Technical Specialist I LAP

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

Job summary

College of American Pathologists (CAP) seeks a Technical Specialist I in Northfield, IL to deliver accreditation program content and consult with laboratories throughout the accreditation cycle. The role emphasizes interpreting CAP standards, analyzing inspection data, and guiding laboratories through LAP, RLAP, BAP, and FDT programs with high customer service standards.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree and about 5 years in a clinical lab or regulatory health care setting, with travel

Qualifications

• Requires strong decision-making abilities.
• Excellent listening, verbal and written communication; strong organizational skills.
• Experience in clinical laboratory, quality assurance, or regulatory health care environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide interpretation and direction on CAP Standards and proficiency testing requirements.
• Analyze inspection reports and laboratory responses for scientific validity and completeness.
• Investigate discrepancies between pre- and post-inspection data and responses.
• Provide consultation to laboratories through accreditation process via email and phone support.
• Assist in developing and revising checklists and educational materials.

Skills

Decision making

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Baccalaureate degree

Tools

Computer proficiency

Job description

Brief Description

The Technical Specialist I is responsible for:

• Researching, developing, interpreting, and delivering accreditation program content to meet the participant needs and support the College’s laboratory improvement and educational objectives.
• Communicating and consulting services for a broad constituency, internally and externally.
• Working independently using comprehensive decision making skills and diverse policies and procedures requiring analytical and interpretive thinking to manage and develop LAP processes.

Specific Duties

Primary duties and responsibilities of the Technical Specialist I:

• Provide interpretation and direction to commissioners, pathologists, laboratory directors, health care personnel, and commercial manufacturers on appropriate ways to comply with CAP Standards, checklist questions, and proficiency testing requirements in all laboratory sections.
• Analyze post inspection reports and laboratory responses to deficiencies for scientific validity, completeness, and appropriateness.
• Investigate and reconcile discrepancies between pre-inspection data, post-inspection reports, and responses to deficiencies.
• Recommend removal of inappropriately cited deficiencies and emphasize areas of concern to Regional Commissioners.
• Provide consultation to laboratories through the accreditation process during post inspection, through emails and ACD phone assistance.
• Make accreditation recommendations to Regional Commissioners.
• Manage participant database with updates to demographic information as necessary.
• Manage overall laboratory performance in LAP, RLAP, BAP and FDT programs and investigate performance issues.
• Iidentify Scores operational process improvements and functionality.

• Provides exceptional customer service that meets departmental standards and exceeds the customers’ expectations.
• Assist Information Services in investigation, development and testing of Scores database remedies and enhancements.
• Provide technical input for the checklist revision process.
• Assume responsibility for assigned checklists to ensure that technical staff is updated with summary of changes.
• Review changes prior to finalizing new editions for accuracy and completeness.
• Serve as liaison between CAP Resource Committees, LAP Commissioners, and Surveys staff guiding them through the Checklist revision process.
• Provide direction and technical assistance to the Pre-Inspection staff.
• Organize, coordinate, and present at LAP educational seminars and programs and training seminars.
• Review and edit Inspector training materials, LAP web-conferences, webinars, publications, and other educational materials for technical content.
• Research current laboratory practices through CLSI and manufacturer literature, clinical periodicals, fax, and Internet materials to determine scientific validity.
• Act as the LAP staff contact for Scientific Resource committee.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Manager, Accreditation Services, Technical Director Accreditation Services, or Senior Director, Accreditation and Regulatory Affairs.

Knowledge/Skills Required/Preferred

Personal:

• Good decision making abilities.
• Excellent listening, verbal, written, and organizational skill.
• Able to prioritize.

Professional:

• Able to communicate and apply technical information to a diverse audience.

Technical:

• Computer proficiency.

Education/Experience

Education:

• Baccalaureate degree required.

Experience:

• 5 years recent experience in a clinical laboratory, quality assurance, or regulatory health care environment, including supervisory experience is desirable.
• Expertise in one or more specialty areas with a generalist background preferred.

Related certifications:

• (ASCP) certification or equivalent.

Additional Criteria

Travel:

• Approximately 10% Travel required

This position is based out of the Northfield, IL office. Candidates must reside within 75 miles of the Northfield headquarters and meet in-office requirements.

Salary Range: $77,000 - $96,000