Laboratory Assistant 1 (35 Hour)

Within the Department of Public Health's Administrative and Scientific Support Services Unit, this Laboratory Assistant 1 position supports all sections of the Department of Public Health Laboratory. Primary responsibilities include specimen accessioning and receipt, data entry, glassware, hazardous waste management, media preparation, report processing, sterilization and client service support.

The scheduled hours for this full-time (35 hours per week) position will be a 7 hour shift between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, as assigned.

In a state health, academic or diagnostic laboratory this class is accountable for receiving training in and performing with increasing independence routine technical laboratory work with emphasis on solution and sample preparation or performing processing and laboratory functions for investigated cases.

Receives training in basic technical laboratory procedures and techniques; prepares simple solutions, stains, culture media and/or reagents according to written instructions; prepares specimens and/or samples for examinations; maintains records of work performed; may perform simple and routine tests and examinations under supervision; performs related duties as required.

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

Answers incoming calls and inputs and/or edits cases into computerized system; coordinates removal, transport and release of bodies with funeral homes or hospitals; acts as liaison to police departments, hospitals, physicians and Assistant Medical Examiners; types and assembles related paperwork; checks and documents personal property and evidence; relays information to public; assists with preparing bodies for identification; may clean and sterilize glassware, utensils and laboratory instruments; may operate basic laboratory equipment; may prepare simple solutions and reagents; performs related duties as required.

Some knowledge of laboratory equipment, procedures, techniques and terminology; some knowledge of medical terminology; interpersonal skills; ability to carry out written and oral instructions; ability to apply policies and procedures; some typing ability; ability to carry out simple calculations and keep simple technical records; manual dexterity.

One (1) year of experience in a laboratory or medical setting.

Graduation from high school with courses in mathematics and science may be substituted for the General Experience.

• Experience practicing Universal Laboratory Precautions, utilizing Personal Protective Equipment and processing specimens in a Biological Safety Cabinet with special emphasis on handling potentially infectious specimens;
• Experience working with laboratory information management systems and Windows-based software programs as they relate to data entry and accessioning of laboratory samples in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA);
• Experience with the sterilization process to include: preparation of scientific media, handling infectious materials, use of autoclave equipment, commercial glass washers and drying ovens;
• Experience with the printing and processing of laboratory reports operating sophisticated report processing equipment and postage meters;
• Experience utilizing effective communication skills for professional interaction with laboratory clients involving the preparation and distribution of sample collection kits and routine customer collaboration.

Incumbents in this class must be willing to undergo periodic tests or immunizations for communicable diseases as necessary.

Incumbents in this class may occasionally be required to lift standard laboratory equipment and supplies, may be exposed to some risk of injury from such elements as toxic vapors or broken glass and may be exposed to disagreeable conditions including communicable infectious diseases.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Department of Public Health aims to provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and advancement, fostering an environment committed to supporting individuals in all protected classes.  If you require an aid/accommodation to participate fully and fairly, please contact the Human Resources Office at (860) 509-7177.