LABORATORY AND QUALITY DIRECTOR (MEDICAL EXAMINERS OFFICE) ACTIVELY RECRUIT at Cook County

Chicago, Illinois, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

31 Dec, 25

Salary

0.0

Posted On

02 Oct, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Laboratory Operations, Quality Control, Data Management, Forensic Analyses, Quality Assurance, Accreditation Compliance, Expert Testimony, Bio-Hazard Safety, Chemical Safety, Team Leadership, Strategic Planning, Regulatory Standards, Document Management, Training Programs, Auditing, Laboratory Practices

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Cook County Offices Under The President Administrative Hearings Auditor Bureau of Administration Bureau of Economic Development Bureau of Finance Bureau of Human Resources Bureau of Technology Facilities Office of the President Job Summary Oversee all aspects of laboratory operations, including testing, quality control, equipment maintenance, and data management. Provides overall management and scientific direction for the bureau's/department's laboratory, ensuring accurate and timely toxicological, histological, and other forensic analyses to support death investigations. Directs the implementation and maintenance of comprehensive quality systems, forensic compliance, and document management, including quality and procedure manuals, training programs, and auditing, for both toxicology and histology laboratories. Develops, implements, and oversees quality assurance and control programs for the entire bureau/department, ensuring compliance with accreditation criteria from the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), International Organization of Standards (ISO), the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT). Manages laboratory staff and provides expert testimony in legal proceedings, while maintaining adherence to all relevant regulatory and accreditation standards. This position is At-Will and Actively Recruited. Minimum Qualifications • One (1) year of experience overseeing or performing non-waived laboratory testing and • Certification by a board approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Laboratory Directors of High Complexity Testing and Completion of 20 continuing education (CE) credit hours in laboratory practice is required. -OR- • Graduation from an accredited school of medicine with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and • Certification from the American Board of Pathology in anatomic or clinical pathology, or from the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology in anatomic or clinical pathology and current medical license is required. -OR- • Graduation from an accredited school of medicine with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and • One (1) year of experience overseeing or performing non-waived laboratory testing and • Completion of 20 continuing education (CE) credit hours in laboratory practice and current medical license is required. https://www.cookcountyil.gov/sites/default/files/service/drug-and-alcohol-policy.pdf Candidates who are contacted will be required to produce original required documents (e.g., current driver’s license, diploma, school transcript, certifications, etc.) listed on the Notice of Job Opportunity within five (5) days of being extended an offer, in writing, by the Bureau Chief of BHR (or designee). Candidates will be notified of how to submit required documents. *Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States territories and Canada, must be credentialed by the World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or a National Association of Credential Evaluation (NACES) member organization. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS • Knowledge of quality assurance programs related to laboratory accreditation with the College of American Pathologists, the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), ISO, and other applicable accreditations. Knowledge of operations, programs, policies, procedures, practices, applicable laws, rules, regulations, and standards related to accreditation. • Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and procedures applicable to laboratory practices. Ability to evaluate proper protocols for working with bio-hazardous fluids and tissues. Ability to construct and evaluate proper protocols regarding chemical and biological safety procedures to ensure a safe laboratory environment. • Knowledge of advanced and non-standard principles and practices for a specialized area of focus. Ability to provide advanced expertise to team members in highly complex areas. • Ability to provide expert insight, advice, and expertise to other professionals, management, and external contacts in an assigned functional area. Ability to communicate the strategic vision, foster team commitment, and establish buy-in to enhance performance. • Ability to set the overall direction and short- and long-term strategic goals for a job function, department, and/or unit. Ability to operate as a lead and advise team members, senior leaders, and external stakeholders using master-level knowledge. • Ability to establish plans and objectives within a discipline, make final decisions on administrative, employee, or operational matters, and effectively achieve objectives. • Ability to identify key business drivers and support programs, processes, tools, and/or designs for a job function. • Ability to foster team commitment and collaboration to enhance job function, department, and/or unit performance. Physical Requirements: Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work. Benefits Package Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage Basic Term Life Insurance Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program Employee Assistance Program Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/ The County has a hybrid work environment which allows employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options. *This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen and medical examination. Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County’s Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. For current County employees, such falsification may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and placement on the County’s Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. See Cook County Code of Ordinances, Article II, Sections 44-54 Unlawful Practices Relating to Employees and Employment - Penalty, 44-56 Political Discrimination; Cook County Employment Plan, Section V.N. Pre-Interview License and Certification Verification; Supplemental Policy No. 2014-2.13 Ineligible for Rehire List; and Cook County Personnel Rules 3.3(b) (7) (d) EEO Statement Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance as further defined in Chapter 44. Human Resources, Article II. Personnel Polices, Section 44-53 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 42. Human Relations, Article II. Human Rights, Section 42-35 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances. NOTE: As an internal candidate, should you be offered the position, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules. *Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Please contact BHR.WorkforceStrategy@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position Social Media Disclaimer The County’s hiring process is governed by the Cook County Employment Plan which prohibits employment actions from being influenced by any Political Reasons or Factors for Non-Exempt Positions. The advertisement of this position by any individual does not constitute an offer or promise of employment, promotion, or any other employment action and shall not influence the County’s hiring decision. Cook County officials and employees who become aware of or receive a complaint that involves an allegation of Political Reasons or Factors being considered in the hiring process of Non-Exempt positions are obligated to refer the complaint to the Cook County - Office of the Inspector General. If the Cook County Inspector General sustains allegations of Political Reasons or Factors being considered, Cook County will disqualify the Applicant or Candidate from consideration for employment and disciplinary action will be imposed on any involved Cook County employees, if applicable.

Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of laboratory operations, including testing, quality control, equipment maintenance, and data management. Direct the implementation and maintenance of comprehensive quality systems and forensic compliance for toxicology and histology laboratories.