Medical Technologist V

Company: Texas Health & Human Services Commission
Location: Austin
Posted on: June 12, 2021

Job Description:

Medical Technologist V

Are you ready to be professionally challenged? Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and committed professionals? Then the State Hospital System (SHS) may be just the place for you! The SHS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals located throughout the state, and one youth residential psychiatric center in Waco. The SHS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospitals provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. Whether in a direct-care or support role, your contribution will make a difference in the life of a Texan.

This position is located at the Regional Clinical Laboratory at Austin State Hospital and acts as the Microbiology department supervisor. Provides laboratory services to health care related professional staff in a clinical laboratory facility. Oversees day to day operation of the Microbiology department. Performs routine clinical laboratory work. Assigns and supervises the work of others. 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. This position will participate in Continuing Education presentations as assigned. 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 on a rotational basis.

Essential Job Functions:

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 tests and procedures on specimens received in the microbiology, parasitology and serology section, according to standards and protocols contained in the department procedure manuals and competency assessment criteria.

Oversees the Microbiology department to assure compliance with College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulatory requirements.

Evaluates and interprets highly 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.

Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction and management of duties as well as teamwork with supervisors, co-workers, and internal and external customers. Initiates rapid communication of abnormal test results to physicians for same day follow-up. Conducts training.

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

Recognizes delays in completion of specimen testing, result reporting, and other essential functions and notifies the laboratory manager immediately.

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

Actively participates in the instruction and bench supervision of Medical Laboratory Science trainees, in the orientation of new employees and in the department continuing education/in-service program.

Assists in the Medical Laboratory Science Program on an as needed basis.

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 Abilities:

Knowledge of general laboratory concepts and practices, specifically as applied to clinical microbiology, parasitology and serology. 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. Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Must be certified as a Medical Technologist (MT) OR Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), ASCP. Initial Selection Criteria:

Have earned a baccalaureate degree. Must be certified as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), ASCP or equivalent. At least two years experience working in a clinical laboratory doing high complexity testing in microbiology. Additional Information:

REQ 482990

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, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. 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.

Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHS starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the posted minimum of the salary range.

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 of these diseases are vaccine-preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with patients. 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.

All new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.

MOS Code:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68C/D/W, HM, 870, 4T0X1, 43TX. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

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.

Keywords: Texas Health & Human Services Commission, Austin , Medical Technologist V, Other , Austin, Texas