Clinical Lab Scientist (#433040)
$40.27-$48.95 Hourly / $6,980.85-$8,485.26 Monthly / $83,770.17-$101,823.16 Yearly

Collects, prepares, and/or performs a variety of laboratory tests involving hematology, urinalysis, chemistry, bacteriology, parasitology, serology, and immunology in support of health clinic activities.
 

This journey level class is characterized by the responsibility to perform laboratory tests used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.  Incumbents provide direct service to patients at the Family Health Services Clinic and work independently under medical direction.  This class is distinguished from other diagnostic positions in the Health and Social Services clinics in that the incumbent collects and performs tests on body fluids and/or tissues.  It is further distinguished from the Public Health Microbiologist by the latter’s reference functions to the medical community and more detailed testing capabilities.

Receives general supervision from the Family Health Services Laboratory Director.
Exercises no supervision

Maintains quality control and accuracy in performing tests to assure production of reliable results; evaluates validity of test data; strictly adheres to universal safety precautions and Federal and state requirements in the collection, handling, preparation and testing of specimens; maintains the laboratory procedure manual; provides instruction to patients for collecting samples and using personal monitoring equipment; checks accuracy and completeness of lab requisitions and reports.
 
Performs and ensures the technical accuracy of a variety of tests including hemoglobin, urinalysis, glucose, Rapid Strep A, pregnancy, occult blood, and wet mounts; collects blood specimens from patients.
 
Receives, collates and separates lab reports; reviews data and reports abnormal laboratory results to physicians daily; locates charts and attaches lab reports to charts.
 
Files copies of laboratory reports; maintains inventory and orders laboratory supplies; assists in developing and maintaining laboratory procedures.
 
 
Handles instrument care and maintenance; troubleshoots and repairs equipment as needed; schedules calibration of instruments and thermometers; maintains safe lab environment by disinfecting equipment, furniture and work area, properly disposing biohazards and sharps containers in accordance with OSHA requirements.
 
Performs analysis on unknowns as required by State of California Licensing Agency (CLIA.)
 
Performs various administrative tasks; checks patient insurance status; orders lab supplies; maintains logs of specific tests performed; receives and answers inquiries; faxes lab reports to requesting physicians.

Knowledge of:
 
Laboratory techniques.
 
Quality control and quality assurance methodologies.
 
Hematology, urinalysis, chemistry, bacteriology, parasitology, serology, and immunology.
 
Equipment used in the laboratory and current laboratory procedures.
 
Skills to:
 
Utilize basic office equipment and related laboratory equipment.
 
Ability to:
 
Independently perform a variety of laboratory tests.
 
Develop and implement operational and clinical laboratory procedures.
 
Make decisions and independent judgments.
 
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
 
Communicate effectively with people of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and temperaments.
 
Comply with laws, regulations and professional practices governing clinical laboratory services and operations.
 
Maintain accurate records and document actions taken.
 
Make routine arithmetical calculations.
 
Research regulations, procedures and/or technical reference materials.
 
Project consequences of decisions.
 
Maintain confidentiality of information.
 

Experience:
 
One (1) year of experience performing a variety of professional clinical laboratory procedures such as chemistry, phlebotomy, urinalysis, serology, hematology, immunology, and microbiology. 
  
Education/Training:
 
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required in Chemistry, Biology, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related area.
 

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the State of California.
 
Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
 

Independent travel may be required.
 
Selectees for employment may, as a condition of employment, sign a statement agreeing to comply with Section 11166 of the California Penal Code relating to child abuse reporting.
 
 

Physical Ability:  Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).  Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
 
Sensory Requirements:  Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination.  Some tasks require oral communications ability.
 
Environmental Factors:  Incumbents must be able to work in an environment that may include exposure to communicable disease.