At Houston Methodist, the Medical Laboratory Scientist Specialist position is responsible for performing both routine and complex analyses at a subject matter expert level, which necessitates knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, and equipment and their interrelationship. This position exercises good judgment by using critical thinking skills and takes an active role in problem solving for the laboratory section. The Medical Laboratory Scientist Specialist also ensures that specimens are accessioned and processed expeditiously in order to deliver quality laboratory results in an effective and cost efficient manner. Additional responsibilities include serving as a role model and preceptor for staff and leading quality control initiatives for section.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

• Orients, guides and mentors team members and students, to help build confidence and competency in skills, knowledge and abilities. Administers and grades staff competency assessments.

• Participates in laboratory and organization wide initiatives.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examination using various analyzers and/or manual methods.

• Sets pace for workload and troubleshoots workflow issues for laboratory section. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.

• Meets turnaround time expectations as defined by management.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all areas assigned to work.

• Recognizes, investigates and correctly resolves test discrepancies. When problems arise, takes appropriate action to investigate and address and notifies management for follow-up.

• Compiles and reviews monthly quality control data, to include actions for variances identified, and provides proper documentation of all variations. Oversees section compliance by reviewing and responding to College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation Checklists questions/ findings. Completes online CAP Inspector Training.

• Develops plan, leads implementation, and performs data analysis of validations. Coordinates instrument maintenance and repairs.

• Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues for section. Assists with policy review and submission.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Actively participates in inventory management.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Three years of experience in a clinical laboratory as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist or comparable role. May consider HM employee with two years of experience, to include a minimum of one year as a HM Medical Laboratory Scientist, and who demonstrates progressive responsibilities.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• Must have one of the following required certifications:
•    • Preferred - Certified as a Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or categorical certification by Board of Certification (ASCP)
•    • Certified as a Medical Technologist by American Medical Technologists (AMT)
•    • Certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
•    • HLA only - One of the following is required:
        ◊ Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification
        ◊ Certified by American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI)
•    • Microbiology only - One of the following is required:
        ◊ Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) certification
        ◊ Microbiology, M(ASCP) certification
        ◊ Clinical microbiology registry from American Society for Microbiology, RM(AAM)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers

• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervision

• Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy

• Ability to work independently and execute above average technical skills

• Demonstrates sound judgment and discretion to recognize problems ranging from simple to complex, identify causes and take corrective action

• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents

• Ability to recognize changes that are critical to patient care

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

Since its founding in 1919, Houston Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition. Houston Methodist Hospital is affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's leading centers for medical education and research.  In 2020, U.S. News & World Report named Houston Methodist Hospital to its top ranked Honor Roll for the fourth time and second consecutive year. 2020 also marked the ninth year in a row Houston Methodist Hospital has been named the No. 1 hospital in Texas. Houston Methodist Hospital directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. With 952 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and over 8,000 employees, Houston Methodist offers complete care for patients from around the world.

 

The same high-quality care for which Houston Methodist is known is available at several Emergency Care Centers in Houston and the surrounding areas.  These Emergency Care Centers house exam rooms, full digital radiography suite, low radiation dose 16-slice CT scan, ultrasound and a full on-site stat chemistry lab.