Job Description

Under the direction of the Medical Director of the Blood Bank/ Transfusion Services and the Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, this position is directly responsible for the technical and administrative management of the Blood Bank/Transfusion Services department and its staff. The Manager will provide effective leadership and efficient operation in compliance with departmental and institutional goals and coordinate, supervise and manage the activities of the Department to ensure that high quality of laboratory services and testing are provided to patients in a timely and cost effective manner. Keeps the Medical Director informed of all necessary information and handles personnel issues, maintains personnel records, writes job descriptions, maintains payroll. Develops the annual departmental budget, prepares and presents the capital equipment request process, monitors supply and payroll budgets. Ensures the provision of blood and blood products with efficient, smooth, safe, error free performance for patient safety around the clock at the physician's request. Writes, implements and maintains the Blood Bank and Bone Marrow / Stem Cell procedure manuals for the department. Initiates and implements new policies and procedures. Is directly responsible for the bone marrow / stem cell processing lab. Is responsible for meeting regulatory requirements to maintain accreditation by AABB, CAP, FACT, FDA, and The Joint Commission. Is the liaison to the American Red Cross and other blood collection centers to insure sufficient blood and blood component inventories. Provides training in blood banking/transfusion medicine to Fellows, residents and interns and medical technology students.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Hires, supervises, trains, evaluates, disciplines, and with approval, discharges Blood Bank staff. (Technical and non-technical).
• Creates staffing schedules, work rotations, on call schedules, holiday coverage and organ transplantation coverage to provide adequate 24-hour service seven days per week.
• Develops with the Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine the annual budget by recommending capital equipment needs, staffing and supply needs.
• Assure proper maintenance of laboratory records to meet federal and state regulations, FDA, AABB, CAP, FACT and The Joint Commission Standards. Provide all statistical information as necessary.
• Oversees the Blood Bank module computer operations, upgrades, maintenance and regulatory issues. Keeps computer-training records of personnel.
• Checks the validity and accuracy of test results obtained by the laboratory personnel. Implement and supervise required quality control and quality assurance programs.
• Orders and maintains inventory levels of all supplies and blood products. Oversees ordering, shipping and invoices from out of state blood centers.
• Insures that all equipment functions according to laboratory standards. Recommends new equipment and participates in its evaluation.
• Provides direct technical assistance or support, reviewing and performing complex or special test procedures as necessary. Investigate complex immunohematological problems.
• Implements new technical programs and tests, ensuring that laboratory staff is appropriately trained. Evaluates and revises laboratory procedures.
• Keeps current with new technology through literature review and attendance at local and national conferences.
• Provides technical support to the Apheresis and outpatient transfusion service.
• Oversees the bone marrow / stem cell laboratory for processing, freezing and thawing procedures and maintains the liquid nitrogen storage freezers. Maintains a competency testing program and training program for all technologists. Is responsible for scheduling of procedures, all processing records, providing personnel for off-hour procedures.
• Oversees the daily functioning of the transfusion service, supervises blood component preparation, prioritizing and troubleshooting to provide optimal service.
• Is responsible for annual dosimetry testing and maintenance of the blood irradiator according to AABB and NRC guidelines.
• Is responsible for creating, implementing and revising all blood product labels, Blood Bank forms and worksheets according to guidelines.
• Works with Finance to oversee billing issues, implementation and updating of CPT, APC, HCPCS codes and pricing guides.
• Ensures compliance with mandatory continuing education requirements.
• Frequently works with physicians, medical students, the Blood Bank's VP, nursing and employees from most departments in the hospital. Outside contacts include vendors, Red Cross Account Managers, National Blood Exchange, State Health Department, out of state blood center personnel, various regulatory agency inspectors and other hospitals.
• Provides training for residents, fellows, interns and medical technology students.
• Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed
• Supervisory Duties
• Responsible for the day to day technical and administrative management of the Blood Bank technical lab and the bone marrow / stem cell processing lab providing coverage 7 days per week, 24 hours per day.
• Manages approximately 20 medical technologists.

Qualifications

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Laboratory techniques
• Strong immunohematological background
• Computer skills including word processing and blood bank module knowledge
• Strong organizational and prioritizing skills
• Leadership and teamwork skills
• Interpersonal skills necessary to supervise a large staff of employees.
• Troubleshooting, intradepartmental communication and teaching ability.

EDUCATION

• Level of knowledge typically acquired through a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology plus a year internship in clinical laboratories. Master's Degree in Medical Technology strongly preferred

EXPERIENCE

• A total of 5 years experience minimum of 4 years experience in an AABB Accredited Blood Bank and at least 1-year supervisory experience.

LICENSES, ETC.:

• Requires a Medical Technologist Certification:
• MT (ASCP) - American Society of Clinical Pathologists
• SBB (ASCP) - Specialist in Blood Banking Preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Normal office work environment
• Typical clinical laboratory or research wet Lab work environment
• Frequent exposure to sick patients, bodily substances, blood products, radiation.
• Work requires frequent computer keying, some operation of laboratory equipment, cleaning equipment, etc.
• In emergency situations normal work hours do not apply.

Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Tufts Medical Center reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

COVID-19 POLICY:

Please note that effective October 1, 2021, as a condition of employment at Tufts Medical Center, all employees and new hires must have received their complete dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, unless they have been granted an exemption.