LABORATORY IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST8237C3 Pay Grade: 29 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized work in performing certification inspections and surveys of laboratories within the state and providing laboratory consultation and training to insure the quality and consistency of work performed. Work involves the performance of on-site evaluations of laboratory operations, personnel, and records for compliance with Federal and/or State certification/licensing guidelines and regulations. Work includes consultation visits to individual laboratories; preparation and distribution of specimens for proficiency testing; and the development, presentation and/or coordination of formal training courses and practical workshops. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Laboratory Certification Program Manager class in which supervision of personnel is involved. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Performs on-site surveys of laboratories to evaluate compliance with procedures and methodologies required by state and/or federal regulations. Advises laboratory administrators of survey results; recommends corrective measures; completes survey reports; recommends issuance or denial of certification. Conducts training sessions and seminars for continuing education for professionals performing clinical and environmental analysis. Prepares and distributes specimens for laboratory proficiency programs and evaluates the results of the analysis performed on these specimens. Conducts training and recommends certification of law enforcement personnel in the operation of breath alcohol instruments. May act as an expert witness in court cases involving DUI charges. Conducts follow-up surveys for those laboratories which are not certified on initial visits due to program deficiencies. Provides technical consultation to laboratories that have technical or instrumental difficulties. Coordinates laboratory surveys with state and federal program managers who have responsibility for overall facility certification or law enforcement regulation. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of acceptable procedures and practices used in clinical, environmental or breath alcohol laboratories. *Knowledge of the scientific and technical concepts and practices of chemistry and/or microbiology as applied in clinical, environmental or breath alcohol laboratories. *Knowledge of the equipment and materials used in clinical, environmental or breath alcohol laboratories. Knowledge of technical advances and analytical trends pertaining to clinical, environmental or alcohol laboratories. Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations regarding laboratory certification appraisal and proficiency testing. Abilities *Ability to interpret state and federal regulations and pertinent scientific information. *Ability to express ideas and directions clearly and concisely both verbally and in written format. *Ability to prepare and conduct specialized professional continuing education training programs. *Ability to discern laboratory needs and to formulate intervention programs to improve performance. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in a natural science field and two years of experience in laboratory procedures/analysis. Additional experience in the areas listed above may be substituted for the required education as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/93 |