Clinical Laboratory Scientist III/Medical Technologist III

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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Job Description:

Medical Technologist III
Under limited supervision of the Hemoglobinopathy Screening Supervisor uses considerable knowledge to independently perform highly complex Hemoglobinopathy Isoelectric Focusing (IEF) and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis on high volume neonatal screening and Texas Health Steps specimens or other specimen sources. Serves as an authority on test procedures in the Hemoglobinopathy Screening laboratory. Utilizes considerable working knowledge of all procedures to participate in maintaining analytic accuracy. Responsible for independently performing specimen preparation and analysis, quality control and assay acceptability, data and work list evaluation, result entry, release of final results, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, and training of personnel. Responsible for making significant decisions on the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens. Independently determines and releases complex results based on Standard Operating Protocols (SOP). Actively participates in the safety program. Duties are independently performed with considerable latitude, adherence to standard protocol and with use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment. Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary, all staff members will be required to work on some Saturdays as part of a rotating schedule. Shift differential pay may be applicable.

Essential Job Functions:

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

EJF 1.   Prepares dried blood spot samples by eluting with an elution solution. Accurately and efficiently samples blood specimens onto an agarose gel using both multichannel and single channel pipettes. Run, monitor, and troubleshoots sampled gels on IEF chambers. Processes gels by applying appropriate reagents to fix and stain specimens onto sampled gels. Reads and performs highly complex IEF interpretation on specimens. Performs routine and specialized preventative maintenance for IEF analytical equipment. Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting, makes routine adjustments as indicated. (20%)

EJF 2. Prepares dried blood spots with deionized water. Prepares primers and controls with deionized water using a single channel pipette. Uses software to create a worklist and result file for HPLC results. Accurately interprets and performs highly complex HPLC analysis on specimens. Performs routine and specialized preventative maintenance for analytical equipment. Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting, makes routine adjustments as indicated. (25%)

EJF 3.  Performs high volume sampling (punching) of filter paper specimens for all newborn screening specimens. Uses technical knowledge to determine specimen acceptability. Performs routine and specialized preventive maintenance of highly complex punching equipment.  Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting, makes routine adjustments as indicated and completes required documentation (20%)

EJF 4.  Evaluates and interprets highly complex data and assigns final results. Reviews and releases final results using the laboratory information management system. Uses Newborn Screening and Clinical Chemistry laboratory information computer systems.  Completes all documentation with required information.  (20%)

EJF 5.  Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction, reassignment of duties, and teamwork with supervisors, co-workers, and internal and external customers. Recognizes delays in completion of specimen testing, result reporting, and other essential functions and notifies the supervisor immediately. Identifies problems with atypical test results recommending solutions and consulting with upper-level personnel. Conducts training and tours.  Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. 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. (10%)

EJF 6.  Actively participates in quality control review, proficiency testing, equipment performance documentation, specimen workload tallies and supply inventory to ensure consistently acceptable quality assurance and test performance. Completes all documentation with required information. (5%)

Registration, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of general laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, IEF and HPLC 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 use and troubleshoot 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 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 team timeframes.
• Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.
• Ability to maintain 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.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.

Intial Screening Criteria:

Education:

Personnel performing high complexity testing must have a minimum of one ofthe 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 2); 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: 2: 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.

Experience:

Preferred but not required: clinical laboratory testing including procedures in newborn screening or clinical chemistry or high-volume workload or complex analysis or complex laboratory instrumentation.

A rotating Saturday shift is required.

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