Technical Quality Specialist

Technical Quality Specialist

Under the direction of the Department Director or Manager, formulate, implement and direct programs, policies and procedures which assure quality and standardization of departmental technical services in all Mid-Atlantic Region Laboratories. Act as region-wide technical advisor for laboratory personnel and Mid-Atlantic Permanente Clinicians. In collaboration with managers orient, provide training and competency, coach evaluate performance, recognize achievements; initiate, implement and document department continuing education events in accordance with state and federal law, EEO guidelines and organizational policies. Coordinate and monitor on-site training and evaluation of students. Coordinate vendor purchasing, negotiation, capital equipment acquisition functions, and direct the region-wide technical services of the specific departments. Observing the principles of partnership and in collaboration with Managers may perform administrative functions including recruitment, hiring, training, performance management, performance evaluation and termination.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Serve as a region wide technical consultant for managers, supervisors, lab staff, physicians, and other health care professionals. Analyze, advise, direct and coordinate technical problem identification and resolution activities, both internal and external to the laboratory. Discuss findings with clinicians, acting as a technical consultant. Advise and discuss additional testing where appropriate.
• Observing the principles of partnership management and in collaboration with managers orient, provide training, coach evaluate performance, recognize achievements; initiate, implement and document department continuing education events in accordance with state and federal law, EEO guidelines and organizational policies. Provide development opportunities to staff members by delegating responsibilities, assigning projects, and providing educational opportunities. Assist in development of student training programs. Coordinate and monitor on-site training and evaluation of students.
• Develop, coordinate, and standardize region-wide departmental practices and procedures; direct implementations; ensure all standards are met as outlined by accrediting and regulating agencies including ISO, CAP, COLA, AABB, OSHA and CMS.
• Observing the principles of partnership management, collaborate with the Department Director(s) to formulate, plan and direct region-wide technical goals, policies and programs.
• Develop and oversee the region-wide department quality improvement programs; instruct and authorize supervisors to review quality assurance and quality control records, perform follow-up review to evaluate and approve corrective action and recommend an alternate course of action when appropriate. Specify appropriate level of proficiency testing for each laboratory. Audit and review results of all proficiency programs.
• Appraise existing methodologies and instrument systems, modify as needed to enhance quality of performance. Analyze clinical and laboratory needs, direct the selection and evaluation of new methods and instruments. Collaborate with Laboratory Managers and Directors to manage the provision of departmental testing in all laboratories and to organize implementation of new programs, instruments and tests.
• Collaborate with managers and directors on preparation of non-labor operating budgets regarding technical area of expertise. As requested, inform long term and short-term Capital Equipment Budgets. Serve on laboratory and regional committees and task forces, representing departmental Services.
• As requested by Lab Director(s), research and monitor inventory/purchasing/vendor policies for supplies: specify products used; forecast inventory based on workload, stability and product consumption; interact with vendors in collaboration with strategic sourcing as needed to maintain effective.
• Maintain a thorough working knowledge of safety laws, regulations and standards; identify risks and hazards associated with departmental testing; communicate and enforce all state, federal and organizational rules. Evaluate continuing education needs, plan, coordinate, conduct and promote in service or other continuing education programs. Train and instruct staff as necessary to insure proper test performance and maximal quality of care.
• Perform other duties as requested.

8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday to Friday, with weekend and holiday coverage as needed

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum four (4) years of experience in laboratory department under a qualified director.
• Minimum two (2) years of leadership experience or equivalent combination of experience in quality control review, purchasing, problem solving and personnel management.

Education

• Bachelors degree in medical technology or related science.

License, Certification, Registration

• Driver's License (Virginia) within 1 months of hire OR Driver's License (Maryland) within 2 months of hire OR Driver's License (District of Columbia) within 2 months of hire

• Medical Technologist Certificate required at hire from American Medical Technologists OR Cytologist Certificate required at hire from American Society for Clinical Pathology OR Histologic Technician Certificate required at hire from American Society for Clinical Pathology OR Specialist Blood Banking Certificate required at hire from American Society for Clinical Pathology OR Blood Banking Technologist Certificate required at hire from American Society for Clinical Pathology OR Medical Technologist Certificate required at hire from American Society for Clinical Pathology OR Medical Lab Scientist Certificate required at hire from American Society for Clinical Pathology OR Pathologist's Assistant Certificate required at hire from American Society for Clinical Pathology OR Molecular Biology Technologist Certificate required at hire from American Society for Clinical Pathology

• Driver's License (from any state) required at hire

Additional Requirements:

• Completion of approved structured program in medical technology or equivalent knowledge.
• Thorough knowledge of routine departmental theory, equipment and technique.
• Working knowledge of principles of quality control and quality assurance.
• Demonstrates customer-focused service skills.
• Proven oral and written communication skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Ability to understand and operate multiple types of departmental equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum six (6) years of departmental experience under a qualified director.
• Minimum four (4) years of recent departmental experience.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in supervisory or leadership role.
• Advance study and knowledge of principles of departmental theory and practice.
• Thorough knowledge of principles of quality control and quality assurance.
• Demonstrates customer-focused services skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational prioritization skills.
• Operational familiarity with wide range departmental analyzers and equipment.