Public Health Laboratory Scientist I

Are you looking for a position that offers you…

• Opportunity to make a difference by serving those most in need
• Work collaboratively with community partners to address public health priorities.
• A learning culture
• Work life balance
• Supportive team environment
• Amazing benefits

Then look no further. Come join the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) Laboratory team and use your skills and abilities to “Protect, promote and improve the health and quality of life for all who live, work and play in our community”. The Fairfax County Health Department is a progressive public health leader serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds. We invite you to apply to become a member of our thriving workforce, together making a difference in the health of our community!
Under general supervision, this position performs Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulated clinical testing using approved methodologies to ensure quality control and compliance with regulatory standards. Performs moderate to high complexity testing in all areas of the FCHD laboratory. Assesses and verifies specimen integrity and suitability for laboratory testing. Operates laboratory instrumentation and testing systems to generate accurate and timely results for patient specimens, quality control, and proficiency testing samples. Conducts and documents quality control testing to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory authority, including CLIA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Reports data accurately and efficiently to healthcare providers/environmental health specialists utilizing laboratory information system (LIS). Demonstrates knowledge of operational procedures and regulatory standards. May perform on site testing at FCHD clinics in support of STI program. May assist in training and orientation of new staff of laboratory techniques and methods. Participates in professional growth opportunities to enhance personal and team development. This position requires active participation in one of the laboratory’s internal Quality Assurance and Safety Committees. Participation in agency-wide committees is highly recommended.

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LEVEL 1

• Knowledge of basic principles of biology, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry or organic chemistry methods and techniques in a clinical laboratory;
• Knowledge and Application of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use and its limitations for duties assigned;
• Skill in the care and use of laboratory equipment including microscopes and accessory equipment;
• Ability to perform technical laboratory procedures in a precise and accurate manner;
• Ability to pay close attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and part of a team;
• Ability to comprehend and follow written and oral instructions;
• Ability to communicate technical information to internal and external customers;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Ability to interpret and follow standard technical instructions;
• Knowledge of laboratory hazards and procedures;

LEVEL 2

• Knowledge of quality control, documentation, quality assurance, and professional and regulatory standards of laboratory practice in a certified laboratory;
• Knowledge of quality control, documentation, quality assurance, and professional and regulatory standards of laboratory practice in a certified laboratory;
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills to resolve issues such as troubleshooting instruments and testing failures;
• Ability to make analytical judgments;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to operate, maintain and properly read various laboratory instruments;

LEVEL 3

• Ability to prepare clear, concise technical documentation and maintain accurate records;
• Knowledge of policies, processes, and procedures related to corrective and preventive actions;
• Knowledge of policies, processes, and procedures related to identifying and collecting quality improvement indicators;
• Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding reportable diseases;
• Ability to keep abreast of current developments in the field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in medical/clinical laboratory science, microbiology, or chemistry, or a degree in a directly related field of study; plus 1 year of recent relevant experience performing CLIA non-waived or environmental testing in a clinical or public health laboratory.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification (Required within 60 days).
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification (Required within 60 days).

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.
This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.)
Additional Work Schedule Requirements: May be required to provide after-hours, weekend or holiday coverage. May be required to serve as health department emergency responder
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Self-motivated, results-oriented individual with more than one year of experience performing clinical testing in a clinical or public health laboratory setting.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology.
• At least one year of knowledge and experience working in a clinical lab setting in hematology, chemistry, immunology, and/or toxicology department, with a preference of more than one year of experience in hematology, immunology, and chemistry.
• Working knowledge of and experience in any of the following: Quality Control, OSHA Safety Regulations, Bloodborne Pathogen Standards, BioSafety Level 2 Protocols, BioSafety Level 3 Protocols, and/or Unidirectional workflow.
• Performed laboratory testing under laboratory regulatory authority, such as CLIA, CAP (College of American Pathologists), COLA (Commission on Laboratory Accreditation), EPA, etc.
• At least one of year of experience with a Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Experience and ability to read, analyze, interpret and effectively communicate complex scientific, technical, administrative and educational materials.
• Ability to respond professionally and effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints from both internal and external clients.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) board certification as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or equivalent.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Job is generally sedentary in nature, and requires walking, standing, sitting (for long periods of time), and kneeling, reaching, bending, climbing stairs; may be required to lift or carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally. Uses hands to grasp, handle, or feel. Ability to operate keyboard driven equipment and computer; Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to work with small instruments and delicate laboratory equipment. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor and laboratory equipment, and to closely examine specimens microscopically and distinguish fine gradation of color, bands, or structures. Position frequently communicates and must be able to exchange accurate information with others verbally and in writing. Generally, works in an office environment yet may occasionally be required to perform job duties outside of the typical office setting. Ability to drive a motor vehicle. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others. We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.
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