Agency Marketing Statement

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $2 billion in state and federal funds, 7 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,200 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to perform duties relating to the inspection, evaluation of clinical laboratories, Laboratory Improvement Act and to perform inspections and evaluations of blood banks. This individual will assume similar responsibilities for related programs administered by the Laboratory Regulations Unit.

Job Responsibilities

1. Drives and travels to conduct onsite surveys of independent clinical labs, hospital labs and blood banks to ensure compliance with Illinois and federal rules and regulations and to recommend certification and/or licensure. Reviews/inspects personnel forms, procedure manuals, quality control records, proficiency testing records and preventive maintenance records to determine if the facility meets Illinois and federal regulations. Interprets rules and regulations and provides technical information to the facility as needed. Documents own activities by completing reports. Performs follow-up visits to assure cited deficiencies have been corrected.
2. Reviews and evaluates licensure applications from clinical laboratories, physician office laboratories, blood banks, and other facilities regulated by the Laboratory Regulations Unit. Determines the need for and prepares requests for any additional information which is necessary to determine eligibility for licensure. Develops licensure and certification recommendations based upon findings.
3. Confers and consults with laboratory personnel and other interested persons concerning the clinical laboratory requirements and requirements related to the certification and operation of facilities regulated by the Laboratory Regulation Unit. Provides explanations of the requirements for technical personnel.
4. Collaborates in the development of master schedule for surveys of clinical laboratories, blood banks and other facilities. Communicates with the supervisor and secures approval for any changes in the scheduling of specific surveys. Makes travel arrangements in connection with surveys, inspections and mandated training. Prepares correspondence related to scheduled surveys.
5. Prepares survey materials for computer input and for transmission to the responsibleindividuals and units for processing. Enters survey materials into computer programs provided for such information and retains reports.
6. Serves as an expert witness in prosecutions and in the defense of the Clinical Laboratory Regulations.
7. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, chemistry, medical technology or a related field from a recognized college or university.
• Requires four years’ professional clinical laboratory or other related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years’ experience conducting on-site surveys, or directly involved during the survey process as a provider of clinical labs, hospital labs or blood banks to ensure compliance with Illinois and federal rules and regulations.
• One year experience preparing comprehensive laboratory inspection reports.
• Extensive knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of the types of laboratory equipment essential to the operation of clinical laboratories, blood banks or environmental laboratories.
• Extensive knowledge of methods used to inspect and evaluate the operations, personnel and procedures of laboratories or blood banks.
• One year experience assisting with scheduling for surveys of clinical laboratories, blood banks or other facilities.
• One year experience serving as an expert witness in prosecutions and in the defense of the Clinical Laboratory Regulations.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with laboratory or blood bank directors, to obtain compliance with applicable laws.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in recommending action on license applications.
• Ability to plan and participate in training workshops and seminars.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires physical, visual, and auditory ability to carry out assigned duties.
• Requires ability to travel.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.