05/27/1992 32110

PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY DIVISION DIRECTOR

DEFINITION: This is managerial and professional work in directing a Division or major program of comparable responsibility in the State Public Health Laboratory.

An employee in this class is responsible for planning, organizing and directing one or more aspects of laboratory science in the specialty areas of chemistry and toxicology, microbiology, laboratory licensure and certification or performing similar managerial duties in a program of comparable responsibility. Work may include direction of complex laboratory analysis; applied investigational and developmental research; development and implementation of laboratory standards for methodology; regulation of licensed clinical laboratories; training; and promotion of health and safety in the laboratory. An employee in this class is also responsible for providing, directly or indirectly, expert counsel and interpretation to members of the medical and public health community as well as providing testimony and media releases. Employees manage professional, technical and clerical staff engaged in performing duties in various areas of laboratory science. Work objectives are developed in accordance with the Bureau and Department missions. Work is subject to review through conferences and submission of regular reports. In the absence of the Bureau Director, an employee in this class may be assigned overall responsibility and authority for the operation of the State Public Health Laboratory.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, organizes and directs program services associated with the laboratory identification of most microorganisms identified with human disease.

Plans, organizes and directs program services in order to develop and evaluate analytical methods related to clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, toxicology and metabolic disorders.

Plans, organizes and directs the licensing, certification and regulation of all clinical laboratories in compliance with state and federal statutes.

Manages the performance of laboratory testing in cooperation with Department programs, such as Neonatal Screening, STD, TB, and HIV/AIDS, and for special investigations such as disease outbreaks, and as a reference service for licensed laboratories.

Administers activities that include the monitoring, evaluating and control of the quality of laboratory testing in all areas of laboratory work by means of proficiency testing, confirmatory testing and developing of improved testing methods and standards.

Oversees a laboratory improvement program for licensed clinical laboratories through the on-site survey process, administration of a proficiency testing program, and providing consultation and training to directors and staff of licensed laboratories.

Administers a state and federal regulatory program.

Initiates, plans, and participates in research of laboratory methods and practices.

Develops and implements statewide policies for clinical laboratories relating to standards, safety, personnel, and training.

Plans, directs and evaluates the work of microbiologists, chemists and other laboratory professionals and support staff.

Receives grievances and complaints, conducts initial investigation into causes and conditions, discusses with employee, and resolves or recommends solutions to grievances and complaints.

Interviews prospective employee and recommends employee selection or ranks applicants in terms of preferability for employment.

Provides consultation to members of the medical and public health communities, clinical laboratory directors and to other department managers.

Develops program policies, goals, objectives and priorities within the laboratory area of responsibility.

Maintains liaison with pathologists, clinicians, local health officials, department managers, federal agencies, other state agencies, professional organizations, universities and the private sector.

Determines training needs of laboratory personnel and selects/or arranges for further education and training.

Produces reports on the results of various investigations and studies or status of work activities.

Develops operational budgets.

Performs other related duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, and/or toxicology in order to direct the performance of analytical laboratory tests involved in diagnosis of disease and measures needed to prevent further occurrences.

Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision.

Knowledge of analytical testing methods and principles.

Knowledge of operation and care of laboratory equipment in order to conduct laboratory analysis as well as determining laboratory procedures and training staff in its use.

Knowledge and understanding of applicable state and federal safety regulations.

Ability to determine medical, public health, epidemiologic significance of laboratory findings based on clinical histories and predictive values.

Ability to manage professional and technical employees engaged in various microbiological, biochemical, toxicological and other laboratory tests to ensure that tests are conducted appropriately and effectively.

Ability to evaluate laboratory practices, make decisions and recommendations relative to selection or improvement of procedures, methods, facilities and equipment.

Ability to prepare comprehensive analytical reports, papers, correspondence, speeches and press releases covering all aspects of the technical and regulatory programs of a public health laboratory.

Ability to establish effective working relations with subordinates, pathologists, clinicians, local health officials as well as counterparts in the Department of Health, in other state and federal agencies, with the scientific community and the general public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of professional supervisory experience in a medical or public health laboratory; and a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or the Biological Sciences, supplemented by graduate work, in Chemistry, Biologic Science, Public Health or Medicine to the level of a Doctorate Degree;

or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.