Laboratory Technician II

Laboratory Technician II:

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. Reports directly to the Accessioning department supervisor.

Work involves collecting and preparing phlebotomy samples, routine and emergency, from specified individuals who are patients at Austin State Hospital. Performs general duties involving accepting and accessioning specimens for all departments of the laboratory. Enters orders and logs in specimens using the Laboratory Information System.

Maintains and distributes supplies. Duties include: filling supply requests, preparing referral specimens, providing customer service for all accounts and assisting in work flow distribution. Provides customer service by answering and transferring phones as needed.

May perform other duties as assigned. May train others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Will work weekends and holidays as needed to maintain coverage of the Accessioning department.

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.

Participates daily as a member of the phlebotomy team to obtain to obtain samples from patients on residential units.

Accessions specimens received to be analyzed in the Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Serology, Toxicology and Urinalysis sections, according to standards and protocols contained in the departmental procedure manuals and competency assessment criteria.

Enters orders and logs in specimens using the Laboratory Information System.

Prepares referral specimens assuring correct specimen stability and collection requirements.

Provides customer service by answering and transferring phones as needed.

Operates and maintains equipment and instruments within the section according to manufacturer and laboratory established procedures. This specifically includes processing/running of laboratory specimens, centrifugation, preventive maintenance, basic troubleshooting procedures and use of computer.

Assists in maintenance of inventory of supplies, notifying supervisor when supplies need to be ordered. Distributes supplies to customers as needed. Pays attention to expiration dates and open vial stability requirements.

Maintains a clean, uncluttered work area, keeping supplies/reagents well stocked.

Demonstrates respect for and consideration of others in relations with patients, visitors, and all staff with the organization, while contributing to a social environment in which respectful behavior pervades all aspects of the organization.

Participates in the instruction of students and new employees in phlebotomy and accessioning.

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 laboratory safety, including sample-handling techniques.

Knowledge of phlebotomy techniques and specimen collection.

Knowledge of medical terminology and common laboratory test orders.

Skill in keeping accurate, detailed records.

Skill to demonstrate phlebotomy competency.

Skill in customer service protocols, including initiating and receiving phone calls from customers.

Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.

Ability to obtain blood samples competently using various venipuncture techniques.

Ability to demonstrate competency with computer software, including the Laboratory Information System.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent.

One year phlebotomy experience in a clinical laboratory. Additional Information:

At least one years' experience in a clinical setting performing phlebotomy and accessioning. All applicants invited for an interview will be given an in-house exercise to verify phlebotomy technique.

Must wear provided personal protective equipment (including: face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, safety glasses) as required by procedure. Work Schedule: Shift is primarily Monday-Friday, day shift.

Must be willing to work holidays; must work Saturdays on a rotational basis. Work hours and laboratory assignments may vary.

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. 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 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. Vaccines may be provided. 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.

If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.

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

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 MOS Code:

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68K/S, HM, HS, 4T0X1. 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.

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