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) 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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(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

General Laboratory Practice:
LEVEL 1

• Applies basic scientific and laboratory concepts, theories, techniques, and fundamental mathematical and statistical concepts to laboratory testing;
• Applies knowledge of scientific principles and procedures adhering to local, state, and federal regulatory pertaining to clinical and environmental testing;
• Adheres to policies and principles governing professional and scientific ethics and rules of conduct;
• Performs laboratory testing in support of public health outbreaks and emergencies including communicable disease and environmental hazards;
• Performs laboratory testing on blood and body fluid specimens from high risk populations that are more likely to be infectious than those tested in routine medical settings;
• Performs laboratory testing and regulatory functions associated with clinical and/or environmental lab testing following prescribed protocols for standardized tests;
• Documents actions and results using established paper or electronic systems;
• Adheres to policies, processes, and procedures for the preparation, use, and storage of reagents and supplies;
• Adheres to the policies, processes, and procedures regarding the use, maintenance, and calibration of laboratory equipment, including routine system checks and documentation;
• Adheres to the policies, processes, and procedures for sample management, testing workflow, Quality Control activities, and release of test results;
• Assesses and ensures specimen quality for laboratory testing;
• Operates testing systems and methodologies to produce accurate and timely data for patients, quality control, and proficiency samples;
• Participates in professional growth opportunities to enhance personal and team development;

LEVEL 2

• Cultures, identifies, and performs sensitivity testing on bacteria associated with food borne outbreaks and similar public health events;
• Performs laboratory testing and regulatory functions associated with clinical and/or environmental lab testing following prescribed protocols or methods for standardized tests, but may exercise independent decision making;
• Examines slides for the presence of bacteria, parasites, and ova;
• Identifies pathogenic organisms in body fluids and exuded matter;
• Performs compliance testing on public drinking water supplies following regulatory standards under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act;
• Analyzes groundwater and drinking water to determine bacterial counts, inorganic elements and metals;

LEVEL 3

• Participates in processes for the on-boarding, training and competency assessment of new employees and students;
• Processes, cultures, and identifies specimens for the presence of tuberculosis bacilli and performs antimicrobial susceptibility testing and DNA identifications;
• Performs animal head necropsies and examines animal brain tissue for rabies;
• Performs nucleic acid amplification tests for the identification of bacteria and viruses;
• Performs urine drug of abuse screening tests and responds to questions from substance abuse counselors, mental health professionals, and probation officers regarding testing and results;
• Achieves and maintains certification to package and transport infectious substances, biological samples, and dangerous goods including Category A, Category B, and Exempt Patient Specimens;
• May testify in court proceedings as an expert witness;

Regulatory Compliance:
ALL LEVELS

• Maintains competency in assigned areas of work;
• Complies with laws, regulations and guidance governing laboratory safety and testing;
• Participates in performance of method validation and performance verification;
• Complies with policies, processes, and procedures regarding patient confidentiality and protected information (HIPPA);

Safety:
LEVEL 1

• Complies with OSHA safety guidelines, Bloodborne Pathogens Standards and Standard Precautions guidelines;
• Reports any safety incidents, hazards to management and/or designee as appropriate to incident;
• Adheres to information and directives in safety signage and documents;
• Describes proper labeling of samples, reagents, and supplies;
• Adheres to the policies, processes, and procedures for working safely with biological, chemical and hazardous materials;
• Adheres to procedures for documenting, handling, and transportation of hazardous waste;

LEVEL 2

• Recognizes signals and alarms in area of assignment;
• Complies with documentation procedures for OSHA-recordable occupational injuries and illnesses;
• Adheres to appropriate procedures for spill cleanup, decontamination, and treatment and disposal of laboratory waste;
• Applies knowledge and understanding of the laboratory design, escape routes, and workplace safety practices;

LEVEL 3

• Complies with documentation procedures for OSHA-recordable occupational injuries and illnesses;
• Designs work practices and procedures to minimize exposure to hazards and adhere to regulatory requirements;

Quality Management:
LEVEL 1

• Demonstrates actions consistent with quality concepts and good professional practice;
• Adheres to inventory management processes in assigned work areas;
• Participates in continuing education and professional development;

LEVEL 2

• Adheres to the culture, programs, policies, processes, and procedures regarding quality, safety, and ethical practices;
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding in the performance of Quality Assurance and Quality Control;
• Recognizes internal and external customers and adheres to roles and responsibilities in meeting customer needs, expectations, and requirements;

LEVEL 3

• Participates in the processes, and procedures to recognize, investigate, record, and report non-conforming events (NCE);
• Participates in Continual Quality Improvement (CQI) activities;
• Participates in internal and external laboratory audits.

(The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

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 directly related field of study; plus 1-year 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 hematology, chemistry, immunology and/or toxicology department in a clinical or public health laboratory setting. 
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) valid board certification as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of and experience in at least one of the following: Automated Chemistry analyzers and/or Automated Hematology analyzers.
• Working knowledge of and experience in at least one 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 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Commission on Laboratory Accreditation (COLA), etc.
• One or more years of experience with a Laboratory Information System (LIS).  
• One or more years of 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.

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. [email protected] EEO/AA/TTY.

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