Medical Technologist 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.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Brief Job Description:
Under the limited supervision of the Clinical Laboratory Manager, functions as Specimen Processor, Container Prep and Clinical Testing section floater with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Performs duties of the Clinical Team Leader in their absence such as Quality Assurance, Systems Analyst and oversees all aspects of the Limited Services Clinical Laboratory operations. Performs all aspects of computerization and operation of system. Coordinates and maintains the Orchard Enterprise Lab functions in compliance. Assist in providing competency training for all new and existing staff in clinical section.  Receives and processes clinical specimens for Outpatient Clinics, Health Departments and TB Elimination submitters. Receives and processes specimens for TB Elimination Program and processes their Lab Supply Order requests. Directs Container Prep activities. Prepares and returns shipment of cold boxes and lab supplies to submitters using FedEx.  Prepares and coordinates training, evaluation, and quality control program. Performs, interprets, and assists in testing in Hematology, Serology, Urinalysis, Chemistry, and Special Chemistry sections.  Certified in packaging and shipping of Category B specimens to forward specimens to DSHS-Austin Laboratory. Responsible for practicing all safety and emergency procedures and adheres to universal precautions and uses personal protective equipment adequately in performing clinical laboratory tests.    Practices all safety and emergency procedures.  Adheres to standard precautions and uses personal protective equipment adequately for performing clinical laboratory tests.
 

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. (30%) Orders laboratory tests in clinical laboratory information system and process specimens from OPC, Health Departments and TB Elimination clinics for laboratory testing. Determines specimen integrity for the TB Elimination Chemistry specimens and re-spins specimens. Procures specimens for add-on tests. Performs customer service by calling submitters to verify demographic discrepancies and pre-analytical sample integrity issues such as unlabeled specimens. Notifies clinical staff of such discrepancies. Directs Container Prep activities. Fills supply Order Request (F14 Lab Supply Order Request) and ships orders of laboratory supplies and prepared cold boxes to submitters.  Responsible for shipping lab supplies and cold boxes using FedEx. Handles submitter inquiries dealing with cold boxes and containers. Certified in packaging and shipping of Category B specimens to forward specimens to DSHS-Austin Laboratory.

EJF 2. (20%) Performs duties of the Team Leader in their absence.  Maintains QA records and monitors department for performance improvements.   Cross-train as a floater to assist with testing in Hematology/Urinalysis/Serology macroscopic and microscopic testing to determine presence of normal and abnormal components. Assist with testing in Special Chemistry, and General Chemistry sections to determine presence of normal and abnormal components. Ensures that quality control is maintained in those departments. Determines deterioration or change in specimen and reagent quality. Verifies clinical laboratory reports for correctness and accuracy. Sets up, cleans, calibrates, and maintains laboratory equipment.  Assists in developing procedures for processing specimens to ensure the accuracy of the results, proper handling of specimens and disposal of hazardous materials.

EJF 3. (15%) Assists Team Leaders with technical and equipment interface problems in all sections including Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Serology, and Consumer Microbiology. Monitors all aspects of computerization and operation of Laboratory Information System (LIS).  Writes and updates as needed procedures for Orchard Enterprise Lab involving usage, disaster recovery and support. Performs LIS maintenance, documents and troubleshooting Orchard OEL, LabWare Citrix/Labware connectivity issues as needed. Serves as the Orchard Enterprise Lab Administrator to maintain interface and HL7 function, user logs, quality control and patient records.  Maintains communication with HHSC IT system analysts and leadership for OEL functions.  

EJF 4. (10%) Ensures that all preventive maintenance, calibrations (and verification), correlations, stability and mixing studies, reference range validation, and LIS interface validations for the Clinical Section analyzers are performed to meet all CLIA and CAP standards.

EJF 5. (10%) Assists in the training and competency of new employees, teaching Orchard OEL system.  Providing employee training such as HHS Privacy Training, Employee Time and Leave Training, Security/Cybersecurity Training, and Ethics Training for new and existing laboratory staff. 

EJF 6. (10%) Performs pipet calibration, temperature verification, and range verifications, equipment inventory and supply inventory on an annual basis or as needed to meet CAP standards.                

EJF 7. (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 clinical laboratory methods and procedures.

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

Knowledge in packing and shipping of category B specimen.

Knowledge of universal precautions and use of personal protective equipment for specimen processing and testing of clinical specimens.

Knowledge of Quality Control, proficiency testing, Quality Assurance and Preventative Maintenance and calibration for Clinical Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Hematology and Urinalysis equipment.

Knowledge of calibration and troubleshooting procedures for equipment such as analyzers, pipettes, and thermometers.

Skill in the use of specialized medical laboratory equipment and in the performance of clinical laboratory tests and procedures.

Skills in performing validation studies for new procedures or equipment such as correlations, stability studies, mixing studies, reference range validation and interface validation.

Ability in the use of computer software for word processing, spreadsheets and database analysis, and result reporting.

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

Ability to determine deterioration or change in specimen and reagent quality or equipment which might influence test results.

Ability to communicate effectively and to train and supervise employees when performing laboratory procedures.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. 3 years work experience in Health Care Facility performing Clinical Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, and Urinalysis procedures on whole blood and urine samples.
2. Experience with Daily and Preventive Maintenance for Clinical Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Urinalysis equipment as well as centrifuges and microscopes. 
3. Work experience with laboratory information systems, troubleshooting and documentation for laboratory accreditation and compliance.
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