3H39

PAY RANGE: N23

 

PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY SECTION SUPERVISOR

            (Clinical Chemistry)

                                                                                                (Clinical Microscopy)

            (Clinical Microbiology)

 

GENERAL DEFINITION

 

            This is supervisory laboratory work directing the activities of a laboratory staff engaged in performing diagnostic and/or environmental tests and analyses in the City's Public Health Laboratory in the assigned area of specialization.  Employees in this class develop, evaluate and determine the methodologies, equipment and personnel required to achieve efficient and effective laboratory operation.  Work includes responsibility for evaluating and updating test methodolo­gy, ongoing training of subordinate technical personnel and administering proficiency and quality control programs to ensure test accuracy and reliability.  Contact with departmental administra­tors and outside agencies to coordinate laboratory and clinical activities is a significant aspect of the work.  Work is performed under a higher level administrative and/or technical supervisor.  Work involves some disagreeable aspects. 

 

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

 

1.       Positions must report to a higher level administrative and/or technical supervisor in the Public Health Laboratory.

2.       Positions must supervise a group of laboratory program scientists, Medical Technologists and lower level support personnel engaged in tests on chemicals, human tissue, body fluid, animals, toxicology and/or environmental samples in the assigned area of specialization.

3.      Two positions will be allocated to the Microbiology specialty and one position will be allocated to the Chemistry and Microscopy specialties. No more than 3 positions shall be allocated to the class.

 

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

 

ALL SPECIALTIES

 

            Plans, assigns and supervises the work of technical staff engaged in performing tests and examinations of clinical, human tissue, body fluids, animals, toxicological and/or environmental samples; ensures compliance with accrediting and regulatory agency requirements safety practices; monitors quality control, quality assurance, safety and infection control practices to ensure compliance with internal and external regulations; engages in all aspects of proficiency testing; participates in performing laboratory tests as required.

            Checks work results of subordinates by reviewing test data and by observing techniques and work methods; points out problems and discrepancies and instructs on corrective measures as soon as deficiency is identified; completes checklist and other information sheets required and coordinates on-site inspection; provides advanced troubleshooting, interpretation/consultation, verification of specimen quality and test results; sets the standard parameters for which retesting is required and ensures compliance with such standards; notifies clinical personnel immediately of any abnormal test results.          

            Evaluates laboratory methods and procedures ; writes, revises and updates procedures; implements new methods including validations and verifications and determines when new field developments can be used for greater efficiency and accuracy; instructs subordinates on new examination methodology and procedures; interprets accrediting agency standards or guidelines and translates requirements into policy and procedures; researches professional manuals and confers with vendors to investigate the benefits of acquiring new testing equipment; recommends purchase of equipment determined to be beneficial for laboratory operations; trains subordinate staff on the utilization of laboratory equipment; evaluates testing services of laboratory staff and informs superior of the feasibility of providing new or expanded testing services.

            Supervises routine calibration and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumenta­tion; ensures sufficient cleanliness, maintenance and safety of the laboratory environment; keeps current on the utilization of new equipment and instrumentation; participates with other departmental staff in the development and enhancement of the laboratory information systems; implements quality control measures to make certain that subordinates follow proper laboratory procedures; directs reporting and recording activities in the laboratory; reviews and evaluates statistical data of test results; supervises labeling and processing of specimen samples; maintains sufficient inventory of supplies and equipment for performance of duties.

 Provides guidance to Health Center labs regarding collection of specimen samples and the preparation of specimen samples for submittal to the various public health laboratories, trains and instructs on-site PHL staff on proper technical procedures, practices and methods and on the utilization of laboratory equipment; monitors work production and performance of on-site staff and ensures the reliability of submitted specimen samples; advises health center coordinators on the technical aspects of technicians' work and recommends improvements; requisitions technical supplies for health center laboratory technicians. 

            Consults with hospitals, physicians, governmental agencies and departmental administra­tors on unusual test results, complex testing problems and the feasibility of new testing programs.

           Assists with annual budget preparation; monitors expenditures on supply contracts; prepares monthly activity reports; prepares technical reports reflecting volume of work, procedures utilized and test results; coordinates the preparation of reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends and appropriate recommendations or conclusions.

