What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Assurance (QA) Officer - Clinical Testing Laboratories position at Texas Department of State Health Services?
Date: Mar 7, 2025
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.
Employee Benefits
DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.
Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.
Functional Title: Quality Assurance (QA) Officer - Clinical Testing Laboratories
Job Title: Program Specialist VI
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: NBS/Med Scrning QI/Test Supp
Posting Number: 2811
Closing Date: 09/05/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75
Shift: Regular Weekend Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL)
Other Locations:
MOS Codes
16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Brief Job Description
Under the supervision of the Medical Screening Unit Quality Improvement and Testing Support Branch manager, performs highly advanced consultative, coordinative, and technical assistance work. Plans, develops, manages, and monitors continuous quality improvement and technology upgrade projects for the Medical Screening Unit. Assists management in developing program guidelines, policies, procedures, work plans, and timelines for achieving program goals. Evaluates prioritizes, coordinates, and facilitates the development of activities and processes with stakeholders and DSHS staff according to defined schedules. Plans, implements, and oversees other Unit projects and activities. Provides customer and legislative requested laboratory data, statistical analyses, and written reports. Oversees, organizes, and performs complex data and statistical analyses, and prepares reports and action memorandums. Maintains and improves overall customer satisfaction of Unit programs through effective communication. Identifies grants appropriate for the Medical Screening Unit that can fund new or existing programs and activities. Composes and assists the submission of grant applications, reports, and scientific publications. Develops and monitors work plans, timelines, and deliverables for achieving grant objectives, evaluates and prioritizes activities, and coordinates and facilitates the development of processes with stakeholders and DSHS staff. Develops and maintains positive working relationships. Works under limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Jon Functions
EJF1. (45%) Manages and coordinates continuous quality improvement, technology upgrades, and other projects for the Unit. Plans, tracks tasks and resources, and organizes communication, ensuring milestones are completed within established timeframe, and reports progress to Branch manager, Unit Director, and as requested to department management and committees. Oversees the effectiveness of programs and projects. Identifies, develops, and implements effective techniques to evaluate Unit programs and projects in order to ensure the
highest quality of laboratory services. Reports outcome measures of Unit programs and projects to the Branch Manager and Unit Director. Identifies areas of noncompliance, deficiencies, and quality issues with agency programs and determines solutions. Recommend appropriate changes to managers, higher level executive leadership and weight given to decisions Scope / weight carry convey.
EJF2. (15%) Collects, compiles, and creates written reports of requested information and clinical data. Oversees and performs complex data extraction, statistical analyses, and report preparation of laboratory and grant activities to support Unit programs and other laboratory customers. Serves as the Unit data management specialist and performs complex data analyses of laboratory test volumes, test requesters, test results, testing supply cost,
expenditures, and trend analyses. Performs data review, provides information for legislative requests, and prepares data for scientific manuscripts for publication. Ensure reports and assignments are completed in a timely manner.
EJF3. (20%) Performs and provides assistance to customer services activities. Effectively communicates with and serves as liaison within the DSHS Laboratory and between the Laboratory, vendors, and other state agencies on Unit activities in order to maintain and improve overall customer satisfaction of Unit programs. Builds and maintains positive working relationships. Responds to evolving needs of customers and actively obtains information from external stakeholders that are required for Unit programs and projects. Consults with customers to determine needs and to resolve customer concerns. Maintains knowledge of emerging technologies for identification of newborn disorders and provides updates to Unit manager as needed.
EJF4. (15%) Plans, implements, and oversees other Unit and DSHS collaborative activities in support of the Unit and Laboratory Services Section as required. Responsibilities include assisting with developing, approving, and monitoring schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving DSHS and program goals, including collaborative meetings. Identifies grants appropriate for the Medical Screening Unit that can fund new or existing programs and activities. Prepares and organizes submission of grant applications. Develops timelines for deliverables defined in grants, oversees grant deliverable compliance, maintains cost accounting records, and reports grant activities.
EJF5. (5%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving as a Branch contact to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or continuity of operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED: NA
Initial Selection Criteria
Knowledge and understanding of the roles of public health laboratories.
Knowledge of microbiology, biochemistry, and chemistry laboratory testing.
Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems
Knowledge of DSHS and HHSC policies and procedures for personnel, budget management and tracking, fiscal accounting, purchasing, and contracting, travel, and grants management.
Knowledge of email, word processing, project management, spreadsheet, and database programs such as MS
Outlook, MS Word, MS Project, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and Access.
Knowledge of project management concepts.
Skill in effective customer service practices.
Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes.
Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in systems development, implementation, and evaluation.
Skill in time management and planning.
Skill in managing projects and public health programs.
Ability to prepare concise reports, to develop and evaluate policies and procedures, and to plan for following action needed.
Ability to utilize computer programs for spreadsheet analysis, database analysis, word processing, and Laboratory Information Management Systems.
Ability to utilize computer programs for laboratory data analysis including trend analysis.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, analyze data, and devise solutions to problems.
Ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences.
Ability to develop recommendations for policies and procedures and produce concise reports.
Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks, prioritize heavy workloads, and meet deadlines.
Ability to establish goals and objectives.
Ability to facilitate meetings and projects and work effectively with teams.
Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with managers, co-workers, and partners. Ability to adapt to a changing work environment
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.
ADA Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.
Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, And Work Eligibility
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.
Employee Benefits
DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.
Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.
