Quality Coordinator/Technical Specialist

Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Clarksville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt Health is seeking a laboratory professional to perform testing on patient specimens and evaluate results. You will collaborate with the Medical Director and Laboratory Leadership on developing and validating test procedures, and serve as an expert resource in the laboratory.

You will train staff, assist with competency evaluation, and help monitor proficiency testing. The role includes developing policies, troubleshooting instruments, and ensuring QC across the lab to support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in laboratory science or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Medical Laboratory Scientist certification (ASCP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensures effective operations of the department through coordination/integration of processes both interlaboratory and extra laboratory departments.
• Verify the test procedures performed and establish the laboratory's test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system.
• Collect and analyze data, providing appropriate written information for protocol evaluation and test interpretation.
• Demonstrates mastery of preventative maintenance in practical applications of a difficult nature.
• Develop, review, and update written protocols, as needed, in the approved Vanderbilt Health laboratory procedure format.
• Assist operations of department when needed by troubleshooting instruments and ensuring QC per policy.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Diagnostic Testing

Technical Capability

Education

Bachelor's

Job description

Discover Vanderbilt Health

With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region’s largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world‑class care to the people of the Mid‑South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you’ll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.

Organization

VCH Laboratory Clinical Administration

Job Summary

Performs testing on patient specimens, evaluates results, conducts investigations, works with Medical Director and Laboratory Leaderhsip on the development/validation of new/modified test procedures, in addition to the development, technical review and monitoring of policies and procedures. Serves as expert resource in the laboratory; trains staff and students. Assists with evaluating the competency of testing personnel. Performs assigned administrative duties in absence of supervisor. Is responsible for scheduling, review, investigation and trending of proficiency testing. Participate in implementation of systems to support laboratory services, quality of patient testing and performance improvement of designed KPI’s.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensures effective operations of the department through coordination/integration of processes both interlaboratory and extra laboratory departments.
• Verify the test procedures performed and establish the laboratory's test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system. Evaluate test kits and/or equipment which may have application in the routine laboratory.
• Collect and analyze data, providing appropriate written information for protocol evaluation and test interpretation. Compare present methodology to new or modified test methods to determine if the latter may be more appropriate for use in routine testing. Together with the Medical Director, recommend and develop new test procedures or modify existing procedures for implementation in the routine laboratory.
• Demonstrates mastery of preventative maintenance in practical applications of a difficult nature. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training and experience to be capable of successfully maintaining equipment, products, or systems without requiring support and instruction from others. Able to conduct predictive maintenance on core products and equipment.
• Develop, review, and update written protocols, as needed, in the approved Vanderbilt Health laboratory procedure format.
• Assist operations of department when needed by troubleshooting instruments, performing bench assignments, and being a resource to the team. Ensure QC is performed and reviewed per policy. Assists in troubleshooting of out of range QC and PT.
• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.

Technical Capabilities

• Quality Assurance (Intermediate): Maintains an open mind and appreciation of the "big picture" rather than rushing to traditional or historical conclusions or approaches. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully demonstrating quality management techniques with a group without requiring support and instruction from others. Able to train and educate by setting the example, giving instruction, providing leadership, and generally raising the level of performance of others. Has made and facilit ate improvements to business processes within the scope of project assignments. Consistently delivers superior products and services.
• Diagnostic Testing (Intermediate): Demonstrates proficiency of diagnostic testing in practical applications. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully delivering results.
• Technical Capability (Intermediate): Establish the parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance and ensure that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process from the initial receipt of the specimen, through sample analysis and reporting of test results. Review quality control procedures and proficiency testing results and investigate problems and alternative methods when necessary.

Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.

These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health’s reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid‑South.

Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.

Core Accountabilities

Organizational Impact: Delivers job responsibilities that impact own job area/team with some guidance. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Uses existing procedures, research and analysis to solve standard job related problems that may require some judgement. Breadth of Knowledge: Requires subject matter knowledge within a professional area to meet job requirements. Team Interaction: Individually contributes to project/ work teams.

Core Capabilities

Supporting Colleagues: - Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas. - Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service. - Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns to supervisors in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards.- Ensures Continuous Improvement: Shows eagerness to learn new knowledge, technologies, tools or systems and displays willingness to go above and beyond. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively :- Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation: - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them.- Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.

Certifications

Medical Laboratory Scientist - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

Work Experience

Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level

5 years

Education

Bachelor's

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well‑being and professional growth.

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.