This full-time career service position is responsible for oversight and quality improvement activities related to laboratory testing performed at Public Health Clinics and contracted clinical laboratory services throughout the Department. This position also conducts and interprets microbiological and serological tests for the diagnosis of communicable diseases in the Public Health Laboratory.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: 
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
 
We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
 
To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity 

• Develop and monitor laboratory quality assurance and quality control programs for the Department’s Public Health Clinics according to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements.
• Be familiar with CLIA requirements for “Waived” and “Moderate Complexity” laboratories and act as a consultant when questions arise concerning testing procedures, quality control, competency and other aspects of testing.
• Renew CLIA certification with the Washington State Medical Test Site office every other year. 
• Maintain the accuracy of CLIA credentials with the Washington State Medical Test site office, updating it as clinic or staffing changes occur.
• Assist in contract renewal procedures for preventative maintenance of microscopes, centrifuges, etc. 
• Maintain regular communication with the laboratory director and other administrative staff as needed.
• Write, review and update laboratory test procedures for any testing done by clinic staff. This includes an annual review for changes in test and test control package inserts, safety data sheets and technical bulletins which may affect the performance of the test.
• Distribute test procedures and other documentation when updated to the clinics by email.
• Add procedures or updates to the online test procedures found on SharePoint when new procedures are approved, or reviews are complete.
• Develop systems and write protocols for training staff to perform laboratory testing at the clinics.
• Assist in training staff in new test procedures when needed.
• Aid clinics in trouble-shooting any recurrent problems with tests being used.
• Perform annual testing competency review of Medical Assistants and other staff that perform laboratory tests in the Family Health, Family Planning, and Prevention clinical programs and review those competency records on an annual basis for standardization and quality. 
• Contact WIC sites, CSOs and other programs only doing waived testing annually via email or telephone to discuss competency training and other issues that may arise.
• Assist in training staff to collect blood by venipuncture or capillary sticks for adult and pediatric patients.
• Assist with lab coding (CPT and ICD) and billing issues around internal labs.
• Provide “continuing education” opportunities to testing staff including distribution of the state’s publication – Elaborations. 
• Renew and apply for subscriptions to Proficiency Testing/Biannual Verification Panels required by the clinics to maintain their CLIA certification on an annual basis.
• Make changes in the Proficiency Testing/Biannual Verification Panels ordered, shipping addresses and contact personnel as needed.
• Review proficiency testing and biannual verification results.
• Maintain a record of accuracy for each clinic and provide training and corrective action when Proficiency Testing/Biannual Verification errors are made.
• Ensure that clinics are prepared for and pass onsite inspections by the State of Washington Department of Health.
• Ensure that corrective action is taken if deficiencies are identified during inspections.
• Do onsite inspections of each clinic at least once a year and more frequently if required. These inspections should be considered a “Site Inspection” to determine the level of CLIA compliance and as a training opportunity for clinic staff.
• Provide information on quality control requirements for each test in use and corrective action procedures when needed.
• Assist clinics with ordering contracted laboratory services as needed.
• Assist in trouble-shooting problems with the contract laboratory when needed.
• Request semi-annual test utilization reports and pathology reports from the contract laboratory and disperse these reports to administrative staff when requested. 
• Assist in contract renewal procedures with the contract laboratory.
• Conduct and interpret microbiological and serological tests for the diagnosis of communicable diseases in the Public Health Laboratory.

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, medical technology, or chemical, physical, or biological science and 1 year of laboratory training/experience in a clinical laboratory OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to perform the work. 
• Knowledge of CLIA requirements.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance, quality control, proficiency testing, and training of testing personnel.
• Knowledge of relevant principles and bench-level practices of medical technology. 
• Knowledge of procedures, principles, and protocols for testing clinical specimens.
• Knowledge of ordering contracted laboratory services.
• Basic technical writing skills and oral communication skills.
• Skill in working effectively as a team member to coordinate accomplishment of specific tasks.
• Washington State Driver’s License or the ability to travel to work locations throughout King County with no public transportation in a timely fashion. 

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
 
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
 
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
 
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement 
 
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter. 
 
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:

• submit proof of vaccination or
• have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation.  Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

• An electronic application through www.kingcounty.gov/jobs or www.governmentjobs.com (use the "Apply" link) including work history and position duties.
• Responses to supplemental questions.

• The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring.
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
• Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities, work location, and working hours.

• The selected candidate will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation.
• The selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment physical exam.
• Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing required training on time.

The home base for this position is Harborview Medical Center located at 908 Jefferson St. Seattle, WA 98104