Laboratory Technician Central Accessioning

Federal Grant Funded Position

This is a FEDERAL GRANT FUNDED position and is subject to available grant funds.

Who We Are: We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in communities throughout the state. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters. What We Offer: As a member of the DPH team, you will join a group of passionate individuals dedicated to serving Georgians. Regardless of your role, you will contribute to protecting lives while enjoying a wide range of benefits.

• Make a Professional Impact Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play.
• Enjoy Workplace Flexibility Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and the people of Georgia.
• Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team Collaborate with employees who share ideas and leverage collective strengths.
• Achieve Career Longevity Take advantage of opportunities for learning and development that support a long-term career.
• Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture Work in a unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role.
• Feel Pride in Where you Work Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like yourself.

Job Responsibilities

Under broad supervision, the Accessioning Laboratory Technician performs a range of duties essential to the accurate and efficient processing of laboratory specimens.

• Performs specimen processing in the Central Accessioning Laboratory, ensuring all samples are prepared for testing according to established protocols.
• Handles and processes specimens within a Biosafety Cabinet following all safety and contamination-prevention procedures.
• Maintains laboratory work areas and equipment to support a clean, safe, and compliant environment.
• Works in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting to receive, sort, open, and remove specimens from mailing containers and bags.
• Manages workflow within assigned Accessioning Units to ensure all specimens received throughout the day are processed in a timely manner.
• Verifies patient identifiers on specimens against corresponding requisition forms, promptly notifying the supervisor or designee of any discrepancies.
• Conducts visual inspections of specimens to determine acceptability for processing or testing based on non-technical criteria (e.g., damage, leakage, labeling accuracy, presence of required identifiers).
• Investigates discrepancies or issues involving specimens or requisition forms, utilizing available resources to resolve problems effectively.
• Ensures requisition forms are accurately time- and date-stamped, specimen temperatures are recorded, and all specimens are handled appropriately based on acceptability standards.
• Prepares, packages, and ships specimens designated for send-out testing.
• Performs accurate and timely data entry of patient and specimen information.
• May provide guidance or oversight to lower-level staff in the absence of the Supervisor or Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma/GED and two (2) years of experience in a laboratory setting or a related area, which one (1) year in a lead worker, team leader, or supervisory role; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower level Laboratory Tech 3 (LST032) or position equivalent.

• Certification as a Laboratory Technician
• Associate degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, or a bachelor's degree in a related field with at least one year of laboratory experience.
• Certification must be obtained within 18 months of hire.

Additional Information

The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.

The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information

State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Relocation assistance is not provided.

In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

ADA Statement: DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email View email address on click.appcast.io.

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview. DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

BENEFITS

Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance.

Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.