Public Health Assistant Laboratories Director
Milwaukee, WI - USA
Job Summary
Introduction
The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforcededicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you arepassionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants pleaseconsider the following opportunity.
Purpose
ThePublic Health Assistant Laboratories Director (PHALD)oversees the day-to-day activities of the clinical laboratory ensuringefficient operations and coordinating staff laboratory functions.
Essential Functions
Public Health Laboratory (PHL) Management
- Plan and lead validation and verification activities for new test implementation to improve public health laboratory (PHL) testing services supporting the needs of the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) and external partners.
- Provide technical leadership in the evaluation analysis and validation of clinical test results using routine and/or emerging methods for microbial testing including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) respiratory bio-threat agents and other infections of public health importance.
- Ensure prompt and accurate processing of specimens and timely reporting of results.
- Ensure all regulatory compliance obligations are met such as those for Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) Select Agent Program the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) continuing education and relevant proficiency testing programs.
- Address test-related issues including result interpretation and sample collection and storage.
- Serve as the CLIA Technical Supervisor for clinical diagnostic testing.
Staff Management and PHL Development
- Oversee staff conducting testing in the Microbiology Virology Molecular and Keenan sections of the MHD laboratory in addition to those performing phlebotomy at the Keenan Clinic; responsibilities include oversight of quality assurance and control safety training continuing education and personnel matters.
- Assure smooth operations by providing day-to-day management of staff prioritization of work staff time approval coordination of ordering supplies and maintenance of equipment and laboratory spaces.
- Pursue grant opportunities with internal and external community partners and collaborators.
- Explore possibilities for expanding laboratory operations in clinical and disease surveillance testing areas per state and federal guidelines.
- Develop policies procedures and document laboratory standard operating procedures.
- Assist with molecular epidemiological studies of communicable disease (CD) outbreaks.
Administrative
- Assist the PHL Director in the support maintenance and enhancement of the clinical laboratory testing services under the MHD Medical branch.
- Assist in financial oversight by monitoring and reporting monthly revenue and expenditures for each laboratory area.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory agencies requirements recommendations and guidelines.
- Assure accurate and timely records maintenance of procedural manuals and other necessary documents.
- Participate in MHD lab quality management program activities including policy review staff education and compliance for continuous improvement.
Collaboration
- Contribute to departmental and community initiatives that support the mission of the MHD Laboratory.
- Participate in the public health laboratory community by presenting MHD Laboratory activities and data at local state national and international committees meetings and conferences.
- Provide technical consultation related to test functionality protocols results and limitations to internal and external partners.
- Maintain memberships and working relationships with professional organizations to improve laboratory management skills and to provide leadership at the local state and national levels.
- Liaise with external agencies including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) state public health laboratory local hospitals/clinics and Police Fire and Emergency Management to ensure MHD Laboratory preparedness expectations are met during public health emergencies.
- Maintain academic relationships by serving as a guest lecturer mentoring students and holding teaching affiliations with local colleges research institutes and universities including the UW-Milwaukee School of Biomedical Science and the Zilber School of Public Health.
We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who areinterested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during thehiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of1990 as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA)of 2008.
Conditions of Employment
- Work outside standard business hours to respond to public health and security emergencies.
- Occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 10 lbs.
- While performing the duties of this job employees may be exposed to infectious agents or toxic laboratory chemicals.
- Wear a particulate respirator (e.g. N95 PAPR).
- Participate in the Federal Select Agent Program (Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002).
- Obtain DOJ/FBI background clearance to comply with federal program requirements.
- Travel outside of the City of Milwaukee; occasional overnight travel may be required.
- Ability to respond to an emergency and/or broad impact event.
- Required to file a Statement of Economic Interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.
- The required pre-placement tests include:
- Physical
- Audiogram
- Vision
- Non-DOT drug test
- Medical evaluation for respirator
- Respirator fit test
- The required pre-placement vaccines include:
- TB Test; annually throughout employment
- Hep B Vaccine
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- Influenza Vaccine
- MMR Vaccine
- Varicella Vaccine
Minimum Requirements
- Must qualify as a CLIA Technical Supervisor for Microbiology in the subspecialty of bacteriology and/or virology as outlined in 42CFR 493.1449 at the time of appointment.
Qualifications for CLIA Technical Supervisor include:- Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State of Wisconsin and be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology; OR
- Be a doctor of medicine doctor of osteopathy or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine osteopathy or podiatry in the State of Wisconsin AND have at least one year of laboratory training and/or experience in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months of experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of bacteriology or virology; OR
- Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical biological clinical or medical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution AND have at least one year of laboratory training and/or experience in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months of experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of bacteriology or virology; OR
- Have an earned masters degree in chemical biological clinical or medical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution AND have at least two years of laboratory training and/or experience in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months of experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of bacteriology or virology; OR
- Have an earned bachelors degree in chemical biological clinical or medical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution or equivalent as listed in 493.1449(c)(5)(i)(B) AND have at least four years of laboratory training and/or experience in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months of experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of bacteriology or virology.
