Laboratory 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 FUNCTIONSPromotes 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 FUNCTIONSOrganizes 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 FUNCTIONSReviews 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 FUNCTIONSAdjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies.GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSGenerates 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. EDUCATIONBachelor degree in related fieldWORK EXPERIENCEFour 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 - REQUIREDMust have one of the following required certifications:    • 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) KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESDemonstrates 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 reviewsKnowledge of the functional discipline to be coordinatedKnowledge of departmental processes and proceduresSkill in planning, organizing and delegating functional activitiesSkill in coaching and developing the functional skills of othersExhibits 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-workersAdapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy work flow with minimal supervisionStrong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracyDemonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective actionPossesses 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 documentsDemonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervisionSufficient 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 securityAbility 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 principlesSUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTSWORK ATTIREUniform NoScrubs NoBusiness professional NoOther (department approved) NoON-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* YesTRAVEL****Travel specifications may vary by department**May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area YesMay require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area YesCompany Profile:Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital opened in June 2017 as the eighth hospital in the Houston Methodist system. This 267-bed, 725,000-square-foot, full-service, acute-care hospital offers many of the same services as our flagship hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Also, on the beautiful hospital campus, located at the intersection of Interstate 45 and Texas State Highway 242, are two medical office buildings, which include a Breast Care Center; Cancer Center; infusion center; heart and vascular services; neurology; orthopedics and sports medicine; rehabilitation services; wellness services; an outpatient laboratory; and several other multispecialty physician practices. In January 2022, Houston Methodist The Woodlands opened Healing Tower "” a $250 million expansion project that added 106 beds, focused on medical-surgical and women's services, and provided nine operating rooms. The project also included the expansion of the endoscopy center, emergency department and diagnostic imaging department with an enhanced neurodiagnostic and interventional center.Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Created: 2025-10-01