Medical Technologist IV-Chemistry

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

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.

This position is located at the Regional Clinical Laboratory at Austin State Hospital and reports directly to the supervisor of Chemistry/Urinalysis. Performs routine clinical laboratory work. Assigns and supervises the work of others in the absence of the supervisor or designee. Will teach Medical Laboratory Science trainees both on the bench and in presenting didactic lectures.  Will assist in the Medical Laboratory Science Program as needed. Positions in this class series are concerned primarily with collecting, preparing and processing specimens, which includes: conducting tests on bodily tissues and fluids; analyzing and reporting test results; assuring the maintenance of quality control standards to meet agency, state, and federal requirements; calibrating and maintaining precision laboratory equipment; preparing standard and non-standard reagents; training others;  maintaining supply inventories; producing instructional materials and other duties as assigned. 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. Duties are independently performed with considerable latitude, adherence to standard protocol and with use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment. Will work weekends and holidays as needed to provide departmental coverage.

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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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.

Continuously demonstrates Basic Medical Technology Competencies. Completes all documentation with required information.

Performs procedures on specimens received in the Chemistry/Urinalysis department according to standards and protocols contained in the department procedure manuals and competency assessment criteria.

Evaluates and interprets complex data. Reviews and releases final result using the Laboratory Information System (LIS). Completes all documentation with required information.

Performs routine and specialized preventive maintenance of highly complex equipment. Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting, and makes routine adjustments as indicated.

Actively participates in quality control review, proficiency testing, and equipment performance documentation to ensure consistently acceptable quality assurance and test performance.

Resolve technical problems to ensure test systems are functioning properly. Recognizes delays in completion of specimen testing, result reporting, and other essential functions and notifies the department supervisor or designee immediately.

Directs and provides coverage for the department in the absence of the supervisor.

Maintains inventory of supplies, paying attention to expiration dates. Maintains a clean, uncluttered work area, keeping supplies/reagents well stocked.

Actively participates in the instruction and bench supervision of Medical Laboratory Science trainees and in the orientation of new employees. Assists in the MLS training program as needed.

Maintains daily records pertinent to assigned work areas and verify patient reports showing results with particular emphasis on timely, accurate notification of results. Consults with appropriate personnel when test results are abnormal and when difficulties are encountered in testing. Follow written procedures for reporting significant results and/or critical values to the physician or designee.

Actively supports facility and agency safety (including patient safety) risk management, and infection control programs. Active participation in facility testing programs, including TB testing, is expected and required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of general laboratory concepts and practices, specifically as applied to Hematology/Coagulation laboratory testing.

Knowledge of laboratory safety, including sample-handling techniques.

Knowledge of education methods and administration.

Knowledge of compliance standards for applicable regulatory requirements.

Skill to keep accurate, detailed records.

Skill to use and troubleshoot various items of laboratory equipment associated with work area.

Skill to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious material.

Skill to maintain work area instruments and automated testing equipment.

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

Skill to use a computer.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Ability to prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required team timeframes.

Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.

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 follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.

Ability to teach work area procedures to co-workers and students.

Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be certified as a Medical Technologist (MT) OR Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), ASCP OR Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), ASCP.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Have earned a baccalaureate degree. 

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.

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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