Job Description

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The Quality Assurance Officer must excel as a specialist with the necessary knowledge and skills in the field of Quality Assurance. He/She must also display good working knowledg STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The Quality Assurance Officer must excel as a specialist with the necessary knowledge and skills in the field of Quality Assurance. He/She must also display good working knowledge in the general field of all grades below him/her. The Quality Assurance Officer must show leadership qualities in administrative and technical duties, as well as in the training of staff. He/She must also be an active member of the Quality Management System of the department, and must not only embrace the ideals of the organisation but also be seen to promote such ideals within the ranks when opportunity arises. The Quality Assurance Office must also display keenness in research and development in the pursuance of excellence. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES SPECIFIC (85%) Responsible for ensuring that processes needed for the quality management system are established, implemented and maintained. Assist the Laboratory Manager and Assistant Laboratory Manager in designing and implementing the quality management plan and quality improvement initiatives throughout the laboratory. Monitor Key Performance Indicators and assist in establishing new useful indicators Keep laboratory management informed of all activities and findings of the quality system and any need for improvement. Responsible for the management of non-conformities in the laboratory through monitoring incident reports and complaints and facilitating the resolution of quality issues. Ensure that the quality system is assessed at regular intervals by organising internal audits. Responsible for preparing the laboratory for inspections and audits. Responsible for the management of the department document system ensuring that all documents are current, complete, correct, conveniently-accessed and controlled. Coordinate the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation renewal process. Responsible for data maintenance of the CAP laboratory accreditation program. Responsible for monitoring the laboratory external quality assurance program and document laboratory investigations for unacceptable Proficiency Testing returns, assisted by the Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist (Section Leader). Responsible for the induction of new staff in the department ensuring the effective communication of the general and safety policies of the laboratory. Responsible for monitoring the on-the-job training programme as well as maintaining the competency of all laboratory staff. Coordinate with the section leaders with regards to the preparation of new or revised on-the-job training documents. Coordinate internal and external staff training opportunities with the Human Resource Development department. Involved in the weekly continuing education and tutorial sessions for laboratory staff. Ensure that all staff are committed to and are actively involved in the maintenance of the quality system on a daily basis. Assist the Laboratory Manager, Assistant Laboratory Manager and Safety Officer in promoting safety in the laboratory. Organise and hold regular meetings on quality management. Promote awareness of the needs and requirements of end users and customers. Generate the laboratory monthly scorecard data. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE MSc or BSc in Medical Technology or related discipline Minimum 8 years relevant experience including leadership positions