STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Laboratory Consultant (35 Hour)

Recruitment #220829-5609HC-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Laboratory ConsultantThis Laboratory Consultant position is assigned to the Healthcare Quality and Safety Branch, Facility Licensing and Investigations Section in Hartford. The work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 35 hours per week. There may be opportunities for an alternate work schedule and working remotely in accordance with State policies. 

This position is critical to protecting the health and safety of the residents of Connecticut who require services of medical laboratory which are licensed and federally certified by the DPH and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The Laboratory Consultant is responsible for conducting licensure surveys and CMS certification inspection to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations. Additionally, follow-up visits are required to ensure identified noncompliance is corrected. This Laboratory Consultant position is also responsible for investigating complaints in licensed and certified medical/research laboratories as well as blood collection facilities and monitoring visits in response to potential and/or identified emergencies including but not limited to quality of care/life concerns, environmental concerns, infectious disease and/or strike actions. 

The Mission of the Department of Public Health (DPH) is to protect and improve the health and safety of the people of Connecticut by assuring:

  • The conditions in which people can be healthy;
  • Preventing disease, injury, and disability; and 
  • Promoting the equal enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, which is a human right and a priority of the state.

DPH accomplishes this through the implementation of its Strategic Plan which outlines the actions that DPH is taking to accomplish its Mission.

We offer a competitive benefits package, excellent health care, generous leave policies, retirement plan, and more! We also encourage a healthy work-life balance to all employees!

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Please visit our 'Applicant Tips on How to Apply' page.

This position may be subject to Federal requirements for COVID-19 Vaccination Immunization.

To Apply:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
  • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
Connect With Us:
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
  • Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Joseph Fried via email at Joseph.Fried@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Laboratories this class is accountable for the inspection of clinical, environmental and hospital laboratories and other facilities under jurisdiction including evaluation of analytical methods and procedures and review of quality control data and analysis records.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs on site inspections of clinical, environmental, hospital, canine, research and veterinary laboratories, plasmapheresis centers and blood collection facilities; notes and recommends actions for correction of deficiencies found during on site inspections; evaluates cleanliness, lighting, ventilation and safety installations; evaluates quality assurance, quality assessment and quality control procedures and methodologies; evaluates adequacy and effectiveness of instrumentation and equipment; evaluates laboratories for safety and freedom from biological, chemical, physical and radiological hazards; evaluates skill and ability of technical staff in performance of tests and proper use of standards and controls; makes recommendations to approve or disapprove initial license, relicensing and/or termination of license; prepares performance evaluation samples for laboratories; reviews and analyzes proficiency results from environmental and medical laboratories; checks records and written procedures; reviews scientific methods and determines compliance; provides information and consultation to laboratory personnel and general public concerning a variety of issues such as license, quality assurance, regulations, etc.; investigates complaints concerning laboratories or other facilities; maintains knowledge of current laboratory methodologies and equipment; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of clinical chemistry, environmental chemistry, hematology, clinical microbiology, environmental microbiology, serology and laboratory quality control procedures; knowledge of immunohematology, cytology, histopathology and blood banking procedures; knowledge of laboratory analysis of drinking water, wastewater, solid waste and effluent discharge; interpersonal skills; oral and written communications skills; skill in calibration and use of laboratory instruments; ability to make accurate and objective observations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Eight (8) years' professional laboratory experience in clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, environmental chemistry, environmental microbiology, medical technology or a related area.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training in chemistry, medical technology, microbiology or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in chemistry, medical technology, microbiology or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with quality control and quality assurance in a medical or clinical laboratory environment
  • Experience with proficiency testing in a medical laboratory setting
  • Experience with documenting facts, findings and outcomes in a clinical and/or medical laboratory setting
  • Experience interpreting state and federal regulations
  • Experience with computerized data bases, MS Outlook and MS Word
  • Experience in infection control programs and biosafety standards

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.
2. Incumbents in this class inspecting environmental laboratories must successfully complete the U.S. Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Course (organic and inorganic chemistry, microbiology) and be certified as a State Certification Officer by the Regional Environmental Protection Agency office.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.