PreTrial Services Agency Competencies

Chemist-Toxicologist

Chemist-Toxicologist

2

Technical Competencies

Knowledge of Lab Safety Procedures

Results Oriented Competencies

Initiative

Professionalism Competencies

Adaptability

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal Competencies

Teamwork

Customer Service Orientation

Conscientiousness

Planning and Organizing

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Communication

PSA Organizational Knowledge

Use and Maintenance of Lab Equipment

Knowledge of Screening and Confirmation Analysis  Procedures

Technical Knowledge of Principles of Chemistry,   Toxicology, Forensic Science, Pharmacology, and   Laboratory Science and Instrumentation

Expert Witness Testimony

Knowledge of Confidentiality Rules and Regulations

Computer Proficiency

Knowledge of Lab Safety Procedures

Demonstrates an understanding of safety procedures for use of lab testing equipment (e.g. fume hood use, safety glasses, hygiene, etc.).

Understands properties, proper applications, safety protocols, and Universal Safety Precautions (e.g., HAZMAT procedures) for use and disposal of reagents and chemicals used in sample testing procedures.

Understands and follows guidelines for reporting safety incidents and deficiencies.

Use and Maintenance of Lab Equipment

Provides first level support in monitoring, error diagnosis, calibration, and management of laboratory equipment.  

Knows and applies quality assurance, maintenance, and record keeping standards for lab testing and equipment. 

Troubleshoots equipment problems, calling in service personnel when required, to improve performance.

Knowledge of Screening and Confirmation Analysis Procedures

Understands and properly applies Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Agency and Federal policies for conducting extractions and sample preparation of urine aliquots for screening and forensic analysis.

Identifies appropriate alternate strategies for sample extraction or screening when necessary.

Understands and applies professional and Agency procedures and Laboratory SOPs as well as other regulations for conducting forensic tests of samples, interpreting test results, and documenting chain of custody.

Maintains up-to-date technical knowledge of instrumental procedures.

Technical Knowledge of Principles of Chemistry, Toxicology, Forensic Science, Pharmacology, and Laboratory Science and Instrumentation

Demonstrates an understanding of principles of Chemistry, Toxicology, and Forensic Science required to properly conduct and interpret test results.

Recognizes differences in forensic and clinical chemistry testing approaches and can apply appropriate standards to a given situation.

Demonstrates an understanding of principles of Laboratory Science/Instrumentation associated with laboratory testing procedures.

Maintains up-to-date technical knowledge of instrumental procedures.

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in order to make professional judgments regarding test results and determine the likelihood of false positive or inconsistent results.

Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of the prevalence of specific illegal drug use including new synthetic drugs that may be found during testing procedures.

Expert Witness Testimony

Has knowledge of current practices and outcomes from expert witness testimony in forensic cases.

Demonstrates an understanding of the standards for presenting scientific evidence.

Applies detailed knowledge of judicial standards and requirements to provide expert witness testimony for PSA and CSOSA.

Simplifies explanations of complex testing and interpretative analyses into clear, understandable, and objective testimony based on scientific knowledge.

Presents technical information and results using a confident tone and demeanor and responds decisively when appropriate to questions regarding technical decisions and analyses.

Knowledge of Confidentiality Rules and Regulations

Displays an understanding of federal, state, district, and agency policies, regulations, and laws regarding the safekeeping and release of personally identifiable defendant information (PII). 

Understands and follows regulations regarding the types of PII that can be released, and to whom such information can and cannot be released. 

Understands and follows federal records management laws. 

Demonstrates knowledge of which release of information (ROI) forms need to be completed, how those forms are to be completed, and what information needs to be documented when releasing PII information to the public.

District of Columbia Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) Organizational Knowledge

Understands and is able to communicate the vision, mission, and strategy of the PSA and how one’s work aligns with and integrates with other PSA programs and services. 

Has an understanding of how and why the PSA was established, including District of Columbia Superior Court and US District Court bail laws (e.g., The Bail Reform Act).

Understands PSA’s various offices, programs, structure, and functions, and utilizes this knowledge to obtain information, or make suggestions, recommendations, or decisions. 

Computer Proficiency

Utilizes Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required to perform job duties such as writing reports and letters, creating and updating logs, or producing presentations when necessary.   

Performs basic computer operations (e.g., accessing drives).

Maintains a knowledge of, accesses and uses relevant systems needed to perform job duties (e.g., PRISM, Courtview, JACCS, SMART, PACER, e-Agent, WALES, outside agency websites, NCIC, RMS, JUSTIS, G4S, OMNIlink, Accucare; DTMS, Track-it).   

