Mic I: Specimen Receiving and Pre-Analytical Processing

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

3d • $4,106 - $4,722 • Onsite

About The Position

This position works under the moderate supervision of the Newborn Screening (NBS) Specimen Receiving Group Manager, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The role involves receiving and processing specimens at the Public Health Laboratory Division (PHLD), reporting problems, and assisting the team leader in investigating causes for errors/discrepancies. The position also assists in training and mentoring other laboratory employees, provides customer service, and performs other duties as assigned, including Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Requirements

• Must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent from another state.
• Work hours other than 8 am – 5 pm, weekends, and holidays, as indicated by application.
• Transport ("travel") samples up to 5% of the time, as indicated by application.
• Associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in microbiological, chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution OR Experience in pre-analytical processing or accessioning of samples or specimens in a clinical, research, or environmental laboratory OR Experience in providing customer service OR Experience in training other staff or peers.
• Knowledge of microbiological and chemical principles, techniques, and terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.
• Skill in effective customer service techniques.
• Skill in prioritizing and/or delegating tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment associated with work area.
• Ability to use a computer.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff.
• Ability to work in harmony with other team members.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Ability to keep accurate, detailed records.
• Ability to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious material.
• Ability to handle specimens and samples quickly, accurately, and safely.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry 50 lb packages/boxes/coolers repeatedly throughout the day, assistance required for packages over 50 lbs.
• Ability to effectively train others.
• Ability to take initiative.
• Must provide transportation.
• Must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate type of vehicle if operating a personal or state motor vehicle.
• 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.
• Include a list of all Microbiology and Chemistry semester hour courses/credit hours on application.
• Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. must contact Laboratory Personnel Services (512-776-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies.
• When completing your application, complete all fields. Include job titles, dates, salary, supervisor name, and supervisor contact information. Include details about your job experience as it relates to the essential functions, knowledge/skills/abilities, and screening information provided on this Position Description.

Nice To Haves

• May participate in interviewing process with Group Manager.

Responsibilities

• Receives and processes specimens and samples received at the laboratory, including microbiological, clinical chemistry, and environmental specimens/samples.
• Sorts, determines pre-analytical acceptability, and assigns lab numbers for all specimens/samples suitable for DSHS laboratory testing.
• Ensures all requisition forms are properly completed.
• Checks and verifies accuracy of work performed by others.
• Completes specimen and form processing by deadlines set forth in Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Manuals.
• Assists with training employees, ensuring trainees are properly trained according to SOP and that all documentation is completed.
• Informs Team Lead/Group Manager of training progress and/or issues.
• Provides suggestions to improve work efficiency and quality.
• May participate in the interviewing process with the Group Manager.
• Performs assigned tasks including processing unsatisfactory specimens, abnormal specimens, and packaging/delivery of specimens.
• Uses various Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to enter test requests, search for patient demographic information, and track information for cataloging and auditing purposes.
• Completes and documents all required quality control (QC) steps, reports, and documents as defined in SOP for assigned check-in procedures.
• Reports workload problems, processing problems, and incorrect reports to the Team Lead or Group Manager.
• Assists Team Lead in investigating causes for errors, discrepancies, and computer system issues.
• Helps in the maintenance of equipment and instruments in the laboratory.
• Provides customer service, ensuring customer needs are met regarding specimen handling.
• Greets customers and records packages received by carriers, USPS, or hand deliveries.
• Provides information to providers and submitters according to SOPs.
• Assists Team Lead/Group Manager to solve logistical and technical problems.
• Lifts, pushes, pulls, and carries packages, boxes, and/or coolers up to 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout the day (assistance required for packages over 50 lbs.).
• Delivers or picks up packages, boxes, and/or coolers via state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including 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.

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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree