Clinical Laboratory Scientist III

Job Description:
Clinical Laboratory Scientist III/Medical Technologist III
Brief Job Description:
Under general supervision of the Enzyme & Immunoassay (EIA) Screening Group Manager uses considerable knowledge to independently perform highly complex immunofluorometric testing including Immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and galactose 1-phospate uridyl transferace (GALT) analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens. Serves as an authority on test procedures in the EIA laboratory. Utilizes considerable working knowledge of all procedures to participate in maintaining analytic accuracy. 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. Responsible for making significant decisions on the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens. Independently determines and releases complex results based on Standard Operating Protocols (SOP). Actively participates in the safety program. Supervisor will assign a small portion of daily work providing general instruction for routine tasks and detailed instructions for non-routine tasks. Duties are independently performed with considerable latitude, adherence to standard protocol and with use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment.

Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary, all staff members will be required to work on Saturday and some holidays as part of a rotating schedule.

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. Performs highly complex immunofluorometric IRT, 17-OHP, T4 and TSH, and Galt analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens. Completes all documentation with required information. Recognizes delays in completion of specimen testing, result reporting, and other essential functions and notifies the supervisor immediately. Identifies problems with atypical test results, consulting with upper-level personnel. Recognizes delays in completion of specimen testing, result reporting, and other essential functions and notifies the supervisor immediately. Identifies problems with atypical test results recommending solutions and consulting with upper-level personnel. (20%)

EJF 2. Performs high volume sampling (punching) of filter paper specimens for all newborn screening tests and standards and controls for IRT, 17-OHP, T4 and TSH, and Galt tests. Uses technical knowledge to determine specimen acceptability and assign thyroid unsatisfactory codes. (35%)

EJF 3. Evaluates and interprets highly complex data. Reviews and releases final results. Processes reports that are associated with worklist duties. Uses the Newborn Screening Laboratory Information computer system. Completes all documentation with required information. Actively participates in quality control review, proficiency testing, equipment performance documentation, specimen workload tallies and supply inventory to ensure consistently acceptable quality assurance and test performance. (25%)

EJF 4. Performs routine and specialized preventive maintenance of highly complex equipment. Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting and makes routine adjustments as indicated.
(15%)

EJF 5. Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction, reassignment of duties, and teamwork with supervisors, co-workers, and internal and external customers. Initiates rapid communication of abnormal test results by informing upper-level technicians of panic level results so Clinical Care Coordination can complete same day follow-up. Conducts training of staff. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Actively participates and/or serves 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. Performs other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
• Knowledge of general laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, immunofluorometric principles,
techniques, and terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use and troubleshoot various items of laboratory equipment associated with work area.
• Ability to use a computer.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff.
• 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 lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Ability to keep accurate, detailed records.
• Ability to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious material.
• Ability to complete tasks without close supervision and use mature judgment in test interpretation.
• Ability to prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required team timeframes.
• Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.
• Ability to maintain work area instruments and automated testing equipment.
• Ability to teach work area procedures to co-workers and guests.
• Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately. Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
N/A

Initial Selection Criteria:
Education: Have an earned bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; or
Have an earned associate's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution. Experience and education may be substituted as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA '88) Standards.

Experience: Preferred but not required: clinical laboratory testing including procedures in newborn screening or clinical chemistry or high volume workload or complex analysis or complex laboratory instrumentation.

Additional Information:
Hepatitis Risk High. Required Hepatitis B and Tetanus/Diphtheria immunizations are provided. Must wear provided personal protective equipment (including: face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, safety glasses) as required by testing/safety procedures. Interviews scheduled after screening. Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary, all staff members will be required to work on Saturday/holidays as part of a rotating schedule. Shift differential may be applied.
Must be able to pass a functional color vision assessment in order to carry out essential job functions. The functional color vision assessment

MOS Code:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68C/D/W, HM, 870, 4A0X1, 4A1X1. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

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I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.

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