Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Team Lead, the Section Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the operational and technical activities and providing supervision of staff for the designated laboratory area(s). This includes duties such as reviewing workload, scheduling, establishing priorities, and directing workflow to ensure appropriate service delivery. The Section Coordinator acts as a resource to the staff regarding the technical and analytical procedures in the designated laboratory area(s); participates in the planning and coordination of services; and monitors the quality of work performed to ensure standards are met and safety procedures are followed.  Works in collaboration with the medical, operations and site leadership team to develop, implement, and evaluate discipline specific practice standards, guidelines, policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) and new tests and methods. Provides input into recruitment and performance management and supports the training and coaching of team members. Participates in facilitating workplace solutions and the implementation of new equipment and new/changed service delivery models.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Oversees, monitors and directs the daily operational and technical activities and supervises staff for the designated area(s) of the laboratory by performing duties such as reviewing workload assignments, setting priorities, scheduling, allocating staff as required, and directing efficient workflow to meet operational needs. Evaluates and makes adjustments and escalates to the Team Lead as required. Assists with conflict resolution and troubleshooting work-related issues in consultation with the Team Lead and/or Site Supervisor.

2.    Clarifies job expectations for laboratory staff in the designated area(s). Acts as a technical resource by providing technical guidance to staff within the designated discipline or area of expertise using established standards and methodologies. Identifies learning gaps and recommends staff training and/or skill enhancement requirements to the Team Lead. Monitors and provides performance feedback of designated staff. Advises staff on corrective procedural measures where appropriate. Escalates issues to the Team Lead, Site Supervisor and/or Manager as required.  

3.    Organizes and implements orientation and training programs for new staff and students. Reviews departmental expectations, policies and procedure and demonstrates work processes to new staff and students. Reports issues to the Team Lead regarding training, orientation, and staff/student progress and performance. Assists with staff selection by participating in panel interviews for position vacancies and providing input regarding evaluation of candidates.

4.    Make recommendations to the Team Lead for improvements regarding issues such as workflow, policies and procedures, and staffing requirements. Participates in evaluating and implementing improvements, new tests and methods, and changed or new service delivery models.

5.    Develops, implements and evaluates discipline specific practice standards, guidelines, protocols, policies and SOPs in consultation with the Team Lead, Site Supervisor, Manager and/or Medical Leader. Reviews in collaboration with Technical Coordinators, existing policies and procedures for the designated laboratory area(s) and facilitates meetings to develop new standards to ensure consistency of practice. Sustains and monitors practices that are consistent with the guidelines and code of conduct of provincial, national and, where applicable, Canadian professional and associations' guidelines. Ensures the implementation of approved new/revised policies and procedures by coordinating the implementation and training requirements, instructing staff on the policies as required, providing on-site support as required, and resolving issues and concerns.

6.    Works collaboratively with medical, operations and site leadership team to evaluate and coordinate the development of discipline specific new tests and methods and provides recommendations to the Team Lead, Site Supervisor, Manager and Medical Leader. Develops evaluation and implementation plans for new tests and methods and liaises with vendors to obtain information and testing material. Reviews and summarizes evaluation data for the medical, operations and site leadership team.

7.    Instructs staff on new and modified procedures/techniques and new equipment, their implementation, and the quality control procedures required.

8.    Ensures safety procedures are followed by performing duties such as assisting with the monitoring and auditing the compliance of the designated area to safety standards and regulations, communicating safety issues and providing staff with safety related information from others, such as the laboratory safety awareness team, occupational health and safety staff and established regulatory bodies. Ensures required staff training is completed. Reports all quality and safety issues to the Team Lead.

9.    Participates in monitoring Quality Control and other quality indicators and makes corrections as appropriate. Supports the Technical Coordinators with any technical quality issues and participates in the investigation of critical incidents as required. Ensures that the Team Lead, Site Supervisor and Operations Managers are kept informed of all quality and safety issues. Implements Diagnostic Accreditation Program standards and recommendations and ensures staff compliance. Participates in the review of incidents reports as per the Occurrence Management Process and investigates complaints from health care providers and patients.

10.    Participates in the coordination of downtime procedures and ensures designated staff are informed and understand downtime protocol and process. Coordinates staff access and appropriate orientation to various computer systems. Participates in the validation of new and/or upgraded software and informs the Laboratory Information Systems team of computer/system failures.

11.    Reviews and evaluates literature/materials and attends workshops and conferences to maintain awareness of relevant advances and changes in current trends regarding instrumentation, methodology, and technical knowledge.

12.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•    Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technologist with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) or an Advanced Registered certificate.
•    Three (3) years’ recent, related experience on core benches of the designated laboratory area(s), including one (1) year supervisory/leadership capacity, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
•    A valid BC driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle for business related purposes.

Skills and Abilities

•    Ability to supervise and teach.  
•    Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
•    Ability to develop and evaluate procedures.
•    Comprehensive knowledge of the standards of practice and guidelines for Medical Laboratory Technologists established by the CSMLS and/or other relevant national professional associations.
•    Comprehensive knowledge of organization policies, procedures, and standards of care, including practice of safe work procedures with discipline equipment
•    Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
•    Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with co-workers, medical personnel and other health care staff, both one-to-one and in groups.
•    Demonst