Assistant Director of Pathology - Main Laboratory

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Assistant Director of Pathology serves as a key operational and leadership partner to the Director of Pathology. This position is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Main Hospital Laboratory and affiliated outpatient draw stations. The Assistant Director provides independent leadership in employee relations, staff development, workflow oversight, regulatory readiness, problem resolution, and operational support while ensuring high-quality patient care, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. The Assistant Director serves as a primary resource for laboratory leadership and staff, supports regulatory and quality initiatives, assists with strategic projects, and acts on behalf of the Director as delegated.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily laboratory operations and workflow throughout the Main Hospital Laboratory and affiliated outpatient draw stations.
• Monitor staffing needs and workflow efficiency to ensure appropriate laboratory coverage and timely patient service.
• Assess operational challenges and implement solutions independently to maintain service excellence.
• Provide direct technical and operational support to laboratory staff and leadership as needed.
• Serve as a resource for managers, section leaders, and staff regarding laboratory processes, procedures, and problem resolution.
• Participate in after-hours issue resolution and operational decision-making as required.
• Maintain awareness of laboratory volumes, turnaround times, staffing effectiveness, and service expectations.

Employee Relations and Human Resources Support

• Lead recruitment efforts including candidate screening, interviewing, selection, and onboarding processes.
• Coordinate lab orientation and training programs for new laboratory employees.
• Ensure employee personnel files remain complete, accurate, and compliant with organizational, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.
• Monitor and maintain employee compliance requirements including: Annual competencies, Licensure and certification verification, employee health requirements, influenza vaccinations, FIT testing, education and training documentation
• Address employee concerns and workplace issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Conduct coaching, counseling, performance improvement plans, and corrective actions as appropriate.
• Assist leaders with performance evaluations and employee development planning.
• Promote employee engagement and a positive work culture.

Regulatory Compliance and Policy Management

• Support ongoing compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements including CLIA, Joint Commission, DNV, OSHA, state regulations, etc.
• Participate in regulatory inspections, surveys, and accreditation activities.
• Assist leadership in maintaining laboratory readiness for inspections at all times.
• Review, revise, and update laboratory policies and procedures as needed.
• Ensure policies remain current, evidence-based, and aligned with organizational standards.
• Conduct compliance audits related to laboratory operations and personnel requirements.

Quality and Patient Service Support

• Investigate patient complaints, physician concerns, specimen issues, and result-related inquiries.
• Collaborate with laboratory leaders, providers, and other departments to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Assist with resolution of billing concerns and laboratory service issues.
• Ensure concerns involving patient testing and result integrity are thoroughly evaluated and appropriately documented.
• Support patient safety initiatives and departmental performance improvement efforts.
• Monitor service quality and identify opportunities for operational improvement.

Staff Oversight and Compliance Monitoring

• Conduct routine audits of staff compliance with dress code requirements, PPE standards, safety practices, and infection prevention requirements
• Ensure corrective action and follow-up occur when deficiencies are identified.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and professionalism throughout the laboratory.

Leadership Development and Team Support

• Provide guidance, mentorship, education, and support to laboratory staff and leaders.
• Assist with technical training and competency development.
• Collaborate with section leaders and managers to identify educational opportunities and operational improvements.
• Foster teamwork and effective communication across laboratory departments and locations.

Strategic Projects and Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Pathology with implementation of new programs, projects, technologies, and operational initiatives.
• Participate in process improvement, workflow redesign, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Support implementation of new testing services, equipment, software systems, and organizational objectives.
• Gather and analyze operational information to assist leadership decision-making.
• Represent laboratory leadership on committees, meetings, and organizational initiatives as assigned.

Decision-Making Authority and Position Expectation

The Assistant Director is expected to serve as a visible leader and function with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgment. This position is responsible for independently identifying, evaluating, and resolving operational, personnel, workflow, patient service, and compliance issues within established organizational policies and regulatory requirements. Matters requiring escalation will be communicated to the Director as appropriate.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related field.
• 4 years laboratory experience with two years supervisory experience preferred. Alternative: Master’s Degree in a related field.
• National certification- MLS(ASCP) or equivalent required
• Louisiana State license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist required
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common specific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Basic computer skills.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be at risk for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and tuberculosis.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Mental competence and alertness, dexterity and accuracy of physical movements; clear, concise, pleasant speaking abilities; accurate hearing is essential; visual acuity is a must; stability of emotional make up is essential.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.