Title: Public Health Laboratory Assistant (Contract)
Type: Contract
Start Date: 8/1/2026
Working Hours: 40 Hours/Week
Wage: $24.50/hr
Hiring Incentive: This position is eligible for a $1000 hiring bonus for qualified applicants.
Benefits: This is a contract position and offers no benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, or vacation. Some benefits may be available through the NC Alliance of Public Health Agencies if desired.
Applicants may submit a resume and cover letter to:
Graham Bundy at [email protected]
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Laboratory Assistant is responsible for performing specimen collection, waived and moderate complexity laboratory testing, specimen processing, and laboratory support functions for Franklin County Health Department clinical programs in accordance with CLIA, OSHA, State Laboratory of Public Health, and departmental policies and procedures. The position also supports Environmental Health by processing bacteriological water samples and ensures the accurate preparation, packaging, and shipment of specimens to reference laboratories.
This position plays an essential role in supporting patient diagnosis, treatment, disease surveillance, and public health services through accurate laboratory practices and quality assurance activities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collect patient specimens through venipuncture, finger stick, heel stick, urine collection, and other approved collection methods.
- Perform laboratory testing according to CLIA regulations and departmental procedures, including but not limited to:
- Blood glucose testing
- Glucose tolerance testing
- Hemoglobin testing
- Urine pregnancy testing
- Urinalysis (dipstick)
- Wet mount microscopy
- Respiratory pathogen testing (Spotfire or equivalent)
- Rapid Group A Streptococcus testing
- Other CLIA-waived testing as authorized
- Prepare, package, and ship laboratory specimens to reference laboratories, including the State Laboratory of Public Health and contracted laboratories.
- Process, incubate, analyze, document, and report Environmental Health bacteriological water samples.
- Perform daily quality control procedures, instrument calibration checks, temperature monitoring, and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Maintain laboratory logs, documentation, and records in accordance with CLIA, OSHA, State Laboratory requirements, and departmental policies.
- Ensure laboratory cleanliness through routine disinfecting, decontamination, and organization of work areas.
- Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and assist with ordering and stocking supplies as needed.
- Participate in required competency assessments, proficiency testing, continuing education, and mandatory laboratory training.
- Maintain certification for packaging and shipping biological specimens.
- Collaborate effectively with providers, nurses, Environmental Health staff, and other clinical personnel to ensure timely laboratory services.
- Assist with laboratory quality assurance and regulatory compliance activities.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
- Clinical laboratory procedures and specimen collection techniques.
- Principles of good laboratory practice (GLP) and laboratory quality assurance.
- CLIA regulations and applicable state and federal laboratory laws and regulations.
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards, laboratory safety practices, and infection prevention and control procedures.
- Basic principles of microbiology, chemistry, serology/immunology, and other laboratory disciplines relevant to public health testing.
- Medical terminology.
- Proper specimen collection, handling, storage, packaging, and transportation.
- Laboratory equipment operation, maintenance, quality control, and troubleshooting.
- Basic statistical methods and data interpretation as applied to laboratory quality assurance and test reporting.
- HIPAA requirements and patient confidentiality standards.
Skills to:
- Perform accurate venipuncture, finger stick, heel stick, and other approved specimen collection techniques.
- Operate laboratory analyzers and equipment safely and effectively.
- Perform laboratory testing in accordance with established procedures and quality standards.
- Maintain detailed laboratory documentation and records.
- Prioritize workload in a fast-paced clinical environment.
- Communicate effectively with patients, healthcare providers, and coworkers.
- Maintain professionalism when working with diverse patient populations.
Ability to:
- Work independently while effectively functioning as a member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
- Exercise sound judgment regarding specimen integrity, testing procedures, and reporting of results.
- Follow written laboratory procedures, policies, and protocols with a high degree of accuracy.
- Adapt to changing laboratory procedures, technologies, regulatory requirements, and training opportunities.
- Maintain flexibility in scheduling to meet operational needs, required training, and continuing education.
- Maintain confidentiality of patient information.
- Provide excellent customer service to patients and staff.
- Maintain a high level of attention to detail while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
One of the following is required:
- Associate’s degree in medical technology from an accredited institution
- Completion of a certified Laboratory Assistant or Medical Laboratory Assistant program or a comparable course from an accredited institution; OR
- Graduation from high school or GED and two (2) years of laboratory experience in a clinical or public health setting; OR
Experience performing venipuncture and specimen collection is preferred.
ADDITIONAL LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid North Carolina Driver's License.
- Ability to successfully complete all required laboratory competency assessments.
- Completion of required State Laboratory of Public Health training programs, including laboratory competency, wet mount, microscopy, and packaging/shipping of biological specimens as required.
- Must maintain compliance with CLIA, OSHA, HIPAA, and Franklin County Health Department policies.
- Completion of all required agency emergency preparedness and mandatory training.
- Successful completion of a criminal background check.
- Required vaccines: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis).
- Must complete a two-step TB skin test.
- Reimbursement available for required vaccines and TB testing.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching throughout the workday.
- Frequent use of fine motor skills for specimen collection and laboratory testing.
- Ability to lift and move laboratory supplies weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Frequent exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious materials, bodily fluids, and laboratory chemicals requiring the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Occasional weekend or holiday work may be required to meet operational or laboratory testing needs.
Pay: $24.50 per hour
Work Location: In person
