Lowcountry Region Lab Director/Lab Consultant

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The headquarters for this position is negotiable throughout the Lowcountry Region.
Coordinates, supervises, directs and oversees the operation, training activities and compliance of Lowcountry Region laboratories with agency, state and federal CLIA guidelines under the supervision of the Lowcountry Region Medical Director.  Serves as Lowcountry Laboratory Director and meets all responsibilities/requirements for this position under CLIA.  Functions as a liaison between the Public Health Lab QA Office and region staff/testing personnel.  

Supervises clinical and surveillance lab QC and QA procedures throughout Lowcountry as required by CLIA.  Audits of lab logs done quarterly. Supervises the operation, QC and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.  Must visit all Lowcountry lab sites at least twice a year to insure compliance with agency policy and CLIA regulations. Serves as chair of the Lowcountry Lab QA Committee.  

Provides supervision, planning, training and assessment as needed to lab testing personnel in Lowcountry in cooperation with Site Managers and Program Managers. Provides Competency Testing and oversees Proficiency Testing program for lab testing personnel in according to agency regulations and CLIA standards. Maintains training records in compliance with CLIA regulations. Oversees completion of Plan of Corrective Action when needed.
                                                                                                 
Maintains competency and proficiency in all laboratory procedures as defined in the Lowcountry Laboratory Procedure Manual. Performs laboratory testing, venipuncture, and newborn screening blood collection as needed.

Provides laboratory support to the Epi, Preventive Health, TB, WIC, Partner Services, and Maternal Child Health programs throughout the region.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State Minimum Requirements:  Do you have a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory science or medical laboratory technology and two (2) years training/experience in nonwaived testing and two (2) years of supervisory experience in nonwaived testing and twenty (20) CE hours covering director responsibilities?

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements:  Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Knowledge of principles and applications of microbiology, chemistry, biology and public health.  Knowledge of and skills with current laboratory methods, equipment and materials.   Knowledge of laboratory procedures, hazards  and  safe practices.  Knowledge of basic principles of lab practice, CLIA regulation and certification.  Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Able to provide laboratory training and in-service to region staff.  Ability to function as a team member. Working knowledge of computer applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, etc.

Must have current SC driver's license and may be required to use personal vehicle for work.  Must be able to use a microscope and other lab equipment.  Must have good vision including color vision to interpret lab tests and observe testing. Must be mobile and able to stand for extended periods of times. Must be able to bend, stoop and lift a minimum of 30 pounds.   May require overnight travel. 

Must be able to respond in emergency/disaster situations per state/agency/program guidelines.  This position involves work with Personally Identifiable Health Information (PHI) and requires employee to maintain up to date HIPAA training certifications at all times.

Preferred Qualifications

N/A

Additional Comments

Immunization: All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Pertussis, Varicella, and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment. 

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, DPH employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster. 
 
College Transcripts: Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Driving Record: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year

• 15 days sick leave per year

• 13 paid holidays

• Paid Parental Leave

• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

• REMOTE WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after six (6) months of employment for approved positions.

SC DPH is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employing agency. We are committed to a diverse workforce. SC DPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.