Laboratory Quality Assurance Administrator

Company: Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics
Location: Salem
Posted on: May 3, 2021

Job Description:

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics are part of a network of state of the art medical facilities located within the heart of the Willamette Valley. At Salem Health, we pride ourselves on being a community centric, diverse organization that has been voted a top workplace by our employees for three years running.

We continually strive to provide innovative paths to learning and growth while maintaining an environment of strategic problem solving objectives through Lean driven principles. We understand that hardworking, conscientious and compassionate team members are one of our most valuable assets and we are always looking for outstanding people to join our team.

Your Role With Us:

The Laboratory Quality Assurance Administrator is the key resource for ensuring that Salem Health Laboratories is informed of all standards set by legal, regulatory, and accreditation organizations.  This position coordinates with the Medical Director, Director, Manager and other operational leaders to oversee implementation of the quality management and quality assurance plan for laboratory services.  The position oversees the continuing education, training and competency assessment program for laboratory staff and is responsible to maintain an appropriate level of quality and process stability throughout the laboratory.  This position assists in development of policies, procedures, and coordinates the document control process.  They serve as a liaison between the laboratory and regulatory and accrediting agencies.

Core Functions:

Develops, Implements and Administers the Quality Management Plan

• Oversees the Quality Management Plan for laboratory services, in coordination with the medical director, laboratory director, manager, supervisors and other key stake holders. 
• Gathers and analyzes quality management data, identifying opportunities for improvement by developing tools to detect, identify, and classify trends and errors. 
• Facilitates problem solving activities using LEAN management techniques, including 4 step problem solving, root cause analysis, Socratic questioning and other tools to develop best practices for the laboratory.
• Supports critical event management Assists in the investigation of failures and develops corrective action plans, when necessary.
• Ensures timely submission and review of patient safety alerts. Works with staff to provide adequate follow up to assure continuous improvement of quality.
• Facilitates policy and procedure (SOP) development and documentation.  Oversees document control program.
• Prepares the annual assessment of the Quality Management.
• Participates in applicable and assigned practice councils.

 Manages Regulatory Compliance Activities

• Ensure continuing compliance with regulatory requirements, including CLIA, FDA, CAP, Joint Commission, etc.
• Responsible for keeping current on regulatory and compliance issues and for informing Medical and Laboratory Directors of any related changes.
• Directs and conducts internal audits and reviews that support regulatory compliance and readiness. 
• Assists in the submission of applications and coordinates inspections and deficiency response for regulatory and accrediting agencies.  Supports the Medical Director by reviewing and verifying accurate proficiency testing and response protocols.

 Manages the Education, Training and Competency Assessment Program

• Develops and implements standardized training and competency program.  Coordinates with managers, supervisors, Sr. Specialists and other leaders to ensure program meets laboratory needs and complies with all regulatory requirements.  Ensure appropriate documentation and maintains evidence of compliance for training and competency.
• Acts as a mentor for new hires and students and assists in their training.
• Organizes and coordinates student education and internships. 

 Background/Expertise:

• Bachelor's of Science degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or medical laboratory science from an accredited institution, required.
• Current Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT) certification by ASCP, or equivalent certification required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of clinical lab or related lab experience;
• Minimum of two (2) years of increasing leadership and/or supervisory responsibilities.
• Previous management training and/or leadership experience directly supervising a team is preferred.
• Experience in laboratory quality management, regulatory compliance, and problem solving is preferred.
• Ability to analyze current methods and processes, look for improvements and develop reports/recommendations.
• Ability to detect and investigate problems, make evaluations supported by tangible evidence, ability to provide consultation to physicians, nurses and others in area of specialization.
• Requires demonstrated ability for ongoing maintenance of procedures.
• Thorough and current knowledge of the principles, techniques, procedures, instrumentation and safety precautions in the field of specialization required.
• Ability to implement performance improvement activities and regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Demonstrated ability to provide orientation and training programs of new and current team members and assists with continuing education opportunities required.

We have many excellent opportunities available! To view all of our openings, please visit our career page at https://www.salemhealth.org/about/careers

As a leader in the local industry, Salem Health offers a generous total rewards package, an empowering culture, and a commitment to the development and growth of our in-house talent. Our work is grounded in respect for people and continuous improvement and we invite you to partner with us to further our mission.

Salem Health is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Keywords: Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics, Salem , Laboratory Quality Assurance Administrator, Other , Salem, Oregon