Clinical Specialist 3-Immunology

Description

Pay Grade: K

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Who we are. We protect lives.The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing the State of Georgia for responding to disasters.

What we offer.As a member of the Georgia Department of Public Healthteam, you will join a passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to making an impact. No matter your role, you will individually contribute to protecting the lives of all Georgians while receiving a wide range of benefits, so you can:

• Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play
• Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and Georgia Residents
• Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team– Collaborative and inclusive way of working where employees share ideas and leverage collective strengths
• Achieve Career Longevity – Countless opportunities for continuous learning/development that support a long-term career
• Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role
• Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like you

As an accredited public health department, we're seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position of Clinical Laboratory Technologist to join the Division of Medical/Clinical Services, Public Health Laboratory located in Decatur, GA.

The Division of Microbiology at the Georgia Public Health Laboratory (GPHL) is responsible for detecting, identifying, and reporting communicable diseases within the State of Georgia. The Division is responsible for maintaining expertise and capability in a wide variety of public health microbiology specialties. These include Mycobacteriology Reference Bacteriology, Enteric Bacteriology, Environmental Microbiology, Mycology, Parasitology, Virology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance surveillance, and Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD).

GPHL is seeking a certified Clinical Laboratory Scientist professional to perform day-to-day testing within the Immunology Unit supporting serological testing for Hepatitis (A, B and C), HIV, Syphilis, TORCH panel, Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Arboviruses supporting public health outbreak investigations and surveillance activities. The incumbent will also be cross trained in Virology unit supporting Rabies and respiratory surveillance activities.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide technical skills and assures the activities are congruent with the goals of the Division of Clinical Microbiology.
• Provide technical skills with conducting day-to-day testing on serological testing for Hepatitis (A, B and C), HIV, Syphilis, TORCH panel, Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Arboviruses supporting public health outbreak investigations and surveillance activities. The incumbent will also be cross trained in Virology unit supporting Rabies and respiratory surveillance activities.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory standards such as the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), OSHA, and other federal and state regulations.
• Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance in all areas. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Interprets QC data prior to reporting results.
  • Examines QC data over time to establish QC ranges and limits.
  • Collects data for reporting on QA indicators and processes.
  • Complies with quality management processes and policies; recommends process improvements.
• Performs steps in the pre-examination, examination, and post-examination phases of both diagnostic and surveillance testing on human clinical specimens. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Reviews test results to make sure they are accurate and reports results in a timely manner.
  • Interpret complex or ambiguous results.
  • Performs PT and alternative assessment.
  • Applies waste management policies, processes, and procedures to activities.
  • Troubleshoots instrumentation and testing problems and complies with regulations and guidelines governing laboratory testing.
• Assists in training new staff.
• Adheres to policies and principles regarding the use and storage of laboratory reagents and supplies.
• Adheres to policies and principles regarding the use, maintenance, and calibration of laboratory equipment. Performs preventative maintenance.
• Determines need for repair or replacement of laboratory equipment.
• Compiles results of method validation and performance verification
• Complies with policies, processes, and procedures regarding protected health information.
• Complies with institutional biosafety, chemical hygiene plans and works safely with hazardous (physical/chemical/biological) materials within a laboratory facility.
• Performs packing and shipping of Category B infectious substances. Adheres to policies, processes, and procedures regarding the identification, handling, safety, appropriateness, and triage of samples containing agents of concern.
• Participates in required workplace training regarding safety of the physical environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree in a related science area from an accredited college or university, certification as a Medical Technologist, MT (ASCP), and three (3) years of job-related science experience; or Associate degree and two (2) years of experience at the lower level Medical/Clinical Specialist 2 (LSP011) or equivalent position.

Note: In order to be legally recognized as a medical technologist in the state of Georgia, a medical technologist (MT) certification must be obtained.

*ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED* Please upload a copy of all relevant transcripts to this application.

Additional Information

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related science area from an accredited college or university AND Two years of experience in a clinical laboratory AND Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) by a nationally accredited certifying agency such as American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA), the American Association of Bio-analysts (ABB), or another agency approved by the Department.
• Completion of ONE of the following academic and/or training requirements listed below, in order to be temporarily classified as a technologist for eighteen (18) months to afford the opportunity to successfully complete an approved qualifying MT examination to earn a ASCP, AMT, AAB certification or equivalent listed above as required of the position:
• Other provision as listed here: http://rules.sos.state.ga.us/GAC/111-8-10-.06?urlRedirected=yes&data=ad…under the Rules and Regulations of the state of Georgia (Rule 111-8-10-.06).