Inspection Specialist I

College-of-American-Pathologists; Northfield Township (IL); On-site; USD 77,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

College of American Pathologists seeks an Inspection Specialist I to arrange and perform inspections of laboratory facilities and assist teams across accreditation programs. You will provide consultative support, lead interviews, and ensure non-punitive, educational inspections while coordinating with multiple departments.

The role requires a doctoral-behavior approach with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, plus ability to travel extensively and work independently.

Qualifications

• Five years of recent clinical laboratory experience, including at least two years in a supervisory role.
• MLS(ASCP)cm or MT(ASCP) certification, or equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory sciences required; master's degree is a plus.
• Experience with accreditation processes and quality practices.
• Ability to travel up to 95% and reside near major airports.

Responsibilities

• Review inspection packet information to prepare for on-site inspections.
• Coordinate with laboratory directors and inspection team leaders.
• Confirm travel plans and inspection timing.
• Conduct on-site inspections in a non-punitive, educational manner.
• Provide consultation to laboratories during inspection and accreditation.
• Summarize inspection findings and suggest corrective actions.
• Prepare and deliver inspection reports and complete post-inspection paperwork.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Troubleshooting

Technical knowledge application

Independent and team work

Laboratory quality practices

Leadership

Flexibility with schedules

Microsoft Windows applications

Education

Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory sciences

Master’s degree in technical disciplines or related business/management

MLS(ASCP)cm or MT(ASCP) certification

Tools

Microsoft Windows

Job description

Brief Description

Inspection Specialist I is responsible for:

• Arranging and performing inspections of associated secondary, specialty and small hospital laboratories.
• Assisting volunteer inspection teams as needed across all accreditation programs.
• Participating in System inspections and non-routine inspections as a team member.
• Assisting with all inspection initiatives as assigned.
• Working cross-divisionally with multiple departments to resolve customer issues and participate in training.

• Working independently through diversified procedures and policies, requiring analytical and interpretive thinking.
• Applying problem solving abilities as situations warrant.

Specific Duties

Primary duties and responsibilities of the Inspection Specialist I:

• Review inspection packet information to prepare for the on-site inspection.
• Contact laboratory director or contact person and inspection team leader to finalize inspection arrangements.
• Confirm appropriate travel plans, adhering to inspection time requirements.
• Conduct thorough on-site inspections in a non-punitive, supportive, and educational manner.
• Provide consultation to laboratories throughout the inspection and accreditation process.
• Provide technical assistance through the customer service ACD lines, CAP Web site and Salesforce inquiries
• Conduct thorough on-site inspections utilizing the following attributes:

• Non-punitive
• Educational
• Ethical
• Diplomatic
• Supportive
• Constructive
• Encourage continual improvement

Operate as the inspection team leader and conduct interviews to determine compliance with Laboratory Accreditation Program Standards as appropriate of the:

• Laboratory director
• Hospital administrators
• Medical staff representatives
• Laboratory staff members
• Conduct the summation conference to verbally explain the inspection findings and provide suggestions for corrective actions for cited items while being: Supportive, Direct, Non-punitive, Diplomatic

• Prepare and provide a copy of the inspector’s summation report to the laboratory director at the conclusion of the inspection.
  • Complete all post inspection paperwork and return the information to the central office in a timely manner.
  • Review external validation inspection findings to identify necessary updates to inspector training materials, checklist content and customized checklist mapping to correct any issues identified in this review.
  • Provide technical input for the checklist revision process and content of the inspector training programs.
  • Create, revise, and edit reports, documents, other publications and programs as necessary.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Senior Director, Inspection Services and Inspection Services Manager.

Knowledge / Skills Required / Preferred

Personal:

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Organizational and presentation skills required.
• Must be able to multi-task.

Professional:

• Solid troubleshooting and problem-solving skills necessary.
• Ability to apply technical knowledge effectively in multiple scenarios’
• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment.
• Must have a strong knowledge of laboratory quality practices and the inspection process.
• Competently demonstrate leadership skills.
• Flexibility with changing inspection schedules.

Technical:

• Proficient with Microsoft Windows’ applications: Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Education / Experience

Education:

• Baccalaureate degree in clinical laboratory sciences, medical technology, or a suitable chemical or biological science is required. Master’s degree in technical disciplines or related business/management is a plus.

Experience:

• Five years of recent clinical laboratory experience, including at least two years at a supervisory level are required.
• Generalist background is required, and experience working for an integrated delivery network (System) laboratory is preferred.
• Applicants that also have expertise and/or specialty certifications in microbiology, transfusion medicine or molecular pathology will be given preference.

Related certifications:

• MLS(ASCP)cm or MT(ASCP) certification, or equivalent required.

Additional Criteria

Travel:

• Travel required approximately 95% of the time, including some weekend travel.
• Candidates must live within a reasonable distance of a major airport (as determined by CAP), and those living near hub airports (Atlanta Hartsfield (ATL), Boson Logan (BOS), Charlotte Douglass (CLT), Washington Reagan (DCA), Denver International (DEN), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Detroit Metropolitan (DTW), Newark Liberty (ERW), Washington Dulles (IAD), Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), New York Kennedy (JFK), Los Angeles International (LAX), New York La Guardia (LGA), Miami International (MIA), Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Philadelphia International (PHL), Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), San Francisco International (SFO), and Salt Lake City International (SLC) are preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, car insurance (including liability insurance) and a clean driving record required.
• Valid passport required for international travel.

Salary: $77,000 - $96,000