Inspection Specialist I

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

Job summary

College of American Pathologists (CAP) seeks an Inspection Specialist I to lead and participate in inspections of laboratory facilities across accreditation programs. The role requires strong communication, planning, and analytical abilities, with extensive travel and a focus on educational, non-punitive inspections.

The candidate will review packets, coordinate with directors and teams, perform on-site evaluations, and provide guidance to laboratories throughout the accreditation process.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree is required.
• Master’s degree in technical disciplines or related business/management is a plus.
• Five years of recent clinical laboratory experience, including at least two years in a supervisory role.
• Generalist background preferred; experience with an integrated delivery network laboratory is preferred.
• Expertise in microbiology, transfusion medicine or molecular pathology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review inspection packet information to prepare for the on-site inspection.
• Coordinate with laboratory director and inspection team leader to finalize arrangements.
• Conduct thorough on-site inspections in a non-punitive, educational manner.
• Provide consultation to laboratories throughout the inspection and accreditation process.
• Prepare summation report and post-inspection paperwork.
• Lead the inspection team and conduct interviews to determine compliance with standards.
• Travel approximately 95% of the time; have valid driving record and passport when applicable.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Problem solving

Leadership

Laboratory quality practices

Inspection process knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

Baccalaureate degree in clinical laboratory sciences or related field

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

Job description

Who we are?

As the world's largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide.

Our Culture

• CAP employees make a meaningful difference by partnering with colleagues customers and members on challenging and rewarding work
• CAP provides its employees with an energetic and collaborative work environment and encourage opportunities to further develop their skills—offering reimbursement for educational programs and participation in events that enhance your skills
• We offer a generous compensation and benefits package, 401K, and more -- visit Careers at the CAP for more details

Brief Description

The 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.

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.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

The CAP is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, age, ancestry, disability or genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship status, order of protection status, homelessness, or any other characteristic protected by federal law and the applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act Equal Employment Opportunity Employee Polygraph Protection Act