Team Lead - Microbiology Memorial Hospital

Surrey Memorial Hospital

Surrey, BC

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values, Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Team Lead is responsible to assist in the general supervision and coordination of workflow processes for the designated area including staffing activities. Oversees and acts as a resource to the department staff regarding the technical and analytical procedures in the designated area of the laboratory. Participates in the planning and coordination of services; monitors the quality of work performed to ensure standards are met and safety procedures are followed. Liaises with the Scheduling Department to ensure schedules align with site activities. Provides input into recruitment and performance management, and supports the training and coaching of team members. As a member of the site based leadership team, participates in facilitating workplace solutions and the implementation of new; equipment, techniques, and procedures.

What you'll do

• Supports and coordinates the workflow process and staffing activities for the designated area including reviewing workload assignments, adjusting schedules to utilize staff effectively within the allocated budget, establishing daily priorities including allocating Technical Coordinators to support other facilities, participates in providing guidance/advice, and assists with troubleshooting work related issues in consultation with the Site Supervisor and/or Technical Coordinator. Supervises the daily operations of the designated area, by planning and implementing approved programs and systems in support of client needs. Assist with implementing and communicating planned changes to staff and informs the Site Supervisor of any feedback as required. Works with the Technical Coordinators to resolve problems and remove barriers in designated area and in collaboration with the site based leadership team.
• Assists in supervising designated staff to ensure appropriate service delivery. Duties include planning work and vacation schedules, providing scheduling guidelines to the scheduling office and ensuring schedules are posted, approving vacation, special leave per collective agreement requirements and reviewing requests for education leave. Evaluates performance levels and provides input into performance management of designated staff, and participates in the recruitment and selection process. Schedules and ensures orientation plan is in place for new staff, and monitors and signs off on completion. Monitors and reports on budget variances relating to issues such as overtime, sick time, attendance management, and implementation impact activities.
• Participates in monitoring Quality Control and other quality indicators and makes corrections as appropriate. Supports the Technical Coordinators with any technical quality issues and participates in the investigation of critical incidents as required. Ensures that the Site Supervisor and Operations Managers are kept informed of all quality and safety issues. Implements DAP standards and recommendations and ensures staff compliance. Participates in the review of incidents reports as per the Occurrence Management Process and investigates complaints from health care providers and patients. Assists in monitoring and auditing designated area compliance to safety standards.
• Informs the Site Supervisor and/or Technical Practice Lead of the equipment needs for the designated area and provides data such as test volumes and maintenance documents as required. Determines implementation timelines and assigns staff to the evaluation and implementation of new equipment. Coordinates the scheduling of training to staff in new equipment, techniques, and procedures as appropriate. Informs; Site Supervisor and staff of significant instrument failures as required.
• Participates in the coordination of downtime procedures and ensures downtime protocol and process is available and familiar to all staff. Coordinates staff access to various computer systems and that appropriate orientation is provided. Participates in the validation of new and/or upgraded software and informs LIS of computer failures.
• Oversees inventory levels and approves orders of reagents, supplies in consultation with the Site Supervisor. Maintains all relevant documentation, prepares and completes reports, and compiles statistics for the designated area as required.
• Participates in internal/external committees such as LEAN projects, as required. Provides leadership in area through methods such as reviewing and evaluating literature/materials and attending workshops and conferences.
• Maintains awareness of relevant advances and changes in current trends regarding instrumentation, methodology, and technical knowledge.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What you bring

Qualifications

• Certified by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science. Bachelor of Science degree or an Advanced Registered certificate or completion of a supervisory/management program plus a minimum of three (3) years' recent, related experience including one (1) years' experience in a supervisory capacity, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. A valid BC driver's license and access to a personal vehicle for business related purposes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Surrey Memorial Hospital contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
• Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills & Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge and recent related experience in laboratory discipline
• Comprehensive knowledge of the standards of practice and guidelines for Medical Laboratory Technologists established by the CSMLS and/or other relevant national professional associations
• Comprehensive knowledge of method development and evaluation and research processes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of organization policies, procedures, and standards of care, including practice of safe work procedures with discipline equipment
• Knowledge of administrative structure and function of laboratories of varying sizes
• Demonstrated ability to function as a team member, leader, teacher, motivator, and facilitator and to coach and deal with others effectively and in a supportive manner
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with co-workers, medical personnel and other health care staff, both one-to-one and in groups.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with and/or guide others in resolution of conflict issues
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a constantly changing environment and to organize and prioritize competing demands
• Demonstrated ability to manage own learning to meet future challenges within the organization
• Demonstrated knowledge of computerized systems relating to the Laboratory and current software application
• Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That's why we're focused on your care too - offering health, wellness, development programs to support you - at work and at home.

• Join one of BC's largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations - offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Wage: $48.06 - $60.00 / hour
Location: 13750 96 Ave, Surrey, BC V3V 1Z2
Closing Date: March 29, 2025
Hours of Work: Various day shift start times.
Requisition # 180355E

What we do

Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS), part of Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), is at the forefront of diagnostic testing in BC, operating across 31 sites in the Lower Mainland and Central Coast. From hospitals to specialty labs within Vancouver Coastal Health, Provincial Health Services Authority, Fraser Health Authority, and Providence Health Care, our dedicated teams deliver fast, accurate results that drive critical patient care and medical innovation. Whether detecting diseases, guiding treatments, or supporting groundbreaking research, PLMS plays a vital role in advancing healthcare and saving lives across the province

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people - Be compassionate - Dare to innovate - Create equity - Be courageous.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA's North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya'k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at internaljobs.phsa.ca

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of March 10, 2025. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday - Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.