Lab Quality Assurance Specialist

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Laboratory Quality Assurance Specialist to develop, maintain, and monitor the quality management system across Laboratory Services. The role involves evaluating patient safety initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance, risk management, and driving performance improvement in testing across hospital sites.

The position coordinates external proficiency programs and reports, and supports annual assessments of the Quality Assurance program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in related field.
• Four years of clinical experience, including two years as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or equivalent role.
• Certification as Medical Technologist/CLS or equivalent (ASCP/NCA/AMT).
• Strong knowledge of quality management, regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

• Develops, maintains, and monitors the quality management system for Laboratory Services.
• Evaluates patient safety initiatives and ensures regulatory compliance.
• Coordinates and reports on quality metrics and proficiency testing.
• Manages external proficiency programs and risk management activities.
• Coordinates Lab and hospital-wide quality improvement efforts and prepares committee presentations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Planning & organizing

Interpersonal skills

English communication

Independent judgment

Teamwork

Customer service

Education

Bachelor degree in related field

Tools

Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems

Office software

Job description

The Laboratory Quality Assurance Specialist develops, maintains, and monitors the quality management system for Laboratory Services. Responsibilities include evaluating and 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 and 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

EDUCATION

• Bachelor degree in related field

EXPERIENCE

• Four years of experience in a clinical setting, including two years 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, assessed through ongoing evaluations such as competency assessments and performance reviews.
• Knowledgeable in departmental processes and procedures.
• Proficient in planning, organizing, delegating functional activities, and coaching others.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal skills and teamwork, providing excellent customer service to patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers.
• Adapts to multiple priorities and manages a heavy workflow with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to identify problems, determine causes, and take corrective action.
• Basic computer proficiency, including use of Hospital / Laboratory Information Systems and office software to maintain records and documents.
• Works independently with little or no direct supervision.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English, especially in contexts impacting patient or employee safety.
• Communicates effectively with patients, physicians, family members, and coworkers, maintaining a customer‑service focus.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and collaborates with patient‑care team members to communicate and report essential patient‑care information.
• Teaches students, clinical staff, and new employees as assigned, monitoring competency assessment completion.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Organizes workload, sets priorities, and uses available time to assist others and perform additional tasks.
• Analyzes and responds to client complaints, unusual incident reports, and risk‑management inquiries.

QUALITY/Safety ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews laboratory quality occurrence data, prepares reports with graphical data for management and customers, and provides specific monitoring as defined by the Manager/Director.
• Manages the laboratory proficiency testing program, tracks exceptions, and performs ordering, distribution, and result review.
• Coordinates point‑of‑care testing program across the hospital, including equipment evaluation, policy development, implementation, and monitoring of quality control.
• Prepares, implements, and reviews laboratory policy and procedures, performing literature searches to promote compliance with regulatory agencies.
• Coordinates preparation for laboratory and hospital surveys, ensuring readiness and follows up on deficiencies.
• Prepares presentations for committee meetings and educational programs, facilitating staff discussions to develop strategies and action plans.
• Coordinates the validation plan before implementing new testing and instrumentation.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental needs and records time efficiently.
• Uses resources efficiently without waste.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions to improve quality or service.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies, focusing on continual development.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

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

ON‑CALL

• On Call: Yes

Employees may be required to be on‑call during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events) regardless of selection below.

TRAVEL

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