Details
Posted: 02-May-22
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Type: Full Time
Internal Number: 22-01318
The Fairfax County Health Department is a progressive public health leader serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. With more than 100 years of leadership in the field, we are committed to promoting population health, protecting public health and the environment, and ensuring residents' equitable access to health services and information.
Under general supervision, performs a variety of paraprofessional laboratory work in support of clinical and environmental laboratory programs. May collect clinical specimens, including COVID-19, as required, performs procedures for accessioning, receipt, assessment of sample appropriateness, and labeling of client samples. Under direct supervision, may perform CLIA waived testing (Rapid COVID-19, Urine dipsticks, etc.) Operates, monitors, and maintains basic laboratory equipment, such as autoclaves, glassware washers, centrifuges, and balances. Provides clean and sterilized glassware for use in the public health laboratory. Weighs and prepares accurate chemical buffers, media, and solutions. Prepares standard microbiological media and other laboratory reagents; maintains equipment, including incubator, small refrigerator, autoclaves, and water baths. Prepares diagnostic test kits and reviews, packages, and labels customer supply orders for delivery to clients. Assists in maintaining laboratory inventory including receiving and conducting physical inventory of materials and supplies. Sterilizes medical waste and documents correct disposal in accordance with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Performs related clerical duties (i.e. answering telephones, photocopying, filing, backup courier duties, etc.) and performs complex data entry of demographic information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS). Establishes workflow and provides training and guidance to staff in duties of this position, and performs related work as required.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all inclusive list.)
Knowledge of basic principles of biology, chemistry, mathematics and techniques in a clinical or environmental laboratory;
Knowledge of quality control, documentation, quality assurance, and professional and regulatory standards of laboratory practice in a certified laboratory;
Knowledge of laboratory hazards and procedures;
Skill in the maintenance and use of laboratory equipment;
Ability to apply problem-solving skills to resolve issues;
Ability to read, interpret, and follow direction of safety procedures;
Ability to pay close attention to detail;
Ability to work independently and part of a team;
Ability to think critically and to utilize problem-solving techniques;
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
Ability to operate, maintain and properly read various laboratory instruments;
Ability to interpret and follow standard technical instructions;
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Any combination of education, experience and training equivalent to high school graduation education plus three years of related experience within a clinical or environmental laboratory setting.
Click here to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to"CERTIFICATION AND LICENSES REQUIRED:Driver's License
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - CPR (Required within 60 days)
AED (Required within 60 days)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Self-motivated, results-oriented individual with experience working in a medical environment, possessing knowledge of medical/laboratory terminology, and processing of samples submitted for clinical laboratory testing. Possess ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing; ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
Must be detail oriented, accurate in data entry, organized, possess excellent customer service skills, and able to work in a fast paced team environment. Possess strong decision-making and organizational skills; ability to troubleshoot issues and problems with limited supervision. Preference given to applicants with an associate's degree in a related science.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, see, and hear. Job is generally sedentary in nature, however, job entails walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, reaching, and bending; uses hands to grasp, handle, or feel. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor and laboratory equipment. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to work with small instruments and delicate laboratory equipment. The incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment and possess the ability to communicate with others verbally and in writing. Employee must be able to drive a motor vehicle and may be required to lift up to 25 lbs. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
NECESARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a driving records check, a child protective services registry, and a sanction screenings to the satisfaction of the employer.
All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs may be subject to a weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.
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. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.
