Medical Laboratory Assistant III

Jackson County•538 Scotts Creek Road -- Sylva, NC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The position primarily provides laboratory services for all clinics, outreach program, and the environmental health services of the Jackson County Department of Public Health. Grade 15.

Requirements

High school graduation or General Education Development (GED) diploma
One year of laboratory experience
Knowledge of techniques, principles, and instrumentation used in public health laboratory medicine
Knowledge of applicable laboratory instrumentation and equipment
Knowledge of test procedures performed in the laboratory
Knowledge of specimen processing
Skill in use of laboratory equipment
Skill in the performance of laboratory procedures
Ability to make accurate observations
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance and quality control practices
General knowledge of common health and safety precautions in working in a local health department
Ability to use sound judgment and empathy in dealing with patients
Ability to provide confidentiality and observation of HIPAA laws and regulations
Possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology preferred
ASCP certification preferred
Phlebotomist preferred

Responsibilities

Follows Standard Precautions at all times when collecting specimens, testing, and/or processing specimens.
Microbiology testing: Inoculating of urine cultures
Performs sterility checks and QC on each media shipment and records on microbiology log sheet
Performs wet mounts of vaginal secretions for indications of infections; i.e. WBC, yeast, trichomonas, bacteria, and “clue cells”
Performs direct smears: gram stains for detection of Neisseria gonorrhea and non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), other bacteria, and yeast
Performs rapid methods: strep throat screens
Reconstitutes and inoculates media for use in testing procedures for cultures
Performs Oxidase testing for further identification and confirmation
Hematology testing: Performs CBC (complete Blood Count) on Micro 60-DMlite Analyzer. Reports out (9) parameters (RBC, HCT, MCV, HGB, WBC, MCH, MCHC, Platelet, and 3 Part Diff)
Performs HemoCue 201 testing (hemoglobin semi-automated analyzer) for WIC, Family Planning, Adult Health Clinics (if indicated), Maternal Health, and General Clinics
Chemistry testing: Performs Glucose screens
Performs Glucose Tolerance Testing on HemoCue Glucose 201 Analyzer
Performs Glucose and Cholesterol testing on Cholestech LDX Analyzer
Performs Microalbumin testing on Clinitek Status Analyzer
Performs Hemoglobin A1C on DCA 2000 or Afinion
Urinalysis testing: Performs dipstick (chemical) analysis on Clinitek Status Analyzer/ Clinitek 50 (back-up)
Performs Urine Pregnancy testing
Provides detailed instructions to patients for obtaining a clean catch mid-stream urine sample.
Observes strict chain-of-custody proves for drug screen for Perinatal, Prenatal, and urine drug screen collection for area businesses, Department of Social Services, and Jackson County Employees
Miscellaneous Testing: Performs qualitative method detection of HCG in serum pregnancy test
Performs Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate testing for detection of inflammation as with arthritis, lupus, etc.
Performs Hemoccult testing for detection of blood in stool samples
Performs examination and identification of louse
Performs Rapid Influenza A & B testing
Collects specimen for Paternity/DNA analysis
Collects Breath Alcohol Testing for contracted agencies
Performs GeneXpert SARS COVID-19 testing (CEPHEID)
Water Analysis: Performs water testing for coliform (total and fecal) bacteria
Processes water for Nitrate testing to be transported to Environmental Inc in Sylva, North Carolina
Performs required quality controls on reagents and media as indicated by Public Water Supply Section
Records and mails water results to clients
Calls and mails positive water sample results as indicated in the laboratory water manual
Performs Water Proficiency Testing as indicated
Instructs clients on proper collection of water samples for bacteria analysis, nitrate, and nitrite testing
Enters water results into EPA’s Compliance Monitoring Data Portal (CMDP)
Assists laboratory supervisor on preparing the annual water letters to be mailed to clients
Performs routine phlebotomy services according to policies, procedures, and regulations; on and off-site for a variety of tests.
Prepares and processes specimens to reference (public and private) laboratories in accordance with laboratory protocols and reference manuals
Performs fingersticks; on and off site
Performs start up and shut down of analyzers according to laboratory procedures
Verifies that laboratory requisitions/ orders are complete and accurate
Documents all results on in-house logs and enters results into patient’s record in Patagonia (Electronic Health Record)
Answers general questions from patients or staff regarding laboratory procedures, patient preparation, policies, and protocols
Greets patients timely and courteously
Routes patients to other areas of clinic and/or waiting areas
Assists in performance of complex procedures and analysis
Performs routine and standardized tests
Performs Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and calibration as required by clinical and environmental test procedures
Performs a variety of clinical tests
Performs a variety of environmental tests
Distributes results to appropriate provider, clinic/ department
Faxes and promptly calls all abnormal/ panic results to ordering physician/provider
Complies and attests to HIPAA regulations
Complies with and follows Universal Standard Precautions
Decontaminates work surfaces and/or equipment as specified in Blood Borne Pathogen policy manual
Disposes of hazardous waste using Universal Standard Precautions
Stocks and rotate stock as needed in laboratory and phlebotomy areas
Places Jackson County Department of Public Health address labels on State Lab specimen cans
Provides Medical Laboratory Technologist I with supply orders
Performs and reviews Proficiency Testing
Prepares daily totals for labs, water testing, and patients seen for monthly WTU report
Records temperatures as required
Maintains laboratory supply inventory
Performs preventative maintenance on all equipment as needed
Attends workshops, updates, and/or educational sessions that are deemed pertinent
Provides assistance for required laboratory experience to Phlebotomy /MLT students
Sends monthly invoices to water clients as indicated
Reviews completed patient results before assigning to ordering clinicians
Performs other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Supervisor
Participating in Public Health Preparedness activities as directed by agency management; this employee will be expected to work as needed during public health emergencies, which may result in extended hours and long work shifts
Other duties as assigned by supervisor, Health Director, or Deputy Health Director