Senior Program Officer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

*Hybrid*

Performs work corresponding to the activities within the Quality Assurance and Improvement Office, Radiation Control, and the Laboratory Licensure and Certification Office. Assists or determines the issuing of licenses to laboratories (Medical Marijuana, Environmental, Clinical), maintaining current licenses (EPA, CLIA, ISO/IEC) for ASPHL by ensuring the minimum standards of proficiency, methodology, quality assurance, operation and safety, and ensuring compliance with ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Conducts initial and annual inspections of laboratories, ionizing and non ionizing facilities to determine compliance with the Statutes or Rules. Review of quality systems by tracking documents, corrective actions, and other quality data. Conducts investigations of the operation of a licensed laboratory upon receiving a complaint or of an unlicensed laboratory performing compliance testing.
This position is required to perform work at/attend meetings at alternate locations and/or travel (in and out of state) when necessary, possibly requiring a state, personal or rented vehicle.
Corresponds with the regulated lab community or with regulatory bodies, responds to technical questions from the laboratories, development of standards, rule making and laboratory inspections. Perform, assist or review detailed investigative or inspection reports, statements of deficiencies, and correspondence regarding changes in the status of a laboratory's certification, or other types of legal orders.
Is recognized as an expert in own area within the organization. Has specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in own discipline or function. Interprets issues and recommends solutions or best practices. Solves complex problems, taking a broader perspective to identify solutions. Acts as a resource to lower level colleagues. May lead functional teams or projects

Conduct inspections of laboratories to determine compliance with statutes, rules and internal procedures
Monitor and/or review quality systems assigned for specific discipline. Review of quality systems by tracking documents, corrective actions, and other quality data
Participate and/or lead staff, advisory committee, and/or laboratory organization (e.g. APHL, AOAC, etc.) meetings
Develop standard and ad hoc reports, templates, dashboards, and other performance-related metrics
Independently conduct investigations if significant issues are identified or complaints received
Set up and lead inspections
Schedule and oversee training for new employees and or Provide advice and guidance to lower-level worker
Requests and responds to feedback from clients on services
Other duties as assigned as related to the position

Knowledge of:
- Federal regulations and Arizona Revised Statutes related to, laboratory testing, general laboratory procedures, good understanding of laboratory management and operational concepts, specialized laboratory procedures, laboratory safety precautions emphasis when working with infectious agents and or hazardous materials.
- Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Lean methodologies.
Skill in:
- Review and reading of professional literature, requires high level of oral and written communication, analytical review, interpersonal relationships, active listening, organizational, evaluation, repetition, education/training
Ability to:
- Change priorities as issues arise, problem solving (root cause), work independently, perform reviews of laboratory testing, analyze analytical data, reporting, and evaluation of analyst qualifications providing compliance data.
- Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.

Minimum Bachelor's degree in laboratory science plus 5+ years experience appropriate/relevant in lab field or LCO I plus 2+ years inspection experience

Must have driver's license and ability to travel
State, Federal or National certification/ approval for appropriate field(s); must be obtained within 1 year of employment.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
10 paid holidays per year
Wellness program and plans
Life insurance
Short/long-term disability insurance
Defined retirement plan
Award winning Infant at Work program
Credit union membership
Transit subsidy
ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will contribute to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27-week wait period for contributions to begin.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing nicole.zawacki@azdhs.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.