Medical Technologist IV-Hematology

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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.

Regional Clinical Laboratory at Austin State Hospital and reports directly to the supervisor of Hematology/Coagulation. Performs routine clinical laboratory work. Work will primarily deal 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. Duties are independently performed with latitude, adherence to standard protocol and with use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment.

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.

The incumbent will perform and coordinate diagnostic procedures in cytology with the hospital medical section requesting routine clinical laboratory work primarily concerning collecting specimens, preparation and analysis, quality control and assay acceptability, data and work list evaluation, result entry, release of results. Oversees the proper handling of specimens, and disposal of hazardous materials. Completes all documentation with required information.

The incumbent will receive requests for clinical, cytological, or histological laboratory tests; assign the request to the correct station within the lab department to ensure accurate processing that adheres to department policy and procedures. The position will allocate the resources necessary to perform requested testing in a timely manner.

Evaluates and interprets complex data through the chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, and spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal and abnormal components. Will release final result using the Laboratory Information System (LIS). 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. Follows written procedures for reporting significant results and/or critical values to the physician or designee.

Continuously demonstrates basic medical technology competencies by performing procedures on specimens received in the Hematology/Coagulation department in accordance with the standards and protocols contained in the department procedure manuals and competency assessment criteria.

Sets up, cleans, calibrates, and maintains laboratory equipment. Performs routine and specialized preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment of highly complex equipment. Duties are independently performed with latitude, adherence to standard protocol and with use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment.

Actively participates in the instruction and bench supervision of Medical Laboratory Science trainees. Actively participates in the didactic portion of the MLS training program. Will teach Medical Laboratory Science trainees on the bench during their clinical rotations as well as assist in the Medical Laboratory Science Program.

Formulates and adapts methods of testing clinical, cytological, or histological specimens that 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. Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction and management of duties as well as teamwork with supervisors, co-workers, and internal and external customers.

Participates in quality control review, proficiency testing, and equipment performance documentation to ensure consistently acceptable quality assurance and test performance. Actively participates in maintaining CLIA and CAP certification by regularly reviewing updates to regulations and ensuring compliance.

Assists department supervisor as needed. Stands in as acting supervisor in the absence of department supervisor. Maintains inventory of supplies, paying attention to expiration dates. Assists supervisor with ordering as needed. Maintains a clean, uncluttered work area, keeping supplies/reagents well stocked.

Other duties as assigned, including 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.

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.

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