Surveyors

COLA INC•Columbia, MD

60d•$80,000 - $84,000•Remote

About The Position

The Surveyor conducts an educational, non-threatening, cost-effective survey of COLA laboratories to evaluate that the high standards necessary for quality patient care and COLA Accreditation are met.

Requirements

Six years experience as a Laboratory Technologist
Experience as a laboratory generalist (to be able to inspect all types of laboratories conducting testing in any specialties COLA accredits)
Ability and willingness to travel extensively
Bachelors degree in Laboratory Science plus 6 years clinical laboratory experience OR
Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technologist by ASCP plus 6 years clinical laboratory experience, OR
Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician by ASCP, HEW or AMT plus 10 years clinical laboratory experience
NOTE: To be eligible to be hired for the state of California candidates MUST have a Bachelors degree in Medical Technology

Nice To Haves

Experience in Histology technical processes and/or frozen section management is a plus
Experience acting as a liaison between physicians and other health professions
Experience providing educational and training activities
Previous experience in the operation and instrumentation of a POL
Experience preparing for or conducting on-site inspections of clinical laboratories

Responsibilities

Maintain a positive attitude in all interactions with customers (external and internal)
Maintain awareness of current COLA policies, philosophies, products and activities to provide quality service and support to all customers (external and internal)
Maintain awareness of current technological and regulatory developments pertinent to COLA participants
Cooperate with staff of other regulatory agencies when conducting simultaneous surveys
Represent COLA by participating in seminars, conferences, and volunteering to do speaking engagements
Schedule laboratories for survey and book travel considering economy and efficiency. All travel requests must be submitted electronically according to established timeframes.
Contact lab prior to survey to minimize cancellations. Document all correspondence with laboratory.
Perform routine surveys, resurveys, interim, and complaint surveys in accordance with division policies and procedures
Examine the records and practices of COLA laboratories for compliance with COLA standards. Verify that records and practices are consistent with the information provided to COLA by the laboratory.
Document an objective evaluation of each laboratory on the laptop computer and transmit this information to headquarters within five business days of completing the survey
Demonstrate accurate and consistent interpretation of COLA standards
Demonstrate effective time management while conducting a thorough survey, with a minimal negative impact on the daily operation of the laboratory
Identify Risk of Harm situations, contact the Surveyors Team Leader to discuss situation while in the laboratory. Collect documentation to support ROH (Risk of Harm) allegation. Transmit survey results and documentation to HQ ASAP (no later than 24 hours).
Provide guidance to all COLA participating laboratories through recommendations and educational support tailored to the individual laboratory being surveyed
Demonstrate effective communication skills for sharing technical and non-technical information with COLA laboratories and COLA staff
Prepare presentations about COLA or current laboratory issues or technologies. Act as a presenter for COLA staff training, COLA sponsored speaking engagements, conferences, and/or workshops.
Actively participate in improving COLA's accreditation process by making suggestions for improvement
Participate in the technical review of COLA materials or assist in the development of new COLA materials and programs
Maintain awareness of specific state issues and regulations
Assist COLA to stay current with new developments in your region
Communicate with Surveys Team Manager/Leader for complaint/interim/resurvey assignments. Schedule monthly tours prior to the date specified.
Represent COLA in a professional and consistent manner, dressing and acting accordingly