Laboratory Technician I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Brenham, TX

4d•$2,694 - $3,946•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician I works under the supervision of the Medical Director, with some independence and judgment, performing phlebotomy for individuals at the Brenham State Supported Living Center. Specimen collection takes place in the Health Center Lab or in residences, depending on circumstances. The technician prepares collected specimens for shipment to Austin and records them in the ASH database. The regular schedule is 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. The role is based at the Brenham State Supported Living Center and is not eligible for telework. The position supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may be medically fragile or have behavioral problems. Responsibilities also include preparing and documenting laboratory tests and specimens, coordinating test schedules and results, maintaining supplies, and performing EKGs when required. The technician may be required to work overtime, extended hours, weekends, holidays, or an alternate shift or location for disaster response or continuity-of-operations needs.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or GED.
Experience in phlebotomy.
Current phlebotomy certificate.
Organizational skills.
Knowledge of laboratory techniques, including specimen collection and preparation for transport.
Familiarity with special processing techniques to preserve specimens.
Must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and applicable registry checks.
Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexibility, overtime, and extended hours may be required.

Responsibilities

Attend work regularly, follow assigned shift schedules, and perform other duties as assigned; work rotating or extended shifts and overtime when required.
Draw blood from individuals as ordered by primary care providers or psychiatrists.
Prepare blood samples for transport to the Austin State Hospital Laboratory, including processing, separating serum, refrigerating, and pooling specimens as appropriate.
Prepare urine samples for transport and label all specimens.
Maintain an efficient, organized work environment and keep laboratory supplies stocked; order department supplies.
Record tests to be performed on specimens in the manual log and EHR.
Document each draw in the EHR (IRIS), including relevant details such as the collection site, vein, and notable information.
Review daily morning laboratory schedules and communicate issues to primary care providers and psychiatrists.
Log test orders and specimens sent to the Scott & White Hospital laboratory in Brenham, and obtain and distribute the results.
Schedule appropriate annual, semiannual, and other laboratory tests in accordance with standing or new orders.
Perform EKGs as required.
Participate in or support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation, which may require a different shift pattern or work location.