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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Brief Job Description:

Uses independent judgment and works under the general supervision of the South Texas Laboratory Clinical Lab Manager and under the technical guidance of the Chemistry and Hematology Team Leaders, coordinates specimen logistics for Chemistry, Immunochemistry, Hematology and Urinalysis testing to provide accurate and precise clinical laboratory data for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Tracks specimen progress using the Orchard Enterprise Lab (OEL) Laboratory Information System. Communicates with Chemistry and Hematology sections of the laboratory regarding follow up testing. Serves as the backup to Hematology and Urinalysis testing sections. Assists in maintaining accurate Quality Control Records and Preventative Equipment Maintenance. Monitors Quality Control on a daily basis and participates in Quality Assurance and Proficiency Testing for the Clinical Chemistry and Hematology sections. Reviews and interprets laboratory results, determines, and coordinates any additional work needed on the specimens such as dilutions or microscopic analysis and ensures that the specimens are processed appropriately. Processes blood specimens for in-house testing, including entering patient demographics and test orders. Maintains certification for infectious packaging and shipping of category B samples. Prepares Hepatitis B specimens for pre-employment immune status to the DSHS-Austin Laboratory for testing. Prepares and returns shipment of cold boxes and supplies to submitters using Fed-Ex. Organize daily workload and set priorities to routine work.  Maintain accurate records and evaluate problem situations and determine appropriate actions.  Recall details on specimens submitted.  Duties performed with moderate latitude to interpret standard protocol, and with considerable use of scientific knowledge, judgment, and experience. Adheres to universal precautions and uses personal protective equipment adequately in performing clinical and hematology laboratory testing.

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. (40%) Performs high volume medical diagnostic testing procedures on body fluids, including blood and urine to determine normal and abnormal laboratory values for diabetes, liver function and tuberculosis drug toxicity on blood and urine specimens received from Outpatient Clinic and TB Elimination Clinics. Performs and monitors testing using advance equipment such as the DXC700 and Immunochemistry analyzers without direct supervision. Check sample integrity (hemolysis, lipemia) and adequacy. Reviews and verifies clinical reports for validity, including specimen dilutions, before approving in LIS in a timely manner. Reports critical values to pertinent personnel in a timely manner. Orders, restock, and maintains reagent/supplies and checks expiration dates, to help ensure adequate quantity for completing lab workload minimizing emergency order of supplies.

EJF 2. (25%) Participates in aspects of Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Proficiency Testing, carryover studies, quarterly QA reports, updating and maintaining Safety Data Sheets and reagent Certificates of Analysis, Instrument Calibration/Preventative Maintenance in order to monitor, assess, and maintain the quality of lab results as needed to comply with CLIA and CAP accreditation standards. Sets up, cleans, calibrates, and maintains clinical chemistry and special chemistry laboratory equipment. Adheres to rules for performing and reviewing daily Quality Control (including Westgard rules), daily and weekly patient controls, and reagent lot to lot verifications. Assists in preparing and coordinating training, evaluation, and quality control programs by performing comparison studies, trainings, and using QC programs correctly. Participates and submits proficiency testing for the Clinical Section to adhere to CAP accreditation standards. Also participates in the preparation of CAP inspections. Maintains competency in Clinical Chemistry, Immunochemistry, Urinalysis, and Hematology.

EJF 3. (20%) Performs Hematology and Urinalysis diagnostic testing procedures using CBC analyzer and Urinalysis analyzer without direct supervision. Check sample integrity (hemolysis, clotting) and adequacy. Reviews and reports results calling criticals to pertinent personnel in a timely manner. Provides coverage as needed.  

EJF 4. (5%) Performs specimen processing in receiving specimens for clinical laboratory tests, entering patient demographics and test orders. Practices universal precautions and uses personal protective equipment for performing specimen processing for clinical specimens.  Maintains infectious packaging and shipping certification of category B samples to ship to DSHS-Austin Laboratory.  Provides coverage as needed.

EJF 5. (5%) Fills Supply Order Request (F14 Lab Supply Order Request) and shipping orders of laboratory supplies and prepared cold boxes to submitters using FedEx. Handles submitter inquiries dealing with cold boxes and containers. 

EJF 6. (5%) Other duties as assigned include 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.  Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Licensure, Certification or Registration: 

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license, or equivalent license from another state.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

Knowledge of current principles and techniques of medical clinical laboratory methods and procedures.

Knowledge of diversified fundamental scientific and medical technological concepts and practices. 

Skill in the use of specialized laboratory equipment.

Skill in performance of complex chemistry, hematology, urinalysis clinical laboratory tests. 

Experience performing quality control with corrective action documentation and record keeping.

Experience using Laboratory Information  Systems for result reporting and documentation.

Knowledge of equipment preventive maintenance function verification.

Knowledge performing proficiency testing.

Ability to report findings in a comprehensive manner and to detect errors on abnormal results.

Ability to communicate in both written and verbal communications.
 

Initial Screening Criteria:
1.    Minimum of 2 years’ work experience in Health Care Facility performing Clinical Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, Special Chemistry, and Urinalysis procedures: whole blood and urine samples. 
2.    Work experience with laboratory information systems, troubleshooting and documentation for laboratory accreditation and compliance.
3.    Experience with Daily and Preventive Maintenance for Clinical Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Urinalysis equipment as well as centrifuges and microscopes.
4.    Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology (Medical Laboratory Science) or Associate's Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology.
 

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