We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment. At the Multnomah County Health Department we are all inspired by the mission: We work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and promote health and wellness for everyone and we uphold the values: Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities.

The Laboratory Technologist will collaborate closely with other clinic personnel to deliver high-caliber diagnostic testing and patient care for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by conducting a variety of laboratory tests and procedures. This position will contribute to disease surveillance, quality assurance, and research initiatives. The laboratory staff will serve clients by providing the highest standard of medical testing and encouraging professional growth and performance while working as a team in an environment that fosters mutual respect and collaboration.

Within the Health Department, a respectful, trusting, and understanding work environment is fostered for the diverse populations served both in the office and in the community. All employees are responsible for promptly reporting any behavior that might disrupt the establishment of a workplace free of unlawful discrimination or harassment.

This Limited Duration Assignment is expected to last up to one year; although Limited Duration Assignments may end at any time.

As a Medical Technologist, your responsibilities will include:

Clinical Laboratory Functions:

• Conduct comprehensive laboratory tests, encompassing general and routine bacteriology, bio-terrorism response, sexually transmitted infections (STAT lab), hematology (including complete blood count, differentials, and flow cytometry), parasitology, bacteriology, serology, endocrinology, and urinalysis. These tests provide vital data for disease diagnosis and treatment.
• Adhere strictly to standardized laboratory protocols and procedures to guarantee accuracy, precision, and safety in all laboratory operations.
• Collaborate with clinic staff, such as clinicians and support personnel, to implement effective infection control measures, optimize patient care, and contribute to disease control efforts.
• Ensure proper collection, labeling, storage, and inventory management of laboratory specimens and supplies.
• Collect lab samples from clients (phlebotomy), CT/GC swabs

Laboratory Data Management and Reference Specimen Maintenance:

• Enter laboratory data promptly and accurately into designated laboratory information management systems (LIMS), electronic databases, or other computer systems.
• Archive and preserve reference specimens for potential future analysis and comparisons.

Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP) Participation:

• Actively participate in disease surveillance and reporting activities, including timely and accurate reporting of STI cases and related data to the Oregon Health Authority, as mandated by Oregon’s GISP program.
• Process laboratory samples in accordance with the County and state GISP agreement, adhering to established protocols and guidelines for disease surveillance and control.
• Implement and maintain robust infection control measures, ensuring proper specimen handling quality control to maximize isolate viability and minimize contamination.
• Assign unique identification numbers to isolates, freeze them, prepare them, and ship them monthly to the GISP regional Antimicrobial-Resistance Laboratory Network (ALRN).
• Maintain and store duplicates of submitted isolates within the Public Health Laboratory.
• Prepare and ship additional specimens to the ARLN upon request from the CDC.

Operational and Administrative Clinic Lab Maintenance:

• Participate actively in quality assurance activities, such as proficiency testing, internal audits, and external quality control programs, to ensure accurate and reliable laboratory results.
• Calibrate, repair, and maintain laboratory equipment, instruments, solutions, and supplies essential for testing and procedures.
• Perform quality control checks on testing kits, strips, reagents, and equipment.
• Purchase reagents, chemicals, and supplies from external vendors, complying with established procurement rules and regulations.
• Administer point-of-care testing competencies for STI/HIV.
• Contribute to research activities related to STI testing, treatment, and prevention, as directed by program objectives or senior staff.
• Stay informed about the latest laboratory techniques, equipment, and requirements through continuous education and professional development opportunities.

TO QUALIFY:

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.
 

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

• Education: equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
• Experience: one (1) to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) through American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).
• CPR certification is required.

Preferred Qualifications/ Transferable Skills*:

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Phlebotomy