Laboratory Quality Specialist-Chemistry

Harris Health System, Inc.; Bellaire (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris Health System, Inc. is seeking a Laboratory Quality Specialist to assist in coordinating quality assurance activities within the designated lab department and ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, and safety standards.

The role involves basic data analysis, problem solving, and supporting the quality management plan and performance improvement initiatives to maintain inspection readiness across Harris Health's laboratory network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology.
• Medical Technologist or MLS, Histotechnician/Histotechnologist/CT/MB certification in ASCP/AMT/ABB or equivalent.
• Must obtain CQIA/CQPA/CQT from ASQ within 18 months of employment.
• 6 months QA/compliance experience preferred.
• CPHQ or Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Project management certification preferred.
• Two years of clinical laboratory experience in blood bank, chemistry/hematology, POCT, microbiology, histology or cytology/molecular.
• Strong written communication skills (reports, correspondence).
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates quality assurance activities within the assigned lab department/section.
• Supports compliance with CLIA, CAP and lab safety standards.
• Assists in implementing and maintaining the quality management plan and performance improvement activities.
• Ensures inspection readiness at all times.

Skills

Analytical

Problem-solving

Communication

Quality focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in laboratory science

MLS / Medical Technologist

CQIA / CQPA / CQT certification

ASQ certification within 18 months

CPHQ or Six Sigma

Tools

MS Word

MS PowerPoint

MS Excel

MS Outlook

Job description

Harris Health is the public healthcare safety-net provider established in 1966 to serve the residents of Harris County, Texas. As an essential healthcare system, Harris Health champions better health for the entire community, with a focus on low-income uninsured and underinsured patients, through acute and primary care, wellness, disease management and population health services. Ben Taub Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center) and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Level 3 Trauma Center) anchor Harris Health's robust network of 39 clinics, health centers, specialty locations and virtual (telemedicine) technology. Harris Health is among an elite list of health systems in the U.S. achieving Magnet® nursing excellence designation for its hospitals, the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance designation for its patient-centered clinics and health centers and its strong partnership with nationally recognized physician faculty, residents and researchers from Baylor College of Medicine; McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth); and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

At Harris Health, we prioritize the well-being of our most valuable asset--our people--ensuring a culture of compassion, collaboration and excellence in serving Harris County's most in need. With integrity and accountability at our core, we commit to 'leading with love', embodying our dedication to quality care, education, and a steadfast respect for every individual's contribution to our mission.

Job Summary

Assists in coordinating Quality Assurance activities within the assigned laboratory department/section. This position supports compliance with clinical lab regulatory standards (CLIA, CAP, etc.) and lab safety standards. The role involves basic judgement, analytical ability, and problem - solving skills in dealing with data and situations. The laboratory quality specialist assists in implementing and maintaining the quality management plan and performance improvement activities for the assigned area, ensuring inspection readiness at all times.

Minimum Qualifications

Degrees: Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology

Licenses & Certification: Medical Technologist OR Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Histotechnician (HT), Histotechnologist (HTL) Cytotechnologist (CT), Molecular Biology (MB), Molecular Diagnostics or equivalent certification within the following organizations: ASCP, AMT, ABB or equivalent

Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA), Quality Process Analyst (CQPA) or Quality Technician (CQT); Must obtain one of these certifications from ASQ within 18 months of employment

Work Experience: 6 Months Work Experience Quality assurance and/or compliance preferred

Certified Professional for Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) or Six Sigma certification preferred

Project management certification preferred.

Two (2) Years Work Experience Clinical laboratory in one of the following areas:

Blood bank, Chemistry and hematology, Point of Care Testing (POCT), Microbiology, Histology or cytology Molecular / flow cytometry

Communication Skills: Writing/ Correspondence, Writing/ Reports

Proficiencies: MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, MS Outlook, P.C.

Job Attributes

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:

Analytical: Strong problem-solving skills

Statistical: Demonstrates knowledge of basic statistics (mean, CV, SD, control charts, etc.)

Work Schedule

Flexible: Laboratory departments are open 24/7, some weekend, evening and night work is expected

Travel: >75%, Travel is primarily limited to Harris Health System hospitals and clinics.

Telecommute