Functional Title: Quality Assurance (QA) Officer - Clinical Testing Laboratories
Job Title: Program Specialist VI
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: NBS/Med Scrning QI/Test Supp
Posting Number: 2811
Closing Date: 09/05/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75
Shift: Regular Weekend Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL)
Other Locations:
MOS Codes
16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Brief Job Description
Under the supervision of the Medical Screening Unit Quality Improvement and Testing Support Branch manager, performs highly advanced consultative, coordinative, and technical assistance work. Plans, develops, manages, and monitors continuous quality improvement and technology upgrade projects for the Medical Screening Unit. Assists management in developing program guidelines, policies, procedures, work plans, and timelines for achieving program goals. Evaluates prioritizes, coordinates, and facilitates the development of activities and processes with stakeholders and DSHS staff according to defined schedules. Plans, implements, and oversees other Unit projects and activities. Provides customer and legislative requested laboratory data, statistical analyses, and written reports. Oversees, organizes, and performs complex data and statistical analyses, and prepares reports and action memorandums. Maintains and improves overall customer satisfaction of Unit programs through effective communication. Identifies grants appropriate for the Medical Screening Unit that can fund new or existing programs and activities. Composes and assists the submission of grant applications, reports, and scientific publications. Develops and monitors work plans, timelines, and deliverables for achieving grant objectives, evaluates and prioritizes activities, and coordinates and facilitates the development of processes with stakeholders and DSHS staff. Develops and maintains positive working relationships. Works under limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Jon Functions
EJF1. (45%) Manages and coordinates continuous quality improvement, technology upgrades, and other projects for the Unit. Plans, tracks tasks and resources, and organizes communication, ensuring milestones are completed within established timeframe, and reports progress to Branch manager, Unit Director, and as requested to department management and committees. Oversees the effectiveness of programs and projects. Identifies, develops, and implements effective techniques to evaluate Unit programs and projects in order to ensure the
highest quality of laboratory services. Reports outcome measures of Unit programs and projects to the Branch Manager and Unit Director. Identifies areas of noncompliance, deficiencies, and quality issues with agency programs and determines solutions. Recommend appropriate changes to managers, higher level executive leadership and weight given to decisions Scope / weight carry convey.
EJF2. (15%) Collects, compiles, and creates written reports of requested information and clinical data. Oversees and performs complex data extraction, statistical analyses, and report preparation of laboratory and grant activities to support Unit programs and other laboratory customers. Serves as the Unit data management specialist and performs complex data analyses of laboratory test volumes, test requesters, test results, testing supply cost,
expenditures, and trend analyses. Performs data review, provides information for legislative requests, and prepares data for scientific manuscripts for publication. Ensure reports and assignments are completed in a timely manner.
EJF3. (20%) Performs and provides assistance to customer services activities. Effectively communicates with and serves as liaison within the DSHS Laboratory and between the Laboratory, vendors, and other state agencies on Unit activities in order to maintain and improve overall customer satisfaction of Unit programs. Builds and maintains positive working relationships. Responds to evolving needs of customers and actively obtains information from external stakeholders that are required for Unit programs and projects. Consults with customers to determine needs and to resolve customer concerns. Maintains knowledge of emerging technologies for identification of newborn disorders and provides updates to Unit manager as needed.
EJF4. (15%) Plans, implements, and oversees other Unit and DSHS collaborative activities in support of the Unit and Laboratory Services Section as required. Responsibilities include assisting with developing, approving, and monitoring schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving DSHS and program goals, including collaborative meetings. Identifies grants appropriate for the Medical Screening Unit that can fund new or existing programs and activities. Prepares and organizes submission of grant applications. Develops timelines for deliverables defined in grants, oversees grant deliverable compliance, maintains cost accounting records, and reports grant activities.
EJF5. (5%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving as a Branch contact to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or continuity of operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED: NA
Initial Selection Criteria
- Project management experience, preferred
- Experience coordinating grant activities, preferred.
- Public health or laboratory experience, required.
- Customer service experience, preferred.
- Experience with Process/Quality Improvement projects, required.
- Education: Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate degree from an accredited institution in a scientific field required.
Knowledge and understanding of the roles of public health laboratories.
Knowledge of microbiology, biochemistry, and chemistry laboratory testing.
Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems
Knowledge of DSHS and HHSC policies and procedures for personnel, budget management and tracking, fiscal accounting, purchasing, and contracting, travel, and grants management.
Knowledge of email, word processing, project management, spreadsheet, and database programs such as MS
Outlook, MS Word, MS Project, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and Access.
Knowledge of project management concepts.
Skill in effective customer service practices.
Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes.
Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in systems development, implementation, and evaluation.
Skill in time management and planning.
Skill in managing projects and public health programs.
Ability to prepare concise reports, to develop and evaluate policies and procedures, and to plan for following action needed.
Ability to utilize computer programs for spreadsheet analysis, database analysis, word processing, and Laboratory Information Management Systems.
Ability to utilize computer programs for laboratory data analysis including trend analysis.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, analyze data, and devise solutions to problems.
Ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences.
Ability to develop recommendations for policies and procedures and produce concise reports.
Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks, prioritize heavy workloads, and meet deadlines.
Ability to establish goals and objectives.
Ability to facilitate meetings and projects and work effectively with teams.
Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with managers, co-workers, and partners. Ability to adapt to a changing work environment
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.
ADA Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.
Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, And Work Eligibility
- The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
- Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
- DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form
Salary : $5,099 - $6,702