- For more information please visit: drivers license and access to an adequately insured vehicle at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Private auto allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may beconsidered as outlined in the CLIA Technical Supervisor for Microbiology at 42CFR 493.1449.
NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts toyour employment application. The hiring department will verify candidateseducation as part of the background screening process prior to extending anyjob offers.
- Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State of Wisconsin and be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology; OR
Desirable Qualifications
- Possession of or progress toward obtaining a Board certification (e.g. American Board of Medical Microbiology-ABMM or American Board of Bioanalysis-ABB) which would qualify the applicant to serve as Laboratory Director of High Complexity Testing per CLIA guidelines. For more information on the CLIA certification please visit: Skills Abilities & Other Characteristics
Technical
- Knowledge of clinical and/or public health microbiology on issues related to communicable and sexually transmitted diseases including quality control and laboratory safety.
- Knowledge of laws rules and regulations governing the operation of a public health laboratory.
- Knowledge of regulatory standards and accreditation agencies relevant to assigned work areas to ensure laboratory certifications and standards are maintained.
- Knowledge of common causes and modes of transmission of communicable diseases and emerging pathogens of public health importance.
- Knowledge of health and safety precautions and procedures required in a laboratory setting.
- Knowledge of the standards and practice of Biosafety Level 2 and 3 applied research program development and evaluation.
- Knowledge of laboratory management including continuous process improvement methods.
- Knowledge of and ability to work effectively with computer applications including the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) document management software word processing spreadsheets presentation and other relevant software.
- Knowledge and experience in applied research as exemplified by the public-private partnerships active participation in professional organizations and journal publications.
- Ability to apply mathematical and statistical operations to tasks.
- Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to practical problems.
- Ability to read analyze interpret and communicate the most complex technical administrative and educational documents.
- Ability to author effective persuasive speeches presentations and articles on complex scientific regulatory and policy topics.
- Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Communication and Interpersonal
- Ability to use original or innovative techniques to present complex topics deliver persuasive speeches write scientific articles and present to varied audiences.
- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a multi-cultural multi-disciplinary team the City officials and managers community partners academics other agencies and institutions and the public.
- Ability to foster an environment of diversity and inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully are valued for their strengths and feel that they can safely express themselves.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment remaining positive and poised under pressure and to handle sensitive situations diplomatically and professionally.
- Planning and organizational skills to handle multiple assignments simultaneously adjust to changing priorities and complete assignments in a timely manner.
Professionalism Leadership and Judgment
- Professionalism honesty and integrity as well as the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to provide leadership and direction to laboratory staff about administrative quality assurance and public relations functions.
- Ability to provide staff oversight teamwork and handle personnel issues.
- Critical thinking skills including analytical and problem-solving skills decision-making skills and sound judgment.
- Commitment to professional development and staying apprised of best practices in laboratory operations.
- Commitment to the promotion of health and the prevention of disease.
Current Salary
The current salary range (1JX) is$104997- $ 123106annually and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukeeresidents is$109197- $ 128030 annually.Appointment above theminimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualificationsand is subject to approval.
BENEFITS
The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefitprogram that includes the following:
- Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
- Health and Dental Insurance
- Paid Parental Leave
- Comprehensive Wellness Program
- Onsite Clinic Services
- Onsite Employee Assistance Program
- Alternative Work Schedules
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Group Life Insurance
- Tuition Benefits
- Paid Vacation
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
- Flexible Spending Arrangement
- Commuter Value Pass
For full details of the benefits offered by the City ofMilwaukee please visit Process
THE SELECTION PROCESSwill be job-related and willconsist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of educationexperience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written orperformance test a structured interview or other assessment methods. TheDepartment of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the mostqualified candidates to structured interviews and performance interviews may include written exercises. Selection processcomponent weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.
INITIAL FILING DATE- The selection process will beheld as soon as practical after the date listed ofapplications may be discontinued at any time after this date without priornotice. However recruitment may continue until the Citys needs are applicants will be notified of the date time and place of theselection process components. Unless otherwise required by law the City ofMilwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. Theapplicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection processat the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.
Additional Information
- APPLICATIONS and further information can be accessed by visiting you would like assistance completing an application please contact the Department of Employee Relations at or.
- The Department of Employee Relations is in City Hall 200 E Wells St Room 706 Milwaukee WI 53202.
Conclusion
EEO104
The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and isan equal opportunity employer.
Required Experience:
Director