Laboratory Technician III

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Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Laboratory Technician III performs advanced (senior level) laboratory work at the State Hospital (SH).  Performs phlebotomy procedures and prepares blood specimens for study by a reference laboratory.  Prepares other biological specimens for study by a reference laboratory.  Performs routine X-ray work including exposing and processing X-ray film.  Performs basic electrocardiogram studies.   Reviews results and prepares required reports.  Completes required forms and data entry.  Coordinates care with dental lab, nursing staff, Primary Care Providers (PCP), and other clerical and administrative staff to ensure efficiency of operations and high quality of care toward individuals.  Designs methods for completing work effectively given the specific complex needs and challenges of the individuals served.  Maintains the integrity of the lab/worksite and instructs other on proper procedures and requirements.  Works under the supervision of a physician and the administrative direction of the clinic supervisor.  Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are 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.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Performs phlebotomy procedures effectively as ordered by the PCP.  Prepares necessary supplies, communicates reassuring with the individual in the manner prescribed by his/her individualized plan, positions the individual in accordance with his/her physical needs, and performs the blood draw.  Disposes of the supplies in accordance with safety protocols. Communicates with the home staff and other identifies staff regarding any issues or complications. Prepares the blood specimens for study by a reference laboratory.

Prepares other biological specimens for study by a reference laboratory in accordance with standardized procedures and training.  Fixes, labels, document and maintains specimens properly.

Performs routine X-ray work including carefully positioning individuals using creativity to meet their physical needs.  Communicates with individuals and staff to reassure them throughout the process.  Adjusts as necessary to meet the needs of the individual. Exposes and processes X-ray film in accordance with training and established protocols.  Provides results to the PCP and maintains/stores the film as required.

Performs basic electrocardiogram studies.  Ensures the individual is properly prepared order to place electrodes correctly, preserving dignity and respect during the process.  Documents and informs the PCP of the result.  

Reviews results and prepares required reports.  Completes required forms and data entry including documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).  Provides written communication of venipuncture so that home staff will know when the resident has come to the lab for a blood draw. 

Coordinates care with dental lab, nursing staff, Primary Care Providers (PCP), and others to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the medical department.  Designs and shares methods for completing work effectively given the specific complex needs and challenges of the individuals served. 

Attends and participates in required staff meeting.

Maintains the integrity of the lab/worksite by keeping work areas clean, well-organized and by ensuring confidentiality in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Instructs others on proper procedures and requirements as needed and communicates any issue to the designated supervisor. 

Performs clerical and administrative functions including filing, answering phones, preparing paperwork for the next day, and scheduling next day draws with staff to ensure efficiency of operations. 

Other duties as assigned include but are 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of lab equipment to perform Hemoglobin A1C test, Strep, Flu, Coagulation studies, and Urinalysis Dipstick tests,

Knowledge of using a centrifuge for spinning specimens to prepare for transport to outside testing facilities,

Knowledge of how to operate a Digital X-ray machine, EKG machine.

Knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its application in the work site.

Skill in the use of basic office equipment.

Skill in lab and blood draws.

Skill in performing technical aspects of laboratory, radiology, and electrocardiogram procedures.   

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software including Word, Excel, and MS Outlook, and basic office equipment.

Ability to communicate with individuals with mental health issues.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with medical professionals.

Ability to write reports and utilize an Electronic Health Record (EHR). 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Phlebotomy certification preferred.

Must be willing to take the non-certified radiological technician program.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience performing phlebotomy, X-ray work, electrocardiogram studies and/or other types of laboratory work.

Experience working with people who have intellectual/development disabilities or other conditions which making performing laboratory work challenging is preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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 to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form