Laboratory Technician

at Saline County in Salina, Kansas, United States

Job Description

Job  Duties Include:

Coordinates and manages the laboratory services provided within the Clinic in collaboration with the Laboratory Director who is under contract. Collaborates with the Nursing Clinic Coordinator in planning and developing laboratory services provided to children and adults seen within the Nursing Clinic at the Health Department. Manages and provides laboratory services to meet client needs according to clinic protocol and procedures. Performs phlebotomy services for vena-punctures and finger-sticks on clients, both adults and children. Performs microscopic exams, urine and serum pregnancy tests, pap tests, hemoglobin tests, urine dipsticks, Alere rapid HIV tests, IGRA/QuantiFERON blood tests for tuberculosis screening, urine collection for chlamydia/gonorrhea testing, throat and rectal cultures for chlamydia/gonorrhea, sputum specimens for tuberculosis and herpes and stool cultures for parasites, ova and bacteria. Prepares client specimens for send-out evaluation to designated licensed laboratories.   Maintains laboratory equipment and completes required controls on equipment with appropriate documentation. Orders supplies necessary.  Assists the Laboratory Director with maintaining survey updates to maintain a moderately complex laboratory setting, two-year inspection by the State of Kansas to maintain the CLIA licensure for Medicaid and Medicare, and the development/implementation of procedures & policies for the laboratory. Analyzes statistical data, trends and services provided for cost effectiveness to identify opportunities for improvement. Compiles statistics and data as needed for the various Nursing Clinic programs both monthly and quarterly.   Maintains laboratory certifications, classes and updates. Reports to work during public health emergencies as needed. Performs other duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

1.   Must have a High School diploma or the equivalent.
2.   Must have one (1) year laboratory experience.  Phlebotomy experience required.
3.   Must have basic computer knowledge.
4.   An ability to maintain a professional demeanor.
5.   Must have good communication skills to work with Staff and public in a congenial manner.
6.   Must have a proven ability to plan and organize work.
7.   Must be flexible and be able to adapt to different tasks.

Physical Requirements:

Determined Work Level: Level 3 Medium Work Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly. Ability to communicate by the spoken word. Ability to hear. Must be able to give direction to Staff and clients. May require walking, standing, bending, balancing, sitting, lifting equipment and stooping. May have to lift, push, carry or pull up to 50 pounds. Possible exposure to infectious pathogens, blood and body fluids, and hazardous waste. May be exposed to a variety of work environments including outside of health department buildings in all weather conditions. May be subjected to highly volatile and stressful situations involving clients and/or families. Work may provide occasional weekend and/or evening work and be on-call. Must have fine and gross motor skills ability. Must be able to operate computer, telephone, and copy/fax machine.

Veteran's Preference:

Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a veteran under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum qualifications of the position and successfully pass any required pre-employment testing or any requirements such as licensing. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring officials. To be successful, the expectation is that a candidate will be able to competently perform the routine tasks of the position with limited supervision by the end of the probationary period of covered position.