Medical Technologist III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Clinical Chemistry(CC) Branch Manager and in collaboration with the Medical Screening Unit Clinical Chemisitry Education Specialist III and Specimen Acquisition, performs specimen logistics activities. Extensive use of complex computer software applications, databases, and computer systems. Performs intermediate-level essential functions associated with the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and remote services. Performs LIMS validations. Performs routine and non-routine data extracts to identify submitters with unsatisfactory specimens to provide targeted education to submitters. Performs complex internal quality assurance on specimen acceptability for high volume clinical laboratory tests to increase validity and accuracy of testing. Investigates specimens that do not meet the established turnaround times. Prepares and maintains proper laboratory quality assurance documentation. Prepares periodic QA reports. Performs extensive customer service duties and maintains frequent communication with external and internal customers. Collaborates with staff from other areas of the laboratory, as appropriate to resolve issues with specimen submissions. Confers with medical providers to obtain required and accurate demographic information on potential invalid specimens.  Performs result approval after consulting with the appropriate testing laboratory staff. Participates/assists with updating website information for Clinical Chemistry and ListServ notifications. Places banner messages on mailer reports. Assists with the development and/or update of standard operating procedures and educational materials such as but not limited to presentations, tutorials, and FAQs. May train personnel. Serves as backup to other specimen logistic staff, as appropriate. Advanced verbal and written communication are required. Complies with the DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal safety guidelines. Supports the creation of a laboratory-wide safety culture by serving as a liaison to the Safety Office to ensure a healthy and safe workplace. Duties are independently performed with adherence to standard protocol and with moderate latitude for the use of initiative, scientific knowledge and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of clinical chemistry testing procedures, quality assurance, regulatory requirements and specimen processing principles, techniques and terminology including continuous quality improvement processes.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Ability to understand/interpret laboratory results and regulations.
• Ability to detect and troubleshoot problems with specimen acceptance criteria and supplies.
• Skill in written and oral expression, and interpersonal interactions.
• Skill in use of business grammar, proofreading and editing for creation of education materials.
• Skill in collection and handling of protected health data and other confidential records.
• Skill in use of a computer, office equipment and software applications for word processing, spreadsheets, graphs, database analysis, and result reporting.
• Skill in the use and validation of the laboratory information management systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and productively both orally and in writing to internal and external customers.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to interact effectively and work in harmony with internal and external customers and maintain constructive relationships with co-workers and superiors by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• Ability to report findings in a comprehensive and thorough manner.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a structured, high volume, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to work multiple projects with rapidly changing deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, work independently and self-motivate to complete tasks within required timeframes.
• Ability to create and accurately follow standard operating procedures and protocols.
• Ability to keep accurate detailed records.
• Ability to make technical decisions and use mature judgment on pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical processes based on professional knowledge and experience.
• Have earned a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution, or
• Have earned an associate degree in a chemical, physical, biological science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution, or
• Experience and education may be substituted as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments.
• Use of personal computer operations and software applications (such as, but not limited to Microsoft applications and Laboratory Information Management Systems.)

Nice To Haves

• Pre-analytical (such as but not limited to phlebotomy, receiving, etc.)
• Clinical/Analytical Laboratory
• Post analytical
• Quality Assurance
• Customer Service

Responsibilities

• Performs essential functions associated with the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and remote services.
• Provides extensive customer service and maintains frequent and effective communication with internal and external customers, consistently exhibiting a professional, ethical, and positive attitude.
• Initiates, coordinates, and performs independent review of specimen acceptance criteria for clinical chemistry specimens flagged as potentially unsatisfactory.
• Participates/Assists with updating Clinical Chemistry website information for ListServ notifications.
• Collaborates with the Safety Office and serves as the Branch’s Safety Coordinator.
• Other duties may be assigned, including but not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Benefits

• DSHS offers 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
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees