Technical Specialist PT LAP

College of American Pathologists•Northfield, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Specialist, PT LAP is responsible for monitoring the technical program content and departmental projects to meet the needs of the CAP Accreditation Programs customers and support CAP objectives. This role involves communication and consultation services for a broad constituency, internally and externally, providing technical and consultative services to internal and external customers related to proficiency testing requirements of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs. The position also includes management and maintenance of alternative proficiency testing providers and requires working independently using good decision-making skills on a daily basis.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree required.
Minimum 5 years of experience in a multifaceted laboratory, quality assurance, or regulatory healthcare environment.
MT/MLT (ASCP) or equivalent required.
Well-developed verbal and written communication skills are essential.
Good decision making skills.
Good customer service skills.
Positive attitude/team player.
Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively.
Critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.
Basic knowledge of PT and regulatory requirements related to the CAP Accreditation Programs.
Basic operational and technical understanding of PT products (for CAP and CAP accepted programs), the CAP Accreditation, and educational programs in order to advise and ensure customers are in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Computer savvy.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools.
Candidates must reside within 75-miles of the Northfield, IL office and meet in office requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience with proficiency testing requirements and regulations are preferred.
Statistical experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide interpretation and direction to pathologists, laboratory directors, healthcare personnel, and manufacturers on proficiency testing requirements and other related accreditation requirements for all testing.
Analyze proficiency testing exception responses and documents from laboratories for adequacy and determination of further actions.
Proactively communicate with laboratory personnel to prevent recurrent failures.
Work with assigned member of Continuous Compliance Committee (CCC) on cease testing directives, ensuring laboratories have thoroughly investigated the cause, completed required actions for resumption, and that all regulatory requirements for CLIA regulated analytes have been met.
Coordinate all activities related to a non-routine inspection for cease testing directives for critical regulated analytes when laboratories opt for this option.
Present laboratories to the Accreditation Committee (AC) that meet referral criteria for cease testing directives.
Provide technical expertise to the CCC and other LAP staff on issues related to proficiency testing requirements and other regulations related to PT compliance.
Ensure accredited laboratory activity menus correlate with the laboratory’s required proficiency testing enrollment.
Provide support to the CCC including meeting minutes, fulfilling special requests, development of educational and presentation materials, and applying sanctions to laboratories with repeat unsuccessful performance in proficiency testing.
Assist or facilitate review of CAP-accepted PT providers, including initial applications, annual renewal materials, audit materials, ongoing monitoring of compliance with criteria, and troubleshooting customer issues.
Provide technical assistance to PT Operations staff.
Provide consultative services to staff in LAP, Proficiency Testing, International Business Strategy, and Contact Center regarding LAP PT requirements, including written and verbal responses to escalated issues.
Develop and maintain tools for use by laboratories in investigation of PT failures, including evaluating alternative assessment.
Develop and maintain training materials and procedures for the PT Monitoring area.
Participate on cross-divisional teams as assigned.
Work with PT Monitoring staff to identify and institute process improvement initiatives and projects.
Provide support to system upgrades through user testing activities and assessment.
Maintain technical expertise and knowledge by attending local committee meetings, conferences, and other continuing educational events.
Other duties as assigned.