Clinical Labatory Scientist IV

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee 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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Brief Job Description:

Under minimal supervision of the Enzyme & Immunoassay (EIA) Screening Group Manager uses considerable knowledge to independently perform highly complex immunofluorometric testing including Immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and galactose 1-phospate uridyl transferace (Galt) analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens. Responsible for independently performing specimen preparation, quality control and assay acceptability, data and work list evaluation, result entry, release of final results, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment. Utilizes expert working knowledge of all procedures to independently determine, troubleshoot and release complex results ensuring that analytic accuracy is maintained. Serves as an authority and role model. Responsible for making significant decisions on the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens.  Actively participates in the safety program.  Participates in monitoring and documentation of quality assurance. Responsible for monitoring staff, training personnel, and providing customer service.  Duties are performed with significant latitude and with extensive use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment.

Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary, all staff members will be required to work on Saturday as part of a rotating schedule.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJF):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1.   Monitors Cystic Fibrosis (IRT), Congenital Hypothyroidism (T4 and TSH), Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), and Galactosemia analytical team activities.  Ensures workflow schedules are met.  Ensures that specimen testing, reporting, and other essential functions are completed without delay.  Notifying supervisor immediately and initiating corrective action when issues occur. Ensures specimens that require additional IRT, T4, TSH, CAH and Galt testing result revisions are completed in a timely manner and that appropriate documentation is completed. Actively participates in monitoring and documentation of quality control review, proficiency testing, equipment performance, specimen workload tallies and supply inventory to ensure consistently acceptable quality assurance and test performance. Compiles routine reports.  Participates in the update and development of Standard Operating Protocols (SOP) and training materials.  (30%)

EJF 2.    Evaluates and interprets highly complex data and assigns final results. Uses expert knowledge to investigate, interpret, assess, review and resolve problems with atypical results, consulting with supervisor as necessary. Reviews and releases final results using the laboratory information computer system. Cross-checks positive mailed report verifying abnormal reports are correct. Monitors that preparation of final report timelines are met including panic level fax reports to Clinical Care Coordination. (15%)

EJF 3.   Performs highly complex immunofluorometric IRT, T4, TSH, CAH and Galt analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens. Performs high volume sampling (punching) of filter paper specimens for all newborn screening tests and standards and controls for IRT, CAH, T4, TSH and Galt tests. Uses technical knowledge to determine specimen acceptability. Completes all documentation with required information.  Ensures all equipment preventive maintenance is completed per schedule.  Performs routine and specialized preventive maintenance of highly complex analytical equipment. Identifies problems, performs troubleshooting, adjusts as indicated, requests vendor support when needed and completes required documentation for both analytical and laboratory information system equipment. (30%)

EJF 4.   Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction, reassignment of duties, and teamwork with supervisors, co-workers, and internal and external customers. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.  Actively participates in monitoring and documentation of competency.  Participates in interviewing and selection of employees.  Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.  Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Performs other duties as assigned. (15%)

EJF 5.   Trains EIA staff on IRT, T4, TSH, CAH and Galt analytic assays, result interpretation and equipment maintenance. Assists with staff competencies.  Conducts training and tours for external customers and students. (10%)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, quality assurance, immunofluorometric principles, techniques, and terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff.
• Ability to work in harmony with other team members.
• Ability to work as part of a team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures that are performed in high volume.
• Ability to lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• 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 complete tasks without close supervision and use mature judgment in test interpretation.
• Ability to prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required section timeframes.
• Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.
• Ability to use, maintain and troubleshoot work area instruments and automated testing equipment.
• Ability to teach work area procedures to co-workers and guests.
• Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately.
• Ability to plan, assign, direct and monitor the work of others.
• Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.
• Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Education: Personnel performing high complexity testing must have a minimum of one of the following:

● Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; or

● Associate degree in a laboratory science (chemical or biological science) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution, or equivalent laboratory training and experience meeting the requirements defined in the CLIA regulation 42CFR493.1489 (see NOTE); or

● Meet other provisions defined in 42CFR493.1489(b)(2)(B)(4) or 42CFR493.1489(b)(2)(B)(5)(i) for personnel performing high complexity testing on or before April 24. 1995 (refer to the CLIA regulations for more details).

NOTE: For high complexity testing, equivalent laboratory training and experience includes the following:

● 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR 24 semester hours of science courses that include six semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination; AND

 ● Laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, NAACLS, or other organization approved by HHS (note that this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above), OR at least three months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing.

2. Experience in laboratory testing. Preferred experience in clinical testing (newborn screening, clinical chemistry or high-volume workload).
3. Experience with complex laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
4. Experience in training, mentoring, or coaching staff, preferred.
5. Supervisory experience, preferred

Additional Information:

Hepatitis Risk High. Required Hepatitis B and Tetanus/Diphtheria immunizations are provided. Must wear provided personal protective equipment (including, face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, safety glasses) as required by testing/safety procedures. Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary, all staff members will be required to work on Saturday and holidays as part of a rotating schedule.

Must be able to pass a functional color vision assessment in order to carry out essential job functions. The functional color vision assessment will be administered at the time of the interview.

Attach copy of college transcripts or equivalent. List on Application in Employment History for each job:

- percent time and experience with specific laboratory instrumentation, including computers and software utilized

- daily specimen workload

- experience with quality control.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.