MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST III - 64007122

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FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY

Bureau of Public Health Laboratories

 Miami Laboratory

Salary Range: $1,551.96 - $2,404.75 Biweekly

SALARY WILL BE BASED ON CURRENT STATE EMPLOYMENT AS WELL AS SKILL AND EXPERTISE

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is an independent, professional position serving as a medical laboratory scientist assigned to the Virology and Bioterrorism (BT) Section of the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories (BPHL) in Miami. This position is responsible for conducting complex medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. In addition to duties in the Virology and BT Section, this position will also perform testing in other sections of the laboratory, including the HIV, Hepatitis, Rabies, Syphilis, GC/CT, Parasitology, and Microbiology Sections. This position has On-Call Duties. This position requires a State of Florida Clinical Laboratory license and

Performs highly complex testing and provides technical support for the Virology and BT Section, including performing conventional and real-time PCR, pyrosequencing, microbiological analyses, serological assays, and other diagnostic assays for potential select agents and other viruses. Accessions specimen and reports results via the Laboratory Information Management System and other methods established by the laboratory. Periodically evaluates safety measures in accordance with internal and external regulations. As appropriate, communicates with clients to ensure appropriate testing. Serves as a member of the BT surge team, as needed. Follows applicable DOH and BPHL at all times and attends all required meetings.

Performs highly complex testing in other sections of the laboratory, as needed, including clinical testing for STIs, rabies virus, parasites, and bacterial pathogens of public health importance. Vaccination against rabies and ongoing monitoring of antibody titers is required. Reports results via the Laboratory Information Management System and other methods established by the laboratory.

Assists in designing and implementing novel assays, including designing and conducting validation or verification studies in accordance with CLIA or other applicable guidelines.

Performs tasks related to quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing in accordance with CLIA requirements and laboratory policies.

Maintains sufficient inventory and supplies and procures service agreements necessary to perform testing.

Assists in packaging and shipping specimens or other materials to reference laboratories or other providers.

Participates in on-call duty assignments with other staff, to provide telephone coverage for the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories. The incumbent will be available to accept all incoming calls after-hours weekdays, weekends and holidays; assess the urgency of each call; and provide an appropriate response. On occasion, a call dealing with selected urgent diseases, or a community-wide emergency will require extensive follow-up and coordination with other departmental units and other organizations/agencies that is beyond the scope of the on-call assignment.  

Performs other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of terminology, principles, procedures equipment, and techniques used in laboratory testing and analysis.

Skill in the use of laboratory equipment and performing clinical diagnostic procedures.

Ability to communicate effectively and work independently.

Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.

Qualifications:

Minimum - Medical Technologist or Public Health Licensure

Preferred - BS

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Miami, Florida

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits.
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year.
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions

(For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);

• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Tuition waivers.
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.   

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans, and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.    

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.