Interpersonal Skills

Fosters strong relationships; builds rapport well with people from many different demographic backgrounds (e.g., educational, socioeconomic, racial, etc.) and individuals who have varying personal histories and personalities. 

Shows sensitivity to others’ needs, opinions, background, circumstances, and concerns

Maintains appropriate objectivity in situations and remains neutral regardless of the circumstances

Recognizes and acknowledges potential underlying causes of difficult/challenging behavior

Resolves conflicts or disagreements in a constructive and positive way.

Demonstrates an appreciation for differences in perspectives and opinions.

Teamwork

Develops and maintains positive and professional working relationships with coworkers. 

Collaborates, supports, and cooperates with others to accomplish Unit and Agency goals. 

Readily shares relevant information, knowledge, and ideas with team members when appropriate.   

Ensures others are kept informed when necessary and involves the appropriate individuals in key decisions when needed.   

Follows through with commitments to the team and can be relied upon to complete own responsibilities

Customer Service Orientation

Is helpful and responsive to relevant internal (e.g., individuals who call the office, other Agency staff) and/or external (e.g., outside agency personnel, defendants) customers or stakeholders.

Solicits and/or incorporates internal and external customer feedback if appropriate. 

Applies judgment within established guidelines to resolve customer-related problems.

Treats customers courteously and attempts to respond to their needs in a timely manner.  

Initiative

Takes appropriate levels of independent action to identify opportunities, solve problems, and/or complete work.  

Provides feedback on procedures and offers suggestions and ideas for change. 

Seeks assistance when encountering difficult situations and asks for help at appropriate times.

Shows perseverance in achieving objectives; stays focused and persistent and remains committed to objectives despite obstacles.

Maintains a positive outlook and stays motivated when dealing with difficult individuals/situations or when things do not go as planned or recommended.

Conscientiousness

Makes and honors commitments; follows through consistently.

Attends to important details.

Stays on top of activities to ensure appropriate and timely follow through.

Produces work that meets Unit objectives, Agency standards, and/or customer expectations.

Follows policies, procedures, guidelines, rules and regulations, including Management Instructions or directives and safety procedures and protocols.

Recognizes situations that may require flexibility or a modification of an existing procedure, and seeks approval for changes at the appropriate times. 

Planning and Organizing

Collects, organizes, and manages records or files efficiently, completely, and promptly. 

Effectively and efficiently utilizes the time available within the standard workday to organize, prioritize and accomplish day-to-day job duties.

Prioritizes work appropriately according to task urgency and importance and reprioritizes tasks as necessary. 

Balances multiple priorities and assignments simultaneously.  

Ensures individual activities receive appropriate attention to quality/timeliness when completing multiple tasks at the same time.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Exercises sound judgment across situations, integrating information and assessing relevant input and data to respond to questions and make appropriate decisions based on available information. 

Considers potential consequences of a course of action prior to making a decision.  

Seeks input or approval from others when necessary. 

Collects relevant data, asks probing questions, and secures additional information in order to understand a problem or situation. 

Generates viable solutions to problems. 

Adaptability

Continually develops relevant Agency and/or professional knowledge and skill.  

Listens to and learns from constructive feedback from others.  

Demonstrates openness and willingness to applying new ways of doing things to enhance productivity.  

Adapts approach and/or demeanor to varying work situations and individuals.

Shows a calm and composed demeanor in stressful, challenging, threatening, or difficult situations. 

Keeps situations and relationships professional and objective. 

Separates self from the work and/or others’ challenging behavior (e.g., objections, defensiveness, arguments, insults) to help manage stress and pressure.

Deals constructively with demanding schedules, workloads, and pressures.

Communication

Speaks clearly and concisely conveying information effectively in both group and one-on-one situations.  

Adjusts communication style and approach as necessary based on the audience’s non-verbal cues, level of expertise, understanding, or perspective. 

Simplifies complex information so that others clearly understand key messages.  

Listens openly, attentively, and patiently.  

Applies appropriate communication strategies with each individual and situation to motivate commitment or influence outcomes when needed.

Writes clearly and concisely.  Written communications utilize correct grammar, sentence structure and spelling, and are generally free of errors.  

Adjusts writing style based on the type of document being produced or the audience receiving information.   

Accurately interprets written information and understands words, language, acronyms and/or terminology associated with internal and external Agencies with whom he/she interacts (e.g., mental health, substance abuse, criminal justice, court system, social services, presentence investigations, Parole and Probation, relevant community organizations). 

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