Med/Clinical Specialist Spv
Pay Grade: L
PLEASE DO NOT APPLY ON THIS SITE. YOU MUST APPLY AT https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/georgiadph
Who We Are. We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in communities throughout the state. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters.
What We Offer. As a member of the DPH team, you will join a group of passionate individuals dedicated to serving Georgians. Regardless of your role, you will contribute to protecting lives while enjoying a wide range of benefits.
- Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play.
- Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and the people of Georgia.
- Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team – Collaborate with employees who share ideas and leverage collective strengths.
- Achieve Career Longevity – Take advantage of opportunities for learning and development that support a long-term career.
- Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Work in a unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role.
- Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like yourself.
The Division of Microbiology at the Georgia Public Health Laboratory (GPHL) is responsible for detecting, identifying, and reporting communicable diseases in the State of Georgia. The Division is also responsible for maintaining expertise and capability in a wide variety of public health microbiology specialties, including Bacteriology and Antimicrobial Resistance.
The GPHL is seeking an experienced laboratory professional with a strong clinical background to oversee the Bacteriology unit in the Microbiology Department. The incumbent will serve as the Associate Manager for Bacteriology and ARLN testing, supporting programmatic activities such as PulseNet, Advanced Molecular Detection, Antimicrobial Resistance, and the Emerging Infections Program. The unit provides testing on clinical specimens supporting outbreak investigations and surveillance activities across the State of Georgia, as well as testing to support the hospital-acquired infections-antimicrobial resistance program (ARLN). This mid-level manager position reports directly to the Deputy Director of Bacteriology, Parasitology, and Mycobacteriology.
As the supervisor of this unit, the incumbent will be responsible for the oversight of direct reports and managing day-to-day operational activities that include all aspects of specimen receipt, processing, and testing. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of reporting and approving results. This person will also ensure that there is adequate inventory to perform all tests and will work with the Deputy Director to ensure the most current test methods and instrumentation are being used.
The candidate will collaborate with both internal and external partners, including laboratory colleagues in various departments, the quality assurance team, epidemiologists, medical professionals, and professionals at the CDC. To be considered for this position, the individual must meet the qualifications of a general supervisor for the specialty microbiology and subspeciality mycobacteriology under CLIA.
Essential job duties (Not all-inclusive):
Administrative
- Create lab work and cleaning rotation schedules, approve leave, and hire staff.
- Conduct performance evaluations.
- Make decisions regarding promotions and disciplinary actions in consultation with the Deputy Director.
- Provide workforce/professional development opportunities for the staff.
- Provide coaching and mentoring, staff recognition, and cross-training opportunities.
- Ensure that competency assessment, proficiency testing, and preventive maintenance paperwork are updated and organized.
- Attend meetings as assigned.
- Communicate with the Deputy Director regularly as lab needs arise.
Laboratory Operations
- Oversee all daily operations of the Bacteriology/ARLN units.
- Oversees laboratory supply and stock reagent inventory and ordering.
- Oversees the quality control and quality assurance activities for the unit.
- Ensures adherence to biosafety protocols.
- Assists with grants and contracts as assigned by the Department Deputy Director.
Associate degree in a related science area from an accredited college or university, certification as a Medical Technologist, MT (ASCP), and four (4) years of job-related science experience; or two (2) years of experience at the lower level Medical/Clinical Specialist 3 (LSP012) or equivalent position.
Preferred qualifications and competencies:
These preferred experiences, competencies, and abilities are highly desirable for this position and will be considered when selecting a successful candidate.
- Must meet Federal CLIA ’88 personnel requirements for a General Supervisor in a high-complexity laboratory. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/section-493.1461 ;
- Understanding of bacteriology and molecular biology techniques.
- Knowledge of CLIA regulations.
- Effective organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to think critically and strategically.
- The ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with federal, state, and regional partners.
- The ability to work in a fast-paced team environment, remain positive and poised under pressure, and handle sensitive situations diplomatically and professionally.
- Exhibits professionalism, honesty, and integrity, and can maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to build and maintain good working relationships with multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Ability to foster an environment of inclusion where all employees are treated respectfully and are valued for their strengths.
The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.
The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.
Employment Information
State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.
DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.
The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.
Relocation assistance is not provided.
In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.
ADA Statement
DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov.
DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview. DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.
This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.
BENEFITS
Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance.
Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees
Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.