Manager V

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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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Functional Title: Manager V 
Job Title: Lab Mgr V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: NBS/Med Scrning QI/Test Supp 
Posting Number: 9519 
Closing Date: 03/24/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26 
Salary Range: $6,377.50 - $8,581.66 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0203,0207,0302,0520,0602,0802,1802,5502,6302,6502,7202,7208,7210,7220,111X,112X,113X,114X,16GX,41AX 
611X,612X,631X,632X,641X,648X,86M0,86P0,8U000,9G100,SEI15 
 
 

Brief Job Description: 

Works under the general direction of the Medical Screening Unit Director of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory.  Performs advanced (senior-level) managerial work administering the daily operations and activities, leading to the day-to-day operations of the Hemoglobinopathies and EIA Branch, which includes functions relating to laboratory testing of samples received throughout the state of Texas and beyond.  Responsibilities include providing direction and guidance for the planning, management, testing, and customer service activities of one of the specialized branches of the laboratory.  Work involves establishing goals and objectives; developing guidelines, procedures, and policies; developing schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established goals; and developing and evaluating budget requests and monitoring budget expenditures.  Facilitates continuous program and process improvement; coordinates testing activities with other Branches within the Unit and with other Units within the DSHS Laboratory. Supervises Branch personnel and the work produced by the Branch. Acts for the Unit Director when needed. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

EJF 1: Directs, reviews, and monitors testing, logistics, and quality assurance activities of the Branch. Directs the daily operations of the Branch and oversees critical testing services to screen infants for early detection of congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, cystic fibrosis, galactosemia, and hemoglobinopathies, and to maintain continuous processing of specimens at a rate of approximately 2,500 NBS specimens per day in a 6-day workweek testing schedule.  In addition to overseeing testing, oversee newborn screening sample prep (punching) and logistics and workflow of specimen acceptance criteria, ensuring turnaround times are met in accordance with the quality management system and standard operating procedures.  Reviews, monitors, and evaluates QA activities and documentation to ensure compliance with CLIA regulations and other standards and to identify, review, and improve areas needing improvement. Optimizes testing performance to ensure timely and accurate case detection to prevent intellectual and physical developmental delays, death, and other catastrophic medical consequences in infants born in Texas while avoiding an excessive false positive rate. (40%)

EJF 2: Directs personnel management in the Branch. Oversees Branch activities with the Branch staff. Assures that all areas of the branches work closely and maintain open communication in shared workspaces. Oversees that staff in the Branch are cross-trained where appropriate to be able to manage surge capacity. Oversees that staff consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Manages and develops staff. Ensure staff meet regulatory requirements and are trained on regulatory guidelines.  Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending outstanding performance of personnel, and personnel disciplinary actions, and scheduling and approving leave. (30%)

EJF 3: Oversees customer support in the Branch. Plans and implements techniques for customer service activities. Effectively communicates with laboratory leadership and staff at all levels in the laboratory. Consults with customers to determine their needs and resolve concerns. Supplies information, training, and relevant data as requested for internal and external customers. Conducts tours of the assigned laboratory Branch. Consults with medical and public health professionals regarding specimen criteria, test results, and their interpretation. Interacts with the appropriate consulting providers and internal resources to review and optimize the performance of assays. Trains Branch staff to be customer-oriented through their words and deeds. Investigates complaints and documents actions taken. Represents the assigned Branch at all meetings, conferences, seminars, and committees. Presents science-based data at local and national meetings. (15%)

EJF 4: Develops goals, oversees implementation, and manages resources. Prepares and manages purchasing, maintenance contracts, and the development of a Branch budget and Capital Equipment Procurement Plan.  Oversees purchases, delivery, and inventory for adequate supplies to meet testing needs and monitors budget expenditures. Provides Branch's personnel, expendable supplies and services, and equipment needs to the Unit Manager. Conducts strategic planning activities and 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. (15%)  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to operating a clinical testing lab.

Advanced knowledge of public health laboratory technology, techniques, and terminology.

Extensive knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles.

Knowledge of laboratory safety, including sample-handling techniques.

Considerable knowledge of the public health laboratory testing and the ability to apply this knowledge towards optimizing services for case detection.

Knowledge of statistics and their application to biological data; ability to review and make recommendations based on study data.

Ability to detect and troubleshoot analytical problems that could influence test results, such as problems with reagents, equipment, test calibration, and employee performance.  

Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.

Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet, and database analysis, and results reporting.

Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.

Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.

Ability to plan, assign, and supervise personnel and maintain work schedules for the completion of critical laboratory services on a high volume of specimens.

Ability to communicate technical instructions and to interact effectively with staff.

Ability to work in harmony with other team members.

Ability to lead co-workers by setting a positive work ethic example.

Ability to teach work area procedures to subordinates and guests.

Ability to conduct personnel interviews and evaluations.

Knowledge of human interaction dynamics and their use in building effective work teams. 

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to both internal and external customers.

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to keep accurate, detailed records.

Ability to interact with customers on a variety of concerns, including complaints.

Ability to establish goals and objectives for work teams and to monitor the progress of teams. 

Knowledge of budgetary and material management procedures.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience in the management of a clinical testing laboratory. Have an earned bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution with at least four years of laboratory experience in high complexity testing; or Have an earned master’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution with at least two years of laboratory experience in high complexity testing; or Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution with at least one year of laboratory experience in high complexity testing.

Additional Information:

Interviews are scheduled after screening. Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary; you may be required to work on Saturday as part of a rotating schedule.  Posted salary range may not be available at the highest range.

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