Histology Manager

The purpose of this position is to provide direct management and leadership direction for clinical operations of the Histology Lab section and the Digital Pathology program of the laboratory and support the mission and objectives of OHSU Healthcare. The incumbent works cooperatively with the Administrative Department Director and appropriate medical directors to manage the physical and human resource assets of the department in accordance with departmental, hospital, and corporate policies. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining all laboratory operations at high standards consistent with all quality policies and to meet all accreditation requirements.

Operations Management: 

• Manages day-to-day operation of the Histology section by interacting with staff and faculty to assure optimal workflow, customer service, and high-quality laboratory testing. Formulates policies and procedures and training programs to ensure consistent and reliable operations in all situations.
• Reviews policies and procedures with medical and administrative directors and writes in standard formats for distribution and implementation among staff. Models excellent written and personal communication skills by listening, maintaining a positive and helpful attitude and ensures staff are trained in these skills. Serves as a resource for other laboratory and hospital staff.

Financial Resource Management:

• Develops and monitors sections’ budgets including submitting budgets in expected format and timelines, while meeting financial expectations. Understands financial systems and uses them effectively. Monitors monthly variances using expected format and within timelines.
• Meets or exceeds budgeted goals as determined in conjunction with the Administrative Department Director.
• Works with technical staff and faculty to plan and implement processes to ensure budget targets are met.
• Continually assesses opportunities for increased productivity and efficiency. Financial reports show continuously improving financial picture. 

Human Resources Management: 

• Designs and implements staffing plans which ensure coverage of work, meeting turnaround time goals, and high-quality results on all shifts. Selects employees who demonstrate understanding of organizational culture and job-specific duties and provides continuous feedback, encouragement, and coaching and addresses employee performance problems.
• Manages human resources according to hospital policies and procedures (i.e., periodic performance reviews, 100% of employees have a current position description including performance standards, essential job functions, development plans, and competencies).
• Manage human resources according to labor laws and collective bargaining contracts with no repetitive violations of contract articles or labor laws or untimely response to filed grievances. Provides training and development for staff and other hospital employees as appropriate.
• Works with staff to recognize team and individual accomplishments, ensure open communication, teamwork, and high-level customer service.

Asset Management: 

• Assists in the development of capital budgets for lab sections managed. Projects department equipment and data storage needs, budgets and submits proposals within expected format, procedures and timelines. 
• Manages equipment repair and maintenance according to hospital policies and procedures. Works with technical staff to ensure optimal quality and functionality of equipment at all times.
• Manages current and future space needs according to operational requirements. Always meets all equipment and space-related accreditation requirements.

Quality and Regulatory Management: 

• Works with technical staff to ensure compliance with DNV, CAP, CMS and other regulatory agency standards.
• Knowledgeable and proficient with OPEx principles. Develops Quality Assessment and Improvement programs for all sections’ services according to departmental and hospital Quality policies.
• Works to assure effective, compliant technical billing and works with manager for professional billing to assure that lab operations support compliant pro fee billing.
• Assists in data gathering for quarterly QI reports. Submits data when requested and responds to any deficiencies within required timelines.
• Maintains personal professional certification and current knowledge of technological and management applications that apply to areas of responsibility.

Market Initiative: 

• Develops and maintains a customer service program. Utilizes external surveys, other customer input, and internal departmental data for improvement initiatives, and timely responses.
• Assures department is strategically positioned for the competitive market. Works with medical staff to ensure that new tests and procedures are developed in response to patient care needs. 

Other Duties as Assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, plus 4 years lead or supervisory experience in hospital laboratory services, or equivalent.
• Certification relevant to the area being managed, per the PD.
  • MLS(ASCP), M.T.(ASCP), CT (ASCP), HT(ASCP), HTL(ASCP), AMT, DLM(ASCP) or equivalent 

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Strong customer service skills and effective verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of laboratory compliance and regulatory issues, including billing and coding; and the ability to implement procedures and policies to ensure compliance.
• Extensive knowledge of quality control, quality assurance, and LEAN principles and processes.
• Demonstrated understanding of digital pathology applications.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively in a leadership role, and to interact in a positive, productive way with all hospital staff, and to maintain and promote a customer service focus in all aspects of work.
• Knowledge and/or experience with a Laboratory Information System
• Project management skills 
• Clear, concise communication skills in all formats. Active listening, synthesis of ideas, tact and the ability to build consensus amongst a broad spectrum of users.
• Technical systems troubleshooting skills
• Strong ability to work independently and demonstrate good judgement. 

• Masters or advanced degree.
• Experience in a tertiary care hospital.
• Experience in a fast paced, multidisciplinary laboratory environment. 
• Comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the staff represented within the lab sections
• Comprehensive knowledge and ability to apply the principles and practices of business, financial, and human resources management. 

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights, weekend and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; travel between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional variations in temperature.