood Bank Lab - Harvey
• CBA Code: Non-union

1 Ingalls Dr, Harvey, IL 60426

UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital has pioneered sophisticated clinical care for nearly a century while developing the area's most convenient network of comprehensive outpatient centers. Our skilled medical team is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the community. We're also committed to preventing, diagnosing, treating and rehabilitating your illness and injury. Our network of expert physicians, convenient facilities and wide range of services means we offer exceptional care when and where you need it.

In addition to our inpatient care, we provide an array of other services, including on-site X-rays, mammography, laboratory services, cancer screening, other radiology services, and echo and stress testing.

We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual. To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other. We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward. If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.

UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities

UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

As a condition of employment, all employees are required to complete a pre-employment physical, background check, drug screening, and comply with the flu vaccination requirements prior to hire. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered for flu vaccination consistent with applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits.  The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.

The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.

Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.

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