Under the general supervision of the Specimen Logistics Group Manager, performs complex public health work in the Newborn Screening Program. Responsible for conferring with healthcare providers, that submit NBS laboratory specimens, about specimen issues. Serves as a resource to provide training regarding acceptable NBS specimen quality, required parameters for the completion of patient and specimen demographic information, remote demographic services, requirements regarding the storage of dried blood spots after completion of the newborn screen, and other NBS activities. Independently makes decisions on the accuracy of software-generated demographic comparisons and electronically links first and second newborn screening specimens, using protected health information and advanced procedures. Processes parent decision forms regarding the use and storage of newborn screening specimens. Prepares newborn screening specimens for long term storage and release. Maintains proper laboratory Quality Assurance documentation. May evaluate and assist with development of educational materials. Trains/mentors new and current employees as needed. Extensive use of highly complex computer systems and databases. Actively participates in the safety program. Duties are independently performed with general supervision, adherence to standard protocol and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EFJ 1: (35%) Demographic Verification: For newborn screening specimens that are potentially unsatisfactory contacts NBS specimen submitters regarding missing or invalid specimen demographic information, specimens received too old to test, and specimens with questionable or incorrect electronically submitted demographic information. Ensures appropriate identification and documentation of demographic information, obtained by telephone or fax, to prevent the rejection and required recollection of NBS specimens. For NBS specimens undergoing laboratory testing that have demographic information issues conducts research of previous specimen information in database or by conferring with specimen submitters. Ensures updates to demographic information or results are completed. Documents all changes and maintains databases and logs of submitter errors and specimens saved from rejection. Provides education and training to submitters to improve specimen quality and reduce the rate of unsatisfactory specimen submission due to demographic or collection form issues.

EFJ 2: (15%) Specimen Quality Assessments: Reviews potentially unsatisfactory specimens’ quality assessments, to assist in maintaining consistent specimen acceptability levels for testing and forwards discrepancies to management for final review. Notifies submitters of specimens deemed unsatisfactory to expedite specimen recollection. Provides additional facility contact when babies with unsatisfactory specimens do not have another specimen submitted.

EJF 3: (15%) Specimen Destruction Processing: Manages the storage and destruction of specimens as required by law. Identifies and verifies accuracy of specimens to be processed for destruction, prepares specimens for pickup, and maintains accurate documentation and logs. Serves as a resource on the NBS Program decision form processing and specimen storage. Processes ‘Parent Decision for Storage and Use of Newborn Screening Dried Blood Spots’ forms.

EJF 4: (15%) Linking: Performs linking of first and second newborn screening (NBS) specimens. Independently reviews demographic information and makes significant decisions on the accuracy of software-generated demographic comparisons and electronically links first and second newborn screening specimens. Follows procedures and guidelines to ensure accurate linking. Uses LIMS software to create daily work-lists and weekly reports. Performs daily processes for priority linking of specimens with potentially abnormal Cystic Fibrosis results. Contacts NBS submitters to obtain additional patient information to complete accurate links to ensure the timely delivery of potentially abnormal specimens for Cystic Fibrosis testing. Performs priority linking of specimens with unsatisfactory Severe Combined Immunodeficiency results to expedite specimen recollection or follow-up. Serves as a resource on the specimen linking process.

EJF 5: (20%) Customer Service: Serves as a resource for the NBS lab and provides customer service to submitters, parents, and lab staff including, but not limited to, specimen collection, specimen acceptability, timeliness, specimen processing, storage and use, remote demographic services, and investigating and troubleshooting of issues. Coordinates the confidential shredding or archiving of documents to meet retention requirements. Coordinates and expedites delivery of specimen bundles to the testing laboratory for specimen punching in preparation for testing. Disseminates information about bundle readiness, pickup times and delays to punching room manager and lab staff. Processes approved residual specimen release. Trains/mentors new and current employees as needed. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of current social, economic and public health issues.
Knowledge of public health laws, regulations and general medical/clinical laboratory, principles, techniques, and terminology.
Knowledge of educational techniques and procedures.
Skill in problem solving and working independently.
Skill in disseminating information to and eliciting information from customers.
Skill in providing customer service to medical personnel and the public via telephone, fax and in person.
Skill in collection and handling of protected health data and other confidential records.
Skill in creating, maintaining and using electronic reports and spreadsheets.
Skill in using Word, Excel, Access, Windows, and Internet.
Skill in use of business grammar, proofreading and editing for creation of educational materials.
Ability to interpret, understand and adhere to applicable public health laws and rules relating to legislatively mandated newborn screening and associated confidential information.
Ability to maintain several projects simultaneously.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally via the telephone, in writing and by personal contact.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to interact effectively with staff. Ability to work in harmony with other team members.
Ability to work as part of a team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures that are performed in high volume.
Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
Ability to use a computer and operate standard office equipment.
Ability to maintain files, records, and databases accurately.
Ability to complete tasks without close supervision and use considerable discretion and mature judgment in interactions with public and interpretation of protected health data.
Ability to understand/ interpret laboratory results and public health law and regulations.
Ability to prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required team timeframes.
Ability to train others.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
n/a

Initial Selection Criteria:
1. Microbiology and Chemistry semester hour coursework from a U.S. accredited college or university or a foreign degree/coursework determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator. Experience working in a clinical, research, or environmental laboratory OR experience in public health may be substituted.
2. Experience working with internal / external customers / general public
3. MUST be able to work hours other than 8 am – 5 pm, weekends and holidays.
4. Experience in training, mentoring, or coaching staff or peers, preferred

Additional Information:
NOTE: When completing your application, include details about your job experience as it relates to the essential functions, knowledge/skills/abilities, and screening information provided on this Position Description. Fax a list of all Microbiology and Chemistry semester hour courses/credit hours to accessHR at 1-866-245-3646. Please note Requisition number on all faxed information. Additional tips on completing the Application are available on-line at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us under "About DSHS - Jobs". Requisition #547740. Location: 1100 W 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756, Laboratory.

Coursework: Include a list of all Microbiology and Chemistry semester hour courses/credit hours on application. Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. must contact Laboratory Personnel Services (512-776-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies.

Work Schedule: Must be able to work holidays and weekends; all employees must work Weekends as assigned. Must be able to work hours other than 8am – 5pm.

Immunizations: Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required: vaccine requirements are consistent with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and other national guidelines for employee groups based upon job duties and tasks.

Risks: High Hepatitis risk.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68S, HM, HS, NAP11, SEI12, 4E0X1, 43HX. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

MOS Code:
68S, HM, HS, NAP11, SEI12, 4E0X1, 43HX

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