Job Description

The Technical Specialist, Pre-Analytical and Microbiology is responsible for the effective and efficient coordination, oversight, and continuous improvement of the Pre-Analytical and Microbiology programs to ensure quality, accuracy, safety, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery of laboratory services in support of patient care.

As an integral member of the Laboratory Services team, the Technical Specialist provides operational and technical leadership for all pre-analytical processes, including specimen collection, procurement, handling, transportation, processing, and referral testing. The role also provides oversight of the organization's limited in-house Microbiology testing services and referred (send-out) Microbiology testing program, ensuring appropriate specimen management, test utilization, result reporting, quality assurance, and compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements.

The Technical Specialist oversees pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes; supports quality management initiatives; and ensures compliance with Accreditation Canada Diagnostics (ACD), IQMH, Occupational Health and Safety, and Laboratory Quality Management System requirements. Working closely with laboratory staff, physicians, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC), clinical teams, referral laboratories, external service providers, and Laboratory Leadership, the incumbent promotes operational excellence, patient safety, innovation, and continuous quality improvement.

The Technical Specialist also serves as a technical resource and mentor, provides leadership for laboratory safety activities, supports the implementation of new technologies and processes, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the delivery of high-quality, efficient, and patient-centered laboratory services.

Contribute to safe, quality care by:

• Coordinate and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Pre-Analytical and Microbiology departments.
• Supervise and provide technical direction to staff, ensuring efficient workflow and effective utilization of resources.
• Monitor departmental performance, quality indicators, workload volumes, turnaround times (TAT), and operational metrics.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve Quality Assurance and Quality Control programs.
• Coordinate and oversee staff proficiency testing programs.
• Conduct quality audits and monitor quality indicators and performance metrics.
• Investigate non-conformances, complaints, incidents, employee reports, and discordant results.
• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to staff.
• Coordinate orientation, training, competency assessments, and continuing education programs.
• Develop and maintain discipline-specific training and competency programs.
• Assess staff competencies and identify developmental opportunities.
• Promote and reinforce a safe and healthy work environment.
• Provide leadership for laboratory safety initiatives and programs.
• Serve as Biosafety Officer for the CL-2 Laboratory, where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation and organizational policies.
• Oversee equipment maintenance programs, including preventive maintenance and repair scheduling.
• Maintain documentation related to equipment performance and maintenance activities.
• Evaluate equipment requirements and provide evidence-based recommendations for purchases.
• Coordinate instrument, method, and procedure validations.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, productivity, quality, safety, and service delivery.
• Lead and support continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Develop, review, and maintain policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
• Implement innovative technologies and best practices using project and change management
• Collaborate with Laboratory Managers, Coordinators, Quality Managers, Professional Practice Leaders, Technical Specialists, physicians, and clinical teams.
• Liaise with Infection Prevention and Control, Infectious Disease physicians, and external microbiology laboratory service providers.
• Support Microbiology Committee activities and facilitate departmental meetings.
• Collaborate with referral laboratories and external service providers.
• Communicate effectively with healthcare teams regarding laboratory services, testing processes, and quality initiatives.
• Compile and report monthly MIS workload statistics and performance indicators.
• Monitor captured and non-captured workload units and departmental activity reporting.
• Maintain competency records, quality documentation, and departmental records.

What must you have?

• Graduate from a recognized Medical Laboratory Technology program and Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) certification as a General Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT)
• Member in good standing with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO)
• A minimum of 5 years of current hospital laboratory experience required
• Proven understanding of Histology workflows required
• Equivalent combinations of education, continuing education, and relevant experience may be considered.
• Current Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certification.
• Demonstrated expertise in Pre-Analytical and Core Laboratory including limited Microbiology operations.

What else do you bring?

• Understands and complies with the legislations, regulations, by-laws, Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice and Practice Guidelines pertaining to the practice of medical laboratory technology.
• Able to evaluate and analyze information to facilitate continuous improvement of the Laboratory process in the interest of quality patient care.
• Models' behaviours aligned with Mackenzie Health's values of Excellence, Leadership and Empathy, while embracing the principles of Teamwork, Accountability and Safety.
• Strong leadership, coaching, mentoring, and team-building skills.
• Excellent critical thinking, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to providing an exceptional experience for staff and patients within a challenging and exciting health care environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational and workload management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer service and relationship management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and patient safety.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality in accordance with privacy legislation and organizational policies.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, and integrity.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and laboratory information systems.
• May be required to attend the hospital outside regular working hours to support emergency situations.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and conflict-resolution skills.
• Good attendance record, punctuality, and work ethic.
• Demonstrates understanding and complies with patient and staff safety policies and procedures that foster a safe and inclusive environment for all
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the job
• Effectively uses empathy in interactions with others
• Responsible for creating and maintaining working schedules and day to day scheduling needs
• Demonstrates behaviours consistent with Mackenzie Health's Commitment to Caring and values - Excellence, Leadership and Empathy
• Commitment to providing an exceptional experience for staff and clients within a challenging and exciting health care environment

Preferably, your profile also includes:

• Leadership and/or supervisory training and experience preferred.
• Other related Health Sciences degree preferred.

*You may be required to work at all sites of Mackenzie Health.

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