            Plans and covers evening and weekend shift coverage as needed; plans staff orientation and training schedules; assigns orientation and training responsibilities to subordinate staff; reviews, revises and signs written and electronic procedure manuals on a regular basis; evaluates job performance of subordinate staff on a periodic basis; provides counseling and takes disciplinary action as required.

            Oversees the receipt of samples; verifies safe handling of specimens and instructs transport personnel in safety practices; oversees the transport of samples to outside testing facilities; investigates problems with samples; instructs collectors in specimen requirements; maintains certification and proficiency in proper handling and sending of biological samples via courier, commercial transport or US mail.

            Performs related work as required.                                                                 

 

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY SPECIALTY

 

            Supervises laboratory staff engaged in performing qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses of human tissues, body fluids and toxicological and environmental samples; supervises calibration, maintenance and operation of automated chemistry analyzers, spectrophotometers, immunoassay analyzers and other equipment used in routine and special chemistry tests; supervises the operation of the lead laboratory and provides technical support to the Philadelphia Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

 

CLINICAL MICROSCOPY SPECIALTY

 

Supervises staff engaged in comprehensive blood and urine specimen examination which include calibration and operation of hematology analyzers such as automated coulter counters, urine analyzers, microscopic examination of blood smears, urine sediments, stools and manual testing, supervises parasitology, and rabies testing, molecular testing. 

 

CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY SPECIALTY

 

            Supervises staff engaged in the comprehensive examination of microbiology specimens which includes the isolation, identification and drug sensitivity testing; oversees the operations of the clinical microbiology, Environmental, Tuberculosis, Molecular and STD sections of this unit.  Tests include the; clinical microbiology to test for growth, identification and antibiotic sensitivity; environmental microbiology for food, water and milk testing; Molecular testing and Mycobacteriology, which focuses on tuberculosis testing.

           

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

 

•           research methods and techniques, including the statistical treatment of scientific data

•           the principles, practices, techniques and current developments in the area of specializa­tion

•           the use, operation and care of standard laboratory and field equipment and materials in the area of specialization

•           the methods of standardizing and adapting new procedures in diagnostics and analytical tests

•           supervisory methods and techniques

•           laboratory research principles and techniques

•           laboratory management including the selection of equipment, assignment of personnel and determination of work priorities

•           program planning and evaluation

•           state and federal quality assurance standards and regulations including the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

 

SKILL IN:

 

•           the utilization of laboratory equipment used in the assigned area of specialization

 

ABILITY TO:

 

•           apply the regulations and laws associated with the assigned area of specialization

•           perform tests in conformance to regulatory criteria

•           provide supervision and instruction to subordinate staff

•           plan, direct and review the work of medical technologists and technical and laboratory personnel

•           make accurate observations and interpretation of test results

•           effectively operate laboratory information system

            present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing

•           establish and maintain effective working relationships with all co-workers both inside and outside the unit

•           maintain effective disciplinary processes of subordinates

•           prepare technical reports and to supervise the maintenance of reports and records

•           simplify, improve, adapt and standardize laboratory testing procedures.

 

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.  Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 9/23.)

 

EDUCATION:

 

            Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in medical technology, biology, immunology, serology, microbiology, chemistry or other closely related field in the chemical, physical, or biological sciences.

 

AND

 

EXPERIENCE:

 

            Four years of full performance level experience performing diagnostic laboratory tests in the area of specialization.

 

OR

 

            Two years as a Laboratory Program Scientist in the Health Department’s Public Health Laboratory.

 

 

NOTE:            Completion of a master's degree program in any one of the disciplines specified in the education section can be substituted for two years of full performance level experience. 

 

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

 

            Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES

 

            Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Public Health Laboratory Section Supervisor.

 

            Certification as a Medical Technologist by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) or as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Clinical Laboratory Scientist by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Public Health Laboratory Section Supervisor.

 

Class Established 11/80

Spec. Revision:

CSC - 1/11

Ad. Board - 2/11

Spec. Revision:

CSC - 5/13

Ad. Board - 5/13

Spec. Revision:

CSC – 5/16

Ad. Board – 6/16

Spec. Revision:

CSC – 8/17

Ad. Board – 9/17

Spec. Revision:

CSC – 5/21

Ad. Board – 6/21

Spec. Revision:

CSC –6/23

Ad. Board –7/23

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC – 8/23

Ad. Board -9/23

 

JL