Laboratory Technician III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d • $3,908 - $4,494 • Onsite

About The Position

Works under limited supervision of a Microbiologist IV with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Checks in specimens and samples received at the laboratory. Verifies work of co-workers and ensures accuracy and integrity of daily reports and related data for specimens. Distributes specimens / samples and forms. Performs tasks on priority or critical specimens as assigned. May assist team leads on trouble shooting, new employee training and other required QA/QC procedures. Provides services to internal and external customers. Follows all QA/QC procedures and reports any errors and problems to team leads. Performs other duties as assigned including COOP activation.

Requirements

• Knowledge of microbiological and chemical principles and terminology.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Ability to handle specimens and samples quickly, accurately, and safely.
• Ability to self-direct in the absence of detailed instruction or supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the general public.
• Ability to solve technical problems.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team setting.
• Ability to enter data into a computer quickly and accurately.
• Ability to lift, push, pull and carry packages/boxes/coolers up to 50 lbs repeatedly throughout the day; for all packages over 50 lbs, assistance is required.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to train co-workers.
• Ability to make independent decisions based on policies and procedures.
• Skill in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.
• MUST be able to work weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to work hours other than 8am – 5pm.
• Employee must provide transportation.
• If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in the performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate type of vehicle.
• Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, applicants will have their driving records checked through the Department of Public Safety and applicants must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
• Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required: vaccine requirements are consistent with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and other national guidelines for employee groups based upon job duties and tasks.
• High Hepatitis risk.

Nice To Haves

• Prefer Microbiology and Chemistry semester hour coursework from a U.S. accredited college or university or a foreign degree/coursework determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator
• Experience working in a clinical, research or environmental laboratory is preferred
• Experience checking in, receiving or accessioning of samples is preferred
• Experience working with internal customers within the organization and external customers outside the organization

Responsibilities

• Checks in specimens and samples received at the laboratory including but not limited to microbiological, clinical chemistry, and environmental specimens/samples.
• Conducts pre-analytical evaluations for samples and specimens according to test request(s) and has the authority to reject specimens for not meeting specimen acceptability requirements.
• Sorts, determines acceptability and assigns lab numbers for all specimens / samples that are suitable for DSHS laboratory testing.
• Ensures that all requisition forms are properly completed.
• Checks and verifies accuracy of work performed by others.
• Assist in the preparation of samples/specimens for the testing lab.
• Distributes samples, specimens, and forms according to Standard Operating Procedural Manual (SOP).
• Performs assigned special tasks including but not limited to processing specimens for request repeats, unsatisfactory specimens, abnormal specimens and packaging and delivery.
• Assist team leader in investigating causes for errors, or discrepancies.
• Assists in training of new employees.
• Responsible for ensuring daily reports are completed for QC purposes.
• Uses various LIM system to enter test requests, patient demographic information and track information for cataloging and auditing purposes.
• Completes and documents all required quality control (QC) steps as defined in SOP for assigned check-in procedures.
• Submits specimens to CDC and other laboratories, preparing proper shipping packages meeting IATA rules and regulations and documents all steps.
• Checks shipping packages and documents prepared by coworkers; maintains certification.
• Maintains records.
• Provides customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ensures that laboratory request forms for specimens or samples received are properly completed.
• Contacts providers by phone to obtain missing information or give advanced notifications related to specimens submitting and results releasing.
• Greets customers and records packages received by carriers, USPS or hand deliveries.
• Provides information to providers and submitters in response to phone calls.
• Assists team leader to solve logistical and technical problems.
• Consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.
• Helps in maintenance of equipments and instruments in the laboratory.
• Responsible for reporting any errors and problems to team leads.
• Provides suggestions that may improve work efficiency and quality on customer services.
• Performs other duties assigned, including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
• Delivers / picks up boxes via state vehicle.

Benefits

• insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed