Lab Quality Assurance Specialist

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.

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 inquires.

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.

• Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.

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.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. EDUCATION

• Bachelor degree in related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 4 years' experience in a clinical laboratory as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• Must have one of the following required certifications:
•    • Preferred Requirement - 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 by American Medical Technologists (AMT)

KNOWLEDGE, 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

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*

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

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

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025, will be Houston Methodist's ninth hospital and will incorporate the most advanced technology available from the day the doors open. With 100 beds (at our opening; licensed for 276) and a prime location in the heart of the rapidly growing U.S. 290 corridor, the hospital will be equipped with technologically advanced innovations implemented during COVID, many of them designed to make patient communication with physicians, staff and families the very best and most effective in any health care facility. Even though the hospital won't be fully operational until 2025, we have several services and specialties opening in 2024.

Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

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