NBS Specimen Logistics Tech II

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Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: NBS Specimen Logistics Tech II 
Job Title: Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Quality Assurance 
Posting Number: 14949 
Closing Date: 03/30/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $3,409.83 - $4,252.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-16 
Shift: Regular Weekend Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,60C,68S,68Z,HM,HS,MED,NAP11,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the general supervision of the Newborn Screening Specimen Logistics Group Manager, performs complex public health work in the Newborn Screening (NBS) Program.  Responsible for conferring with healthcare providers that submit NBS laboratory specimens about specimen issues. Serves as a resource to provide training regarding acceptable NBS specimen quality, required parameters for the completion of patient and specimen demographic information, remote demographic services, requirements regarding the storage of dried blood spots after completion of the newborn screen, and other NBS activities. Independently makes decisions on the accuracy of software-generated demographic comparisons and electronically links first and second newborn screening specimens using protected health information and advanced procedures. Processes Use and Storage of Newborn Screening Blood Spot Cards, as needed. Prepares newborn screening specimens for long term storage and approved releases. Maintains proper laboratory Quality Assurance documentation. May evaluate and assist with development of educational materials. Trains/mentors new and current employees, as needed. Extensive use of highly complex computer systems and databases. Actively participates in the safety program.  Duties are independently performed with general supervision, adherence to standard protocol and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EFJ 1: (35%) Demographic Verification: For newborn screening specimens that are potentially unsatisfactory contacts NBS specimen submitters regarding missing or invalid specimen demographic information, specimens received too old to test, and specimens with questionable or incorrect electronically submitted demographic information. Ensures appropriate identification and documentation of demographic information, obtained by telephone or fax, to prevent the rejection and required recollection of NBS specimens. For NBS specimens undergoing laboratory testing that have demographic information issues conducts research of previous specimen information in database or by conferring with specimen submitters. Ensures updates to demographic information or results are completed. Documents all changes and maintains databases and logs of submitter errors and specimens saved from rejection. Provides education and training to submitters to improve specimen quality and reduce the rate of unsatisfactory specimen submission due to demographic or collection form issues.

EFJ 2: (15%) Specimen Transport and Notification:  Coordinates and expedites delivery of specimen bundles to the testing laboratory for specimen punching in preparation for testing. Disseminates information about bundle readiness, pickup times and delays to punching room coordinator and lab staff. Transports potentially unsatisfactory specimens for quality assessments. Verifies review markings and forwards discrepancies to appropriate staff for final review. Notifies submitters of specimens deemed unsatisfactory to expedite specimen recollection. Provides additional facility contact when babies with unsatisfactory specimens do not have another specimen submitted.

EJF 3: (15%) Specimen Destruction Processing: Manages the storage and destruction of specimens as required by law. Identifies and verifies accuracy of specimens to be processed for destruction, prepares specimens for pickup, and maintains accurate documentation and logs. Serves as a resource on the NBS Program decision form processing and specimen storage. Processes Use and Storage of Newborn Screening Blood Spot Cards forms, as needed.

EJF 4: (15%) Linking:  Performs linking of first and second newborn screening (NBS) specimens. Independently reviews demographic information and makes significant decisions on the accuracy of software-generated demographic comparisons. Electronically links first and second newborn screening specimens. Follows procedures and guidelines to ensure accurate linking. Uses Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) software to create daily work-lists and weekly reports. Performs daily processes for priority linking of specimens with potentially abnormal Cystic Fibrosis results. May contact NBS submitters to obtain additional patient information to complete accurate links to ensure the timely delivery of potentially abnormal specimens for Cystic Fibrosis testing. Performs priority linking of specimens with unsatisfactory Severe Combined Immunodeficiency results to expedite specimen recollection or follow-up. Serves as a resource on the specimen linking process.

EJF 5: (15%) Customer Service: Serves as a resource for the NBS lab and provides customer service to submitters, parents, and lab staff including, but not limited to, specimen collection, specimen acceptability, timeliness, specimen processing, storage and use, remote demographic services, and investigating and troubleshooting of issues. Processes approved residual specimen release. Coordinates the confidential shredding or archiving of documents to meet retention requirements. Trains/mentors new and current employees, as needed.

EJF 6: (5%) Other Duties as Assigned: Performs other duties as assigned. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Current social, economic and public health issues.
• Public health laws, regulations and general medical/clinical laboratory, principles, techniques, and terminology.
• Educational techniques and procedures.

Skill in:

• Problem solving and working independently.
• Disseminating information to and eliciting information from customers.
• Providing customer service to medical personnel and the public via telephone, fax and in person.
• Collection and handling of protected health data and other confidential records.
• Creating, maintaining and using electronic reports and spreadsheets.
• Using Word, Excel, Access, Windows, and Internet.
• Use of business grammar, proofreading and editing for creation of educational materials.

Ability to:

• Interpret, understand and adhere to applicable public health laws and rules relating to legislatively mandated newborn screening and associated confidential information.
• Maintain several projects simultaneously.
• Communicate effectively, orally via the telephone, in writing and by personal contact.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Interact effectively with staff. Ability to work in harmony with other team members.
• Work as part of a team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures that are performed in high volume.
• Follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Use a computer and operate standard office equipment.
• Climb stairs and use ladders/step-ladders.
• Lift/push/pull/carry packages up to 40lbs repeatedly throughout a workday.
• Maintain files, records, and databases accurately.
• Complete tasks without close supervision and use considerable discretion and mature judgment in interactions with public and interpretation of protected health data.
• Understand/ interpret laboratory results and public health law and regulations.
• Prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required team timeframes.
• Train others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

n/a

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Experience in customer service using verbal and written communication as evidenced in the application. Prefer experience providing customer service or technical assistance to healthcare providers, staff, or the general public.
2. Must be able to work hours other than 8 am – 5 pm, as indicated on the application.
3. Prefer experience working in a clinical, research, or environmental laboratory.
4. Prefer Associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in microbiological, chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution. Experience in applicable public health programs such as laboratory or newborn screening may be substituted.
5. Prefer experience in training, mentoring, or coaching staff or peers.

Additional Information:

Work Schedule: Must be able to work holidays and weekends; all employees must work Weekends, as assigned. Must be able to work hours other than 8am – 5pm.

Immunizations: Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required. Vaccine requirements are consistent with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and other national guidelines for employee groups based upon job duties and tasks.

Risks: High Hepatitis risk.

Coursework: Include a list of all Microbiology and Chemistry semester hour courses/credit hours on application.

Environmental or Hazard Demands of Essential Job functions:

• Working:
  • Lifting/Pushing/Carrying/Pulling up to 40 lbs; Climbing stairs/step-ladders; Indoors; Sitting; Walking; Hearing; Vision
• Exposure to:
  • Human blood, bodily fluids, tissue or wastes

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form