DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Address:

250 N. 17th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $38,720 

Grade: 15

This Posting is for Current Internal ADHS Applicants ONLY.

Initially, participates in assigned activities of the Shipping/Receiving section. Work includes activities related to the receipt of specimens/samples which includes preparation and shipping of specimen/sample collection kits and shipping containers; receiving supplies; follows state and federal regulations, quality assurance and administrative procedures; and assists with send outs. Displays professional demeanor in all situations with customers and summarizes dialogue to show understanding in customer service.

Advances to assist in the Analytical Preparation Services section. Receives and sterilizes infectious materials; sort and wash reusable laboratory glassware and apparatus. Monitor sterilization cycles and determine when contaminated materials may safely be handled and/or disposed of. Performs equipment procedures and quality assurance documentation. Assemble scientific equipment and laboratory glassware for chemical cleaning using automated systems; perform quality control testing and documentation; and ensure appropriate procedures are used. Prepare a wide variety of laboratory equipment and materials for sterilization by steam. Assist with inventory management.

Prepares sterile and non-sterile microbiological culture media and reagents using approved regulatory procedures and techniques. This involves compounding or preparation of various chemicals into reagents and microbiological media. Components of these reagents and media are often classified as hazardous materials and knowledge of safe handling is required. The position also performs chemical analytical testing on laboratory water samples for pH, chlorine and conductivity.

Receive packages for delivery and infectious and/or hazardous samples for testing, verify condition and paperwork and enter/verify samples in LIMS and prepare for testing sections. Meticulously document activities, notify leadership of concerns and out of specification readings or activities.

Ensures that the customer service needs of submitters, programs and laboratory staff are met during hours of operation. Communicates with submitters and program staff to provide information regarding specimen and sample submission and to resolve problems with shipments. Documents and researches customer complaints to determine appropriate resolution of problem.

Performs packing and shipping of Category A and Category B infectious substances in alignment with state and federal requirements (USDOT/IATA) and internal processes and procedures. Reviews incoming orders and performs packing and shipping of sample/specimen kit orders to submitters.

Organize stockroom and assist with inventory management. On occasion may be requested to pick up or drop off items (specimens, reports, equipment, etc) for the laboratory at other locations.

Process infectious materials for disposal, including autoclaving and discarding. Monitor sterilization cycles and determine when contaminated materials may safely be handled and/or disposed of. Clean glassware, receptacle, and utensils with manual cleaning in the sink or mechanical cleaning using a washer/disinfector.

Prepare reagents and media, including autoclaving. Participate in reagent and media formula review and maintenance. Manage ingredient and media inventory for timely preparation of media, reagents, and supplies.

Provide feedback on changes to procedures relating to the processes within the Shipping/Receiving and Analytical Preparation Services sections. Assist in the process of writing or updating new procedures and in the dissemination of information.

Keep records, assist with quality control and quality assurance activities and if requested assist with training other staff.

Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%)

Knowledge of:
-Extensive laboratory terminology
-Shipping, handling, and labeling requirements for sending and receiving collection kits and specimens
-Principles of scientific processes and analytical techniques
-Laboratory procedures
-College level algebra and their use in scientific formulation
-Use of scientific reference material
-Safe handling and decontamination of biological and chemical waste
-Quality control and quality assurance practices
-Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Lean methodologies.

Skill in:
-Computer data entry / writing skills
- Training skills
-Organizational skills
-Record keeping
-Trouble shooting technical issues
- Efficient and safe operation of office and laboratory equipment.
- Effective communication.
- Computer operation, including: network procedures, Microsoft Office including Word and Excel, Google cloud software including Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar and Hangouts, internal laboratory information management system.
- Data entry, data retrieval, and report generation.

Ability to:
-Operate scientific equipment
-Communicate with staff, supervisors and managers
-Multi-task
-Work independently
- Learn personnel policies and procedures.
- Perform manual tasks necessary for receiving packages.
- Problem solve.
- Learn analytical services provided by our laboratory, the agencies we provide these services to, and the proper collection kits and laboratory forms required for submissions.
- Assist the general public, couriers and laboratory staff with problems concerning laboratory specimens.
-Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.

Preference given to Bachelor's degree in Biological or Physical Science that included laboratory coursework in the basic sciences appropriate to the assignment OR Education including courses in biological or physical sciences that included laboratory work and laboratory experience in a appropriate field.

Driver's license.
A current Shipping of Infectious and Biological Substances Division 6.2/IATA training or to obtain training as soon as it is offered or within one year of hire.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
− Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
− Paid vacation and sick time
− Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
− 10 paid holidays per year
− Wellness program and plans
− Life insurance
− Short/long-term disability insurance
− Defined retirement plan
− Award winning Infant at Work program
− Credit union membership
− Transit subsidy
− ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will contribute to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27-week wait period for contributions to begin.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-1085. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.