JOB TITLE: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LABORATORIES, DOH

JOB CODE: 32125

DEFINITION: This is professional scientific and administrative work assisting the bureau director in managing Bureau of Laboratories activities for the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH).

The employee in this job assists in planning and directing the state public health laboratory and research program, which includes overseeing microbiology, chemical and toxicology, and laboratory improvement programs. Work involves developing and implementing bureau policies and procedures, advising agency executive staff on public health laboratory issues and interpreting related laws and regulations, and organizing and developing agendas to expand laboratory capacity. The employee in this job functions as the bureau director in the director's absence and acts as the senior staff member in developing research teams. Supervision is exercised over subordinate managers. Work is performed independently under the general direction of the bureau director, who reviews program plans and accomplishments through regular meetings.

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, and develops agendas for expanding laboratory capacity in regard to emerging and food borne diseases.

• Conducts literature searches for published articles and determines their applicability to the bureau's operational systems.

• Develops and publishes strategies for laboratory research.

• Coordinates bioterrorism response among the bureau staff, community laboratories, federal agencies, and other states.

• Provides expert counsel to the medical and laboratory communities.

• Investigates operational and data management systems to improve the efficiency of bureau operations.

• Develops and presents technical reports explaining, summarizing, and promoting laboratory activities, achievements, and needs.

• Recommends and advocates substantive policy change in public health laboratory program development.

• Develops and implements internal proficiency testing programs, and conducts unannounced inspections of laboratories to identify areas needing improvements.

• Trains bureau staff in the application of new technologies.

• Provides bioterrorism response protocols training to community laboratories staff.

• Directs bureau safety programs.

• Develops research teams involving bureau staff, academics, and staff from other resources.

• 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 applicable to the operation of a public health laboratory.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, problems, and current developments in public health laboratory work.

• Knowledge of the use and care of equipment in high complexity testing.

• Ability to advise and provide leadership to DOH executive staff regarding public health laboratory issues.

• Ability to interpret and explain the impact of federal, state, and local agencies, 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) within eighteen months of hire.

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

• The employee in this job must meet the Qualifications of Director under 28 Pa. Code §5.21.88 subsection (b) within eighteen months of hire.