Histology Supervisor

Description

The Histology Supervisor directs the daily operation of the Histology Laboratory and is accountable for its staff, quality, compliance, and turnaround. The Supervisor sets the standard for following standard operating procedures, quality control, and approved quality assurance.

The Supervisor remains a working technical expert. They precisely and accurately perform routine and specialized histology techniques, serve as the department's technical resource, and provide direct bench supervision. They meet schedules, priority demands, and deadlines, coordinate tasks flexibly across the lab, and lead special projects.

Requirements

Essential Job Functions

Laboratory Operations

Plans and organizes the lab's workflow to meet established turnaround times and courier schedules.

Sets daily priorities according to departmental practices and ensures "Rush" specimens are expedited.

Monitors workload-recording sheets and productivity and adjusts staffing or workflow to meet volume.

Manages supply inventory, ordering, and reagent stock; ensures expired reagents are removed from use.

Oversees equipment maintenance, service, and validation for microtomes, tissue processors, stainers, and related equipment.

Serves as the lab's liaison with pathologists, the Laboratory Medical Director, physicians, and administration.

Recommends equipment, supply, and process improvements, and provides input on the lab's operating budget.

Quality, Compliance, and Safety

Maintains the quality control and quality assurance program, and reviews Q/C and Q/A documentation and logbooks.

Ensures the lab meets CLIA '88 requirements for high complexity testing and is prepared for inspections and proficiency testing.

Writes, reviews, and updates procedure manuals, safety manuals, and lab policies; ensures staff review current versions.

Investigates errors and non-conforming work, corrects them, and uses findings to improve performance.

Enforces safety regulations, including chemical and biological exposure controls.

Enforces HIPAA regulations within the lab.

Technical and Bench Duties

Demonstrates proficiency with accessioning, grossing, embedding, microtomy, staining, and all equipment used to produce a stained and labeled slide.

Demonstrates complete understanding of all test procedures and learns specialty areas of test performance.

Performs microscopic evaluation of own and staff work; recognizes positive results and differentiates and corrects incorrectly performed work.

When working at the bench, meets departmental productivity standards: a minimum of 45 small blocks per hour embedding time, and 70–90 artifact-free blocks sectioned per shift.

Ensures staining procedures are accurate and precise, clerical tasks are complete, and slides are correctly labeled with levels or other needed information.

Leaves test "setups" in good condition and maintains lab housekeeping standards.

Attends continuing education to meet licensure requirements.

Performs other tasks and duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises Histology Technicians and other lab staff, including daily bench supervision.

Builds staff schedules and coverage plans that meet volume, turnaround, and courier deadlines.

Participates in interviewing, hiring, and onboarding; orients new staff to procedures and safety.

Cross-trains staff and shares technical knowledge across the department.

Conducts annual competency assessments and performance evaluations; documents training.

Coaches staff, addresses performance issues, and recommends corrective action in line with practice policy.

Acts as a role model for dependability, customer service, and job performance.

Job Qualifications

A.S. degree in Histology required, B.S. in Histology or related science desired

H.T. or H.T.L. (ASCP); meets CLIA '88 personnel requirements for high complexity testing

3+ years as a histology technician or technologist, including supervisor responsibility

Proficiency with microtomes, tissue processors and stainers

Leadership and interpersonal skills suited to managing a lab team

Working knowledge of quality systems, safety and HIPAA

Ability to organize work, set priorities and meet deadlines

Working Conditions

Risk of biological and/or chemical exposure.

Fast-paced laboratory environment.

Sitting and/or standing for long periods of time.