Juvenile Drug Testing/Lab Technician

The Lab Technician is responsible for administering observed drug tests, calibration and operation of lab equipment, and the provision of test results and technical assistance to company staff and governmental agencies that participate in the testing program.    Due to the observed nature of the urinalysis specimen collection, the company may be gender specific in its hiring.  Female technicians may only observe female clients and male technicians will only observe male clients.  
This is an entry-level position. This class requires detail orientation, organization, customer service, being able to work without supervision, good communication skills, and computer competencies.  This position is at-will and serves at the pleasure of The Fourth Judicial District Court.   
Must be 21 years of age at the time of appointment. Applicants will undergo a law enforcement background investigation prior to being considered and continued for employment. Over time, shifts, weekends, and holiday work are required.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Perform laboratory analysis of bodily fluids without direct supervision. Use routine and specialized automated and non-automated laboratory procedures and/or techniques for which the technician is qualified and trained. 
• Operate and ensure the proper functioning of laboratory equipment. Troubleshoot instrument malfunction(s) and use instrument hotline(s) if available to obtain help in resolving instrument problems. Recognize when professional service is required.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment [weekly] to ensure the accuracy of test results. Perform and interpret [daily] quality control as specified in Elko County’s procedures and according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Understand appropriate specimen collection, handling, retention, confirmatory, and transport procedures set forth by Elko County in accordance with regulatory and institutional board guidelines. 
• Collect and handle bodily specimens, including but not limited to:
  1. Urine
  2. Sweat
  3. Oral fluid
• Prepare specimens for analysis and determine the acceptability of samples within established guidelines set forth by Elko County (i.e minimum volume and temperature requirements.)
• Assist in the development of procedures for specimen collection, handling, and transport to maintain specimen integrity and viability.
• Manage Elko County Laboratory Information System (LIS). Principle lead in scheduling and ordering of participant tests. Register participants when checking in to submit samples. Meet all turnaround times.
• Review test results for validity and accuracy. Report test results verbally and through Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Responsible for completing Chain of Custody (COC) forms accurately through Elko County’s Laboratory Information System (LIS). Label all specimens accurately and as required.
• Recognize and identify the technical, instrumental, and/or physiologic causes of unexpected test results. Document appropriate explanatory or interpretive information.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area. Clean bench surfaces and equipment each shift or after contamination or spill.
• Ensures laboratory equipment is neat, clean, and in good repair. Takes appropriate action to advise the Manager or Supervisor of required repairs and maintenance as well as technical difficulties.
• Responsible for Vendor Relationship Management. Maintain an adequate inventory of reagents and supplies. Note the receipt date and lot number on reagents to ensure the oldest stock is used first. Discard outdated reagents and contaminated materials according to policy.
• Collaborates with the technical consultant and maintain all lab requirement for screening purposes.
• Ensure continued education and training to increase efficiency and achieve better outcomes.
• Implement and follow safety procedures and regulations in the laboratory at all times
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Complies with Elko County Policies and Department policies and procedures.
• Communicates tactfully and skillfully with participants, probation officers, law enforcement officers, and other appropriate persons. 

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities necessary for this classification.
• Experience in a lab environment preferred. 

Certifications may be required for specimen collection and lab equipment operation, including but not limited to:

• Certified Professional Collector (CPC)
• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen certification
• Laboratory equipment manufacturer’s certification

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Candidates for this position must be 21 years of age by the time of appointment and successfully complete a pre-employment background check.
• Must be willing to participate in continuing education classes, seminars, and/or conferences to stay current with best practices.

An employee in this position must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon application:
 
Knowledge

• Universal Precautions.
• HIPAA
• OSHA Standards related to specimen collection.
• SAMSHA and NADCP best practices.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of specimen collection.
• Federal regulations, state laws, and agency directives applicable to specimen collection.
• Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). 
• Good Documentation Practice (GDP).
• Inventory management (i.e. Kanban system).

Skills 

• Compose grammatically correct correspondence and reports.
• Perform basic arithmetic.
• Operate a computer sufficient to enter, store, and retrieve data.
• Maintain accurate files and records.

Abilities

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, clients, and service providers.
• Establish rapport and gain the trust of others.
• Accurately record information.
• Maintain composure, interact diplomatically, and make effective decisions in confrontational situations.
• Communicate with individuals who have emotional or mental problems.
• Prepare reports to the Court.
• Deal appropriately with apathy, hostility, resistance, and anger displayed by individual
• Maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
• Observe details accurately and recognize suspicious behavior.  
• Interpret and apply Juvenile Detention Center policies and procedures and explain them to others.
• Perform basic custodial functions.

 An employee in this position must meet the following physical requirements upon application:

• Strength, dexterity, and coordination to use a keyboard and video display terminal for prolonged periods of time.  
• Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for extended periods of time.  
• Dexterity and coordination to handle specimen samples, periodic lifting of specimen samples, stacks of paper or reports, references, and other materials.  Some reach for items above and below desk level.  
• Some bending, reaching, squatting, and stooping to access specimen samples, files, and records are necessary.  
• The manual dexterity and cognitive ability to operate a personal computer using word processing and databases.  
• The ability to interact professionally, communicate effectively, and exchange information accurately with all internal and external customers.  
• Mental stamina to deal with a diverse set of clients.  Ability to appropriately handle stress and interact with others, including supervisors, coworkers, and participants.  
• Regular and consistent punctuality and attendance. 
•  Light lifting (up to 25 pounds) may be periodically required. 
• Generally clean work environment with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, odors, or noise
• Dealing with uncooperative, upset individuals in the office. 
• Incumbents are frequently required to handle specimen samples containing bodily fluids that may contain communicable diseases and cause illness, injury, or disease if handled without care.  

Salary : $18,640 - $22,359