Assistant Supervisor, Laboratory

Position Summary

The Clinical Laboratory Section Assistant Supervisor is responsible for coordinating and reviewing all activities of the laboratories to achieve maximum quality of testing and compliance with all requirements by regulatory agencies under direct supervision of the Section Supervisor. In the absence of the section supervisor, the assistant section supervisor will perform the duties of the section supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities Includes the Following:
  • Assures the delivery of quality department /clinical services in accordance with established hospital and regulatory/accreditation agency standards.
  • Assures employee compliance with hospital and Human Resources policies and procedures
  • Assures that employee competency and education requirements are satisfied as per hospital policy.
  • As required, participates in the Performance Improvement Program as defined by the organization.
  • Attends Management/Leadership meetings as scheduled/required and communicates hospital policies, performance improvement initiatives and all other required information to staff.
  • Is responsible for participation in committees, task forces and projects as appropriate.
  • Maintains knowledge related to the operations of the department.
  • Works collaboratively with all levels of the hospital interdisciplinary team and promotes the team concept within the department and hospital wide.
  • Demonstrates positive customer service, fosters positive employee relations and assures that staff adhere to the Customer Service Behavioral Standards.
  • Is supportive of hospital initiatives and projects and functions as a positive change agent.
  • Promotes a positive and professional image and is a role model, coach, mentor and resource for staff and peers.
  • Directs and supervises tests performed.
  • Performs bench testing regularly and when staffing requires assistance
  • Trains and assists laboratory staff with specialized tests
  • Oversees and assists with the Quality Control Program and prepares monthly Quality Control reports for section meetings. Submit for inter-lab comparison where appropriate.
  • Prepares section payroll and time sheets as required.
  • Keeps abreast of accrediting agencies regulatory standards for the Laboratory to meet compliance.
  • Documents test implementation and training for staff.
  • Maintains effective communication within and outside the Laboratory Department.
  • Is actively involved in assisting with the development of effective utilization of laboratory/computer software to include instrument interfacing, tests, worksheets and report formatting.
  • Troubleshoots instrument malfunction when needed and works with vendors to resolve issues.
  • Monitors turn-around-time for applicable assays
  • Develops and submits departmental goals and objectives as required by the Division Administrative Director and Section Supervisor.
  • Interviews, hires, evaluates, counsels and terminates employees as per hospital policy.
  • Assures completion of staff orientation, annual and ongoing competency and education requirements.
  • Attends and participates in educational programs or activities to maintain current level of knowledge or expertise to manage department.
  • Utilizes multiple methodologies to communicate information.
  • Adheres to safety standards for employees and patients.


  • Maintains inventory and ordering as appropriate for supplies
  • Laboratory supervisor responsibilities include:
    • supervising testing personnel.
    • monitoring and ensuring that acceptable performance specifications are maintained, including:
      • review of quality control.
      • scheduled instrument and equipment maintenance.
      • other quality assurance activities as assigned.
    • ensuring test system performance:
      • by initiating preventive and/or remedial actions when test procedures deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications
      • in the event of nonconformances, ensuring that test results are not reported until corrective action has been taken and the test is performing according to laboratory established performance specifications
    • verifying those personnel are trained and deemed proficient prior to performing testing on patient specimens independently
    • ensuring that staff have competency assessments as needed
    • ensuring action is taken when personnel do not perform as expected on competency assessments
    • compliance with all policies, procedures, and regulatory standards
    • communication, including bringing problems and non-conformities to the attention of laboratory management including the medical director.
    • leadership and problem-solving capabilities
    • allocation of assets for effective daily laboratory operations
    • personnel management
  • Test System Competencies for assistant supervisors will be maintained and approved by the section supervisor and/or medical director.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Education & Experience Requirements
  • BS Degree in Clinical Technology or related science with four years of relevant hospital experience.
  • ASCP or NCA Certification preferred.
  • Current NYS License or Licensure eligible required.


Core Competencies

Flexibility Organized Adaptability Attention to Detail Stress Tolerance

Physical/Mental Demands/Requirements & Work Environment
  • May be exposed to chemicals necessary to perform required tasks. Any hazardous chemicals the employee may be exposed to are listed in the hospital's SDS (Safety Data Sheet) data base and may be accessed through the hospital's Intranet site (Employee Tools/SDS Access). A copy of the SDS data base can also be found at the hospital switchboard, saved on a disc.
  • Must be able to move about the department and hospital constantly.
  • Must be able to remain stationary for extended periods of time.
  • Requires frequent use of computers and other office & laboratory equipment.
  • Must be able to rapidly assess and respond to situational needs of the department.


Primary Population Served

Check appropriate box(s) below:

  • Patients with exceptional communication needs


  • Neonatal (birth - 28 days)


  • Infant (29 days - less than 1 year)
  • Patients with developmental delays
  • Pediatric (1 - 12 years)
  • Patients at end of life
  • Adolescent (13 - 17 years)
  • Patients under isolation precautions
  • Adult (18 - 64 years)
  • Patients with cultural needs
  • Geriatric (> 65 years)

â˜'All populations
  • Bariatric Patients with weight related comorbidities
  • Non-patient care population