Technical Specialist PT LAP

Brief Description

The Technical Specialist, PT LAP is responsible for:

• Maintaining technical program content and departmental projects to meet CAP Accreditation Programs needs.
• Communicating and consulting with a broad constituency, both internally and externally.
• Providing technical and consultative services to internal and external customers related to proficiency testing requirements of CAP’s Accreditation Programs.
• Managing and maintaining alternative proficiency testing providers.
• Working independently using good decision-making skills on a daily basis.

Specific Duties And Responsibilities

Primary Duties And Responsibilities Include:

• Interpreting and directing pathologists, laboratory directors, healthcare personnel, and manufacturers on proficiency testing requirements and other related accreditation requirements for all testing.
• Analyzing proficiency testing exception responses and documents from laboratories for adequacy and determining further actions.
• Proactively communicating with laboratory personnel to prevent recurrent failures.
• Working with assigned member of Continuous Compliance Committee (CCC) on cease testing directives.
• Ensuring laboratories thoroughly investigate the cause of cease testing and complete required actions to resume testing.
• Preparing documentation to present to the CCC member to determine if laboratories can resume testing.
• Coordinating all activities related to non-routine inspections for cease testing directives for critical regulated analytes when laboratories opt for this option.
• Presenting laboratories to the Accreditation Committee (AC) that meet referral criteria for cease testing directives.
• Providing technical expertise to the CCC and other LAP staff on issues related to proficiency testing requirements and other regulations related to PT compliance.
• Safeguarding accredited laboratory activity menus to align with the laboratory’s required proficiency testing enrollment.
• Supporting the CCC including meeting minutes, special requests, educational and presentation materials, and applying sanctions to laboratories with repeat unsuccessful performance in proficiency testing.
• Aiding or facilitating reviews of CAP-accepted PT providers, including initial applications, annual renewal materials, audit materials, ongoing monitoring of compliance with criteria, and troubleshooting customer issues.
• Providing technical assistance to PT Operations staff.
• Offering 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.
• Developing and maintaining tools for use by laboratories in investigating PT failures, including evaluating alternative assessments.
• Developing and maintaining training materials and procedures for PT Monitoring area.
• Participating on cross-divisional teams as assigned.
• Collaborating with PT Monitoring staff to identify and implement process improvement initiatives and projects.
• Supporting system upgrades through user testing activities and assessments.
• Maintaining technical expertise and knowledge by attending local committee meetings, conferences, and other continuing educational events.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge / Skills Required/ Preferred

• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Good decision-making skills.
• Good customer service skills.
• Positive attitude and team player.
• Critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.
• Basic knowledge of PT and regulatory requirements related to the CAP Accreditation Programs.
• Operational and technical understanding of PT products (for CAP and CAP accepted programs).
• Statistical experience is desirable.

Education / Experience

• Baccalaureate degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a multifaceted laboratory, quality assurance, or regulatory healthcare environment.
• Experience with proficiency testing requirements and regulations preferred.
• MT/MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification required.

Additional Information

• Candidates must reside within 75-miles of the Northfield, IL office and meet in-office requirements.
• Equal Opportunity Employer.