Lab Quality Assurance Specialist

Houston Methodist; Baytown (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Laboratory Quality Assurance Specialist to develop, maintain, and monitor the quality management system for Laboratory Services. The role focuses on patient safety initiatives, regulatory compliance, risk management, and performance improvement across testing sites.

The position coordinates proficiency programs, reports for the department, and supports readiness for surveys. Strong communication and teamwork with clinical and laboratory staff are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Four years of clinical laboratory experience, including MLS/MT or equivalent.
• Certifications: ASCP/ NCA/ AMT equivalents are required.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains the quality management system for Laboratory Services.
• Evaluates and implements patient safety initiatives and regulatory compliance programs.
• Coordinates proficiency testing and related reporting across departments.
• Prepares and reviews quality and performance improvement reports for leadership.
• Coordinates preparation for laboratory and hospital surveys and readiness activities.

Skills

Quality management

Regulatory compliance

Proficiency in LIS

Teamwork and communication

Risk management

Education

Bachelor degree in related field

Tools

Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)

Hospital Information Systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Laboratory Quality Assurance Specialist develops, maintains, and monitors the quality management system for Laboratory Services. Responsibilities include evaluating/implementing patient safety initiatives, regulatory and accreditation compliance, risk management, and performance improvement. Works with other ancillary and patient care departments to develop plans and policies for improved quality outcomes throughout all phases of testing. Manages external proficiency program. Coordinates/Prepares reports for the department and performs activities that promote compliance within the laboratory and point of care testing sites. Facilitates an annual assessment of the Quality Assurance program for the laboratory.

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor degree in related field

EXPERIENCE

• Four years of experience in a clinical setting to include two years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist or equivalent role

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• Certified as a Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or categorical certification by Board of Certification (ASCP)
• Certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
• Certified as a Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Scientist by American Medical Technologists (AMT)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills, competency assessments and/or performance reviews
• Knowledge of the functional discipline to be coordinated
• Knowledge of departmental processes and procedures
• Skill in planning, organizing and delegating functional activities
• Skill in coaching and developing the functional skills of others
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy work flow with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy
• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Teaches students, clinical staff, new employees and others as assigned by Manager. Monitors competency assessment completion.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Organizes workload and sets priorities. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.
• Analyzes and responds to client complaints, unusual incident reports and Risk Management inquiries.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews all laboratory quality occurrence data; provides reports and graphical data to department management, clients and customers. Prepares quality reports to include specific monitors as defined by the Manager/Director.
• Manages laboratory proficiency testing program and tracks exceptions. Performs ordering, distributing proficiency testing samples to sections, routing results for review, monitoring results and initiating corrective action.
• Coordinates activities associated with point-of-care (POC) testing program throughout the hospital to include evaluation of equipment, policy development and implementation/monitoring of quality control.
• Prepares, implements, and initiates review of laboratory policy and procedures, performing literature searches as needed to promote compliance with regulatory agency requirements. Monitors Laboratory Services policies and procedures for review and sign-off of all policies.
• Coordinates activities associated with the preparation for laboratory and hospital surveys for everyday readiness. Facilitates follow-up for any deficiencies cited.
• Prepares presentations for committee meetings and educational programs. Facilitates discussions with staff and leaders in developing strategy and action plans for programs/projects.
• Coordinates the validation plan before the implementation of new testing and instrumentation.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: No
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**

**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor degree in related field

EXPERIENCE

• Four years of experience in a clinical setting to include two years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist or equivalent role

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• Certified as a Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or categorical certification by Board of Certification (ASCP)
• Certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
• Certified as a Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Scientist by American Medical Technologists (AMT)