JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR, QUALITY MANAGEMENT DIVISION

JOB CODE: 72073

DEFINITION: This is managerial and advanced professional work directing the Quality Management Division in the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).

The employee in this job plans and directs quality assurance and laboratory accreditation functions for the Bureau of Forensic Services. Works involves managing, through a Forensic Services Program Manager, the bureau’s quality assurance, proficiency testing, auditing, accreditation, document control, and safety programs. Work includes responsibility for developing, implementing, and monitoring adherence to statewide policies, procedures, and standards that support quality management and accreditation requirements. An important aspect of the work involves working closely with bureau staff and national authorities to monitor and maintain compliance with international accreditation of the PSP’s forensic laboratory program. Work is performed independently and is reviewed by the bureau director through reports and conferences for effectiveness of results achieved and adherence to program requirements.

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, coordinates, and directs all aspects of the Bureau of Forensic Services’ quality assurance and accreditation programs.

• Directs the review, development, revision, and interpretation of policies, procedures, and manuals used in the administration of the laboratory system’s quality assurance and safety programs.

• Serves as the statewide quality assurance manager for the bureau’s multi-laboratory system.

• Plans and directs an annual audit of each accredited forensic discipline and laboratory location.

• Directs the bureau’s interlaboratory and intralaboratory testing program involving the procurement of acceptable tests, development of a testing schedule, evaluation of results, approval of proposed corrective actions, and improvement of program effectiveness.

• Evaluates the effectiveness of discipline training programs and makes recommendations for further development and revision.

• Examines quality concerns with casework, participates in root cause analysis, and participates in development and monitoring of corrective action plans.

• Directs the evaluation of trends in forensic discipline quality control data and makes recommendations for initiation of improvement or corrective action plans.

• Serves as a liaison to the accrediting authorities for on-site assessments and corrective action related to findings of non-compliance.

• Directs the evaluation of new accreditation standards and determines methods to ensure laboratory system compliance.

• Monitors and evaluates trends in quality and accreditation-related topics and directs development and implementation of program improvements.

• Directs document control for the bureau’s quality and technical manuals.

• Coordinates and reports upon the annual review of the bureau’s management system, to include individual discipline and safety program reviews.

• Directs and participates in the preparation of detailed reports to the accrediting authorities including applications for accreditation renewal, conformance files, surveillance checklists, and disclosures of nonconformity.

• Travels to various work sites.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of forensic laboratory equipment, methods, and materials.

• Knowledge of forensic laboratory accreditation standards and requirements.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of forensic laboratory quality assurance monitoring and assessment.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to identify and resolve problems.

• Ability to interpret and apply scientific data, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to organize information and prepare reports of analysis and findings.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written information.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These may not be used for Civil Service examination\evaluation purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.):

• Ability to develop, revise, implement, and evaluate statewide forensic laboratory quality assurance and accreditation programs.

• Ability to conduct and report quality assurance audits and reviews to determine compliance status and recommend corrective action plans.

• Ability to coordinate and prepare proofs of compliance for applicable accreditation standards and assemble into reports and conformance files for the accrediting body.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• One year as a Forensic Services Program Manager;

or

• One year as a Forensic Laboratory Manager;

or

• One year as a Forensic DNA Quality Assurance Program Manager;

or

• Two years of professional experience in the administration of the quality assurance program for an accredited forensic laboratory, including or supplemented by one year experience in a supervisory capacity, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a closely related physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry.