Lab Assistant - Part-time - Health District Lab Admin

SUMMARY

Performs clinical laboratory tests; assists in preparing and maintaining lab reports and files; performs quality control and maintains laboratory equipment in proper working order.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Handles and disposes of biohazardous waste and prepares the biohazardous waste for disposal by an outside agency, maintains biohazardous waste disposal documentation, preparation of disinfectants and autoclaves exam instruments;

2. Reads and records temperatures on instruments and performs corrective actions; culture organisms for quality control; and prepares media for cultures, plates, and prepares controls for RPR testing;

3. Performs quality control and maintains laboratory equipment in proper working order, including maintaining microscopes, centrifuges, water baths, incubators, autoclaves, etc., and maintains records of each, calibrates and documents lab thermometers annually or as needed;

4. Performs clinical laboratory tests, including performing microscopic examinations of samples, performing blood screenings for syphilis, reading of gonorrhea culture plates, preparing blood specimens for analysis by reference lab, maintaining records and reporting results, and maintaining a database for patient results.

5. Complies with policies and procedures delineated in the current “Employee Handbook and Personnel Policies of Brazos County, Texas” and department supplements; and

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a non-supervisory position.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related sciences field, preferred, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA).

KNOWLEDGE OF

Basic bacteriology, basic microscopy and other laboratory techniques; use of typical laboratory equipment.

SKILL/ABILITY TO

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with county employees, representative of governmental agencies, and the general public; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; handle laboratory equipment safely; operate standard word processing, spreadsheet, and database software; read and interpret standard policies and procedures. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid Texas Driver’s License and dependable vehicle.


• Valid Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) by ASCP, NCA, AMT, or CLS or;


• Valid Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by ASCP

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds, such as laboratory equipment, or other similar objects. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employee must frequently perform multiple tasks simultaneously, work closely with others as part of a team, and work under time pressures.  The employee may face possible exposure to diseases and illnesses and must be able to handle hazardous materials safely.  This job requires some travel and fieldwork.