Description
The Branch Chief of the Laboratory Field Services (LFS) Branch provides leadership and oversight to ensure the effective regulation, licensing, certification, and monitoring of clinical and public health laboratories, laboratory personnel, blood and tissue facilities, and continuing education providers throughout California. This position supports the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) mission by ensuring laboratory testing is accurate, reliable, and safe, directly advancing public health goals statewide.
The Branch Chief works under the direction of the Director of the State Public Health Laboratory and the Deputy Director of the Center for Laboratory Sciences (CLS), collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to uphold state and federal laws, including the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
At CDPH, equity, diversity, and inclusion are core to advancing health and wellbeing for California’s diverse communities. We actively cultivate an inclusive culture where all employees grow and learn together. We welcome the unique perspectives and skills you bring to our team and the work we do.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental/physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military/veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, and direct all activities of the Laboratory Field Services (LFS) Branch, including licensing, inspections, enforcement actions, certification programs, and personnel oversight.
- Provide strategic guidance and planning to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, including the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
- Advise executive leadership on legislative and regulatory matters; prepare reports, analyses, Budget Change Proposals, and Fiscal Health Reports.
- Oversee research, documentation, and preparation of assessments, investigations, surveys, and program evaluations.
- Serve as primary liaison to the Clinical Laboratory Technical Advisory Committee and collaborate with agencies such as CalHHS, Governor’s Office, DCA, Legislature, and other stakeholders.
- Represent CDPH in hearings and provide testimony on statewide public health policy and laboratory standards.
- Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures for clinical laboratory licensing, certification, personnel qualifications, continuing education, and compliance for unlicensed activity.
- Consult with legal staff on enforcement issues and coordinate with CMS, health officers, physicians, and laboratory directors on public health and clinical laboratory matters.
- Facilitate presentations to clinical laboratory and medical groups on state law and regulatory requirements.
- Supervise and manage staff, including assignment of work, training, performance evaluation, and scheduling.
- Drive process improvement initiatives and use data analytics to monitor program performance and inform decision-making.
- Analyze complex situations accurately, exercise sound judgment, and take effective action under pressure while maintaining confidentiality.
- Ensure stakeholder engagement and clear communication with internal and external partners to advance CDPH’s mission and public health goals.
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex, multi-faceted programs.
- Expertise in laboratory regulatory frameworks and policy development, including CLIA.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to use data for program improvement.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills for diverse audiences, including legislative testimony.
- Ability to navigate government processes, budget development, and legislative analysis.
- Proven ability to manage staff and foster process improvement.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid schedule requiring four (4) days per week on site at the Richmond Campus after training.
- Occasional travel within California for hearings, inspections, and stakeholder meetings.
- Richmond Campus offers secure free parking and free EV charging stations.
