Newborn Screening Assistant Section Chief (Senior Public Service Administrator, Opt.4)

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to perform the duties of the Senior Public Service Administrator over the newborn screen screening testing units in the Chicago Laboratory. This position plans, develops, organizes, and controls the newborn screening testing unit within the Chicago Laboratory. Ensures testing within the section maintains compliance with laboratory statutes and regulations. Serves as technical supervisor for high complexity testing, selects appropriate test methodologies, verifies performance of test procedures, establishes appropriate proficiency testing programs and oversees all quality assurance aspects of the lab. Participates in grant writing, identifying and tracking progress of grant milestones, and reporting of milestones to Federal and State funding agencies, creates and monitors laboratory budgets, and serves as working supervisor.

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas (when available and dependent upon position)
• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
• 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
• 12 paid sick days annually which carryover year to year
• 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro-rated dependent on start date)
• 13-14 paid holidays per year
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

*These are just a few of the many perks available to all State employees. For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Essential Functions

• Plans, develops, organizes, and coordinates newborn screening (NBS) operations and projects within the Chicago Laboratory.  
• Serves as full-line supervisor over newborn screening testing units.
• Serves as technical supervisor for high complexity testing involving newborn genetic disorders.
• Oversees the purchase and expenditures for budgetary control of the NBS units.
• Serves as the Section’s property control officer, maintain control over supplies and prepares budget proposals.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of those duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited academic institution.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible experience performing testing or managing a Newborn Screening laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Doctorate in chemical or biological science such as biochemistry, chemistry, biology, immunology or equivalent.
• Five (5) years of experience in a newborn screening laboratory.
• Four (4) years of experience in a public health laboratory or commercial/industrial laboratory.
• Extensive knowledge in newborn screening assays and techniques.
• Two (2) years of experience evaluating and implementing laboratory testing procedures. 
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a public health program.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience in a clinical laboratory.

Conditions of Employment

• Prior to extending an offer of employment, transcripts will be requested and evaluated to verify that awarded/conferred degree and coursework meet federal requirements as a high complexity technical supervisor under (42 CFR 493.1449).
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

*The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $1.8 Billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,400 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.