Supervisor Lab Specimen Processing

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Under general direction, the Specimen Processing Supervisor oversees daily operations of the specimen processing and/or client services areas. This role is responsible for managing workflow, supervising staff, and ensuring appropriate resources are available to support the clinical laboratory's mission of delivering high-quality, timely, and accurate test results. The Supervisor ensures compliance with organizational policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements while fostering a positive, productive work environment. This position requires sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to manage complex tasks independently.

The Specimen Processing Supervisor typically works in a clinical laboratory setting, which may involve exposure to biological hazards, chemicals, and potentially infectious materials. Strict adherence to safety protocols and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are essential to mitigate risks. The role involves a combination of standing, walking, and sitting for prolonged periods, particularly in connection with telephone or computer usage. The lab environment is dynamic and may require quick adjustments to changing conditions and priorities. Maintaining a clean and organized workspace is essential to ensure efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards. The supervisor must also be prepared to respond to emergencies and maintain a calm, professional demeanor under pressure.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Primary Responsibilities: The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that could be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment.

• Oversees Daily Department Activities: Supervises the daily activities of the lab processors and/or client services to ensure efficient and accurate processing of specimens. Monitors workflow to maintain productivity and quality standards, addressing any issues that arise promptly
• Coordinates Staffing and Manage Attendance: Coordinates staffing schedules and manage the attendance of direct reports. Makes necessary adjustments to the schedule to ensure adequate coverage at all times, minimizing disruption to lab operations
• Employee and Performance Management: Manages timecards and attendance records, ensuring accurate and timely documentation. Conducts staff evaluations, providing feedback to support professional growth and accountability. Collaborates with the laboratory manager in recruiting, correcting, and releasing employees within the processing and/or client services departments, providing performance and behavior-based input to ensure the team meets the organization's standards
• Training and Development: Schedules and provides training structure for new employees, ensuring they are well-versed in lab protocols and procedures. Provides ongoing training and development opportunities for existing staff to maintain high performance and compliance with standards
• Leadership and Role Modeling: Act as a role model and leader for all lab staff, demonstrating professionalism and adherence to best practices. Serves as a resource for team members, providing guidance and supports as needed. Takes a proactive role in addressing and resolving concerns. Utilizes strong problem-solving skills to manage conflicts and ensures smooth operations
• Specimen Processing: When needed, engages directly in the specimen processing workflow to ensure continuity and efficiency. This includes receiving, labeling, and preparing specimens for testing, as well as maintaining accurate records and documentation
• Customer Service: Provides exceptional customer service by effectively communicating with patients, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders. Addresses and resolves inquiries and complaints promptly and professionally, ensuring a positive experience and maintaining the organization's reputation for quality service

Duties integrated into all job functions:

• All staff members are to promote a positive and productive work environment by acting maturely and responsibly, satisfactorily performing job responsibilities, and conducting themselves professionally, courteously, and respectfully toward fellow employees, physicians, and patients
• Must relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions: (a) get along with co-workers or peers without exhibiting behavioral extreme; (b) perform work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others; and (c) respond openly and appropriately to feedback regarding performance from a supervisor
• Performs all duties in a manner that promotes and supports the Core Values of the organization.
  Integrates Lean principles, practices, and tools to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction
• Must follow written and oral instructions and complete routine tasks independently
• Complete all compliance training, including but not limited to HIPAA/Privacy/Confidentiality/Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Integrity Statement and signed Agreements
• Ensures confidentiality of patient information by following HIPAA guidelines and policies
• Attends training to meet job position requirements and as needed or mandated by policies, Div. of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), OSHA, L&I, and other state/federal regulations
• Have regular and predictable attendance

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent is. Applicants with international degrees must submit official documentation verifying the U.S. equivalency of their academic credentials to satisfy the educational requirements
• BLS certification is required or obtained within the first 30 days of employment
• 2+ years of experience in a laboratory setting, with a solid preference for 1+ years of leadership experience, and familiarity with Lab Information System (LIS) utilization
• Knowledge of clinical laboratory procedures, including specimen processing, documentation, and result management
• Knowledge of HIPAA privacy and security standards, as well as regulatory compliance requirements, is crucial for maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to industry regulations
• Knowledge of supervisory practices and principles is crucial for managing a diverse team effectively
• Understanding of laboratory equipment operation, such as centrifuges, and proficiency in using computer systems like EHR and LIS for data entry and management. An essential aspect of this role is understanding pre-analytical errors and how to prevent them, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of lab results
• Familiarity with quality improvement principles and lean process improvement methodologies is beneficial for driving continuous improvement initiatives within the department
• Skill: The Specimen Processing Supervisor should demonstrate strong leadership skills, including the ability to monitor workflow, make staffing adjustments, and provide guidance and support to team members. Proficiency in multitasking, time management, and adaptability to changing priorities is crucial for managing the dynamic environment of a clinical laboratory. Exhibit exceptional written and verbal communication skills, enabling clear and concise interactions with patients, staff, physicians, supervisors, and external agencies. Demonstrate excellent telephone etiquette and the ability to handle multiple activities simultaneously with outstanding organizational skills. Show proficiency in Word, Excel, and lab computer applications to manage documentation and data effectively. Utilize strong analytical skills to make informed recommendations for change, solve problems, and make data-driven decisions.
• Ability: The Specimen Processing Supervisor should have the ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with various stakeholders, fostering a collaborative team environment. The ability to exercise sound judgment, make informed decisions, and resolve conflicts constructively is essential for ensuring smooth operations within the department. Show a strong capacity for multitasking and prioritizing tasks to ensure efficient operations. Demonstrate the ability to react calmly, professionally, and effectively in demanding or emergency situations. Possess strong team-working abilities, flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, and initiative to assist in the department. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Employees must meet the physical and mental demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The Specimen Processing Supervisor must be able to frequently stand and walk for extended periods with intermittent breaks. The role requires the frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, grasp, or feel objects, tools, controls, and medical or office equipment. Quick, precise adjustments to machine controls and the ability to move arms and legs swiftly are essential. The supervisor must also be capable of lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects, occasionally up to 50 pounds, and must frequently repeat movements, bend, stretch, stoop, twist, squat, kneel, crawl, push/pull, grasp, handle, or reach out. Clear speech and hearing abilities, as well as visual acuity to see details, colors, and differences in brightness, are crucial for effective communication and operation within the lab.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

While performing their duties, the Specimen Processing Supervisor must regularly use written and oral communication skills to read and interpret data, information, and documents. They must possess strong analytical abilities to solve non-routine and complex problems, using mathematical reasoning when necessary. The role demands the ability to observe and interpret situations accurately, learn and apply new information or skills promptly, and perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks. Working under intensive deadlines with frequent interruptions requires a high level of focus and the ability to interact effectively with managers, staff, customers, patients, the public, and other stakeholders, some of whom may be dissatisfied or challenging. The ability to deal with conflicts constructively and in a respectful manner is crucial for fostering a positive work environment and maintaining productive working relationships.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the job's essential functions.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $49,700 to $88,800 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.