Website DC Government
Position Summary:
This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). The Supervisory Quality Assurance Specialist (Quality Assurance Officer) will be directly accountable to the Chief of Staff for the administration and oversight of the Department of Forensic Sciences Quality Assurance Program, as well as the Chief Science Officer for quality issues in the Forensic Sciences Laboratory and the Public Health Lab Director for quality issues within the Public Health Laboratory. The incumbent is responsible for quality related functions of the agency by addressing and maintaining accreditation needs, quality assurance and certification aligned with the service delivery models of the Forensic Sciences Laboratory (FSL), Crime Scene Sciences (CSS) and Public Health Laboratory (PHL) Divisions.
Key Responsibilities:
The Quality Assurance Officer provides leadership and oversight of the Department’s Quality Assurance Program by monitoring continuing compliance with Agency and Divisional policies, accreditation and certification standards, and any supplemental requirements. The incumbent establishes and maintains uniform policies and procedures and systems for records management. Assists with establishing measurable program standards for evaluating program performance, aligning resources, and achieving accreditation from relevant accreditation bodies. Further, routinely monitors quality assurance activities to achieve agency goals and objectives.
Additionally, the incumbent oversees and/or coordinates the proficiency testing program to ensure timely ordering and distribution of proficiency tests and testing results from test providers as well as submission of testing records to the appropriate accreditation bodies throughout the year. Oversees and/or coordinates the maintenance of management system documents (i.e., proficiency testing records, audit records, management review records, etc.). Oversees and/or coordinates internal audits and management reviews, provides oversight to internal/external quality assurance reviews and audits, and address findings and root cause with appropriate recommendations, corrective and preventative actions. Develops and designs quality systems and processes to meet organizational objectives and plan for continuous improvement.
Required Education & Experience:
One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lowest grade level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, including but not limited to: Analyzing quality data to detect unsatisfactory trends or weaknesses in the quality/inspection system. Verifying by test or inspection, using sampling inspection or intensive product inspection techniques, that products comply with requirements prior to acceptance. Identifying inadequacies and requesting corrective action. Investigating customer complaints and deficiency reports and providing identification of causes to appropriate authorities. Experience as a certified ISO 17025 assessor highly desired.
Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in biology, chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, applied science, chemical engineering, forensic science, or closely related field preferred.