Technical Specialist I LAP

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

Job summary

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) seeks a Technical Specialist I to interpret CAP standards, guide laboratories through accreditation, and manage LAP-related processes. Located in Northfield, IL, this role emphasizes advisory support, data management, and program oversight across LAP, RLAP, BAP, and FDT initiatives.

The position requires a Baccalaureate degree, 5 years of related experience, ASCP certification or equivalent, and travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree required.
• 5 years recent experience in a clinical laboratory, quality assurance, or regulatory health care environment, including supervisory experience is desirable.
• ASCP certification or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provide interpretation and direction to commissioners, pathologists, laboratory directors, health care personnel, and commercial manufacturers on CAP standards and proficiency testing requirements.
• Analyze post-inspection reports and laboratory responses to deficiencies for validity, completeness, and appropriateness.
• Investigate and reconcile discrepancies between pre-inspection data, post-inspection reports, and deficiency responses.
• 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 and via emails/phone assistance.

Skills

Decision making

Communication skills

Prioritization

Computer proficiency

Education

Baccalaureate degree

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 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.
• Identify 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.

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

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