JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR OF LABORATORIES, DOH

JOB CODE: 32120

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible professional scientific and administrative work directing the Bureau of Laboratories for the Department of Health (DOH).

The employee in this job plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the state public health laboratory and research program, which includes microbiology, chemical and toxicology, and laboratory improvement programs. Work involves directing the development and implementation of bureau policies and procedures, recommending substantive program policy changes, and advising agency executive staff on public health laboratory issues and interpreting related laws and regulations for the department. Work includes developing and maintaining acceptable standards for all health laboratories in the commonwealth through the administration of a laboratory licensure and certification program. Work also includes providing expert counsel to other public and private laboratories in the evaluation and interpretation of reports of laboratory tests and examinations. An important aspect of the consultative role is the responsibility for coordinating collaborative efforts with other state public health laboratories and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the evaluation and interpretation of laboratory tests and reports that may have regional or national impact. Work is performed independently under the general direction of the deputy secretary, who reviews program plans and accomplishments through weekly meetings, requested documentation, and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates a statewide public health laboratory service and research program.

• Develops and implements policies and procedures designed to ensure efficient bureau operations.

• Directs all administrative activities for the bureau.

• Integrates bureau priorities, procedures, and policies with DOH programs and priorities.

• Advises the deputy secretary and other agency executive staff on public health laboratory issues.

• Recommends and advocates for substantive program policy changes.

• Directs the development and maintenance of acceptable standards for all health laboratory licensure and certification programs within the commonwealth.

• Provides consultation to other public and private laboratories in evaluating and interpreting reports of laboratory tests that present unusual problems in diagnosis and involve important and responsible medical decisions.

• Studies and adopts improved testing and laboratory procedures and methods.

• Plans new laboratory facilities.

• Requisitions new equipment and laboratory supplies.

• Supervises the maintenance of equipment and quarters.

• Reviews laboratory reports by interpreting, applying, and correlating findings.

• Interprets or verifies difficult or unusual analyses.

• Plans and supervises the performance of special tests and projects.

• Reviews and comments on proposed federal and state legislation affecting the operation of commonwealth public health laboratories.

• Advises and provides leadership to high-level department officials in dealing with public health laboratory issues, and recommends and advocates substantive policy changes in public health laboratory program development.

• Interprets federal, state, and local laws, requirements, objectives, rules, and procedures applicable to the operation of laboratories.

• Supervises the preparation of reports summarizing laboratory activities, accomplishments, and needs, including recommendations for the formulation of policies, plans, and procedures.

• Recommends approval or disapproval of DOH contracts for laboratory services.

• Determines and recommends laboratory support for departmental programs and activities.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, problems, and current developments in the field of laboratory technology as applicable to the operation of a state public health laboratory.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, problems, and current developments in microbiology, chemistry, virology, and toxicology as applicable to public health laboratory work.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration as applicable to the operation of a large public health laboratory.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Knowledge of the use and care of equipment in a large public health laboratory.

• Ability to integrate bureau priorities, procedures, and policies with department programs and priorities.

• Ability to interpret and explain the impact of federal, state, and local agencies, and resources, laws, regulations, and procedures on the operation of a statewide public health laboratory program.

• Ability to use laboratory equipment in the evaluation and interpretation of tests and reports.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The employee in this job must meet the qualifications under the provisions of the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) for Laboratory Director (§493.1443) at the time of hire.

• The employee in this job must meet the Qualifications of Director under 28 Pa. Code §5.21.88 and the Pennsylvania Clinical Laboratory Act at the time of hire.