Laboratory Improvement Coordinator

Class Concept

This is administrative work in planning and coordinating the activities of the Laboratory Improvement services for medical, health, agricultural or related environmental services laboratories in the state. Work is characterized in the development and implementation of training, work force development, quality assurance and continuing education programs to improve the relevance, reliability, proficiency and safety of laboratory services. Positions may supervise staff, laboratory improvement units or perform quality control evaluation for program improvements or accreditation standards. Supervisory work incorporates the review of safety and emergency response plans, writing policies and procedures, developing recommendations and corrective actions, following up on corrective actions, and coordinating administrative and quality assurance activities. Positions in quality assurance implement and maintain a quality management system accredited to the appropriate laboratory quality standards, develop quality assurance policies and procedures, audit laboratory adherence to these policies and procedures, and develop corrective actions when nonconformities are identified. Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed through reports and periodic conferences.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of laboratory techniques, methodologies and recent developments in the work performed by clinical, environmental, or agricultural laboratories.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles of training, consultation, and program evaluation.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles of quality control, quality assurance, continuous quality improvement, LEAN/Six Sigma methodologies and laboratory information systems.
• Thorough knowledge of terminology, techniques and equipment associated with clinical and environmental laboratories.
• Thorough knowledge of chemistry or the biological sciences as pertinent to environmental technology and clinical laboratory science.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state regulatory guidelines relating to laboratory practice and safety requirements.
• Skill in the setup, use, and care of laboratory equipment, instruments, and supplies.
• Ability to plan, organize and direct activities of laboratory personnel.

Minimum Education and Experience

Public Health Labs: Bachelor's degree in medical technology, chemistry, or a biological science from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of experience in a clinical or public health laboratory or assigned area, two of which is in a supervisory capacity when job related; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Other Labs: Bachelor's degree in medical technology, chemistry, or a biological science from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of experience in a clinical or public health laboratory or assigned area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Public Health Labs

Must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA'88 personnel requirements for a general supervisor in a laboratory performing high complexity testing.