Clinical Laboratory Specialist, Compliance

Summary

Join the CDC Foundation as a Clinical Laboratory Specialist - Compliance to oversee CLIA compliance of select Chicago Department of Public Health clinical laboratories, perform laboratory analytical procedures, and support lab equipment modernization.

Responsibilities

• Working collaboratively with the Lab Manager, plans, organizes, coordinates, and oversees the CLIA compliance and training across three clinics
• In the absence of Lab Manager, maintains laboratory instrumentation, equipment, pipettes, and testing supply/reagent inventory; performs standard equipment calibrations
• In the absence of Lab Manager, performs Quality Control/Quality Assurance measures, reviews quality control/quality assurance assigned data to evaluate documentation requirements; logs quality control data and reports results via designated information management systems
• Ensures all available samples are tested in accordance with assigned employee schedule and analyses are in-line with published turn-around-times (TATs) to meet quality measure thresholds
• In collaboration with the Lab Manager, develops, writes, and reviews new procedures for the laboratory; collaborates in the development and implementation of new testing procedures as required to support rapid public health response in the community and the state; initiates and carries out projects to improve laboratory operations
• Conducts trainings in coordination with Lab Manager for quality improvement processes and controls
• Performs routine preparation and laboratory analyses for human disease and public health threat samples following designated laboratory principles and practices and laboratory standard operating procedures
• Performs support tasks that are required to maintain laboratory operations - these tasks may include, but are not necessarily limited to, specimen collection, sample handling, specimen preparation, information system procedures, customer support, and common clerical duties
• Maintains proficiency and updated knowledge on disease causes and controls to continuously improve the quality of laboratory testing and customer service surrounding testing performed
• Communicates instrument repair needs, assay problems, and data issues to the supervisor expeditiously so proactive notification of clients and/or redirecting of testing can be coordinated to minimize result TATs
• In collaboration with the Lab Manager, organizes and ensures reagents are made in advance, QC/QA activities are completed on time, and waste is removed appropriately and sterilized (if needed) in a timely fashion
• Communicates technical information relating to variety of audiences and contacts appropriate health officials on reportable results
• Represents the state with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public
• Contributes effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities