Specimen Processing Technician

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Public Health Job Classification Title Medical Laboratory Technician (S) Position Number 60041257 Grade MH06 About Us The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Description of Work This position serves as a Specimen Processing Technician within the Central Accessioning Unit of the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health, performing routine, standardized pre‑analytical tasks for clinical and environmental specimens submitted for testing. The technician ensures specimens meet regulatory requirements and NCSLPH acceptance guidelines and accurately accession them using both the Lab Web Portal—an online system used for submitting, tracking, and accessing laboratory test requests and results—and LIMS, the internal system used to manage sample data, testing workflows, and reporting within the laboratory. The Specimen Processing Technician supports timely and accurate documentation by monitoring specimen movement in these systems and communicating with internal units and submitters to maintain efficient workflow. The position functions under supervision in a structured laboratory environment and performs work aligned with the Medical Laboratory Technician role, emphasizing standardized procedures and quality expectations in pre‑analytical operations. Key Duties Include: - Perform daily Central Accessioning receiving tasks to prioritize specimens according to required turnaround times and advance them through pre‑analytical steps. - Monitor unit logs using the Lab Web Portal and LIMS to confirm all received specimens move to the next processing stage in a timely manner. - Check specimen acceptability against established requirements and accurately accession high‑volume specimens for multiple tests. - Document specimen discrepancies and communicate with providers, clinical staff, and couriers to resolve issues and maintain data integrity. - Operate, troubleshoot, and perform basic maintenance on pre‑analytical instruments, including label printers and automated bulk‑loaders. - Follow PPE requirements, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures to ensure compliant pre‑analytical workflows. - Participate in training sessions and support quality improvement activities consistent with CLIA and SLPH quality practices. - Collaborate with clerical/data entry, customer service, mailroom/receiving, and laboratory units to maintain accurate specimen routing and efficient operations. - Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked work area to support continuous unit throughput and readiness. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Range: $39,435.00 - $59,154.00 Recruitment Range: $39,435.00 - $39,435.00 Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.  The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:  Expertise managing high‑volume specimen intake workflows using the Lab Web Portal and LIMS, consistently tracking, routing, and advancing specimens to meet required turnaround times. Documented skills in troubleshooting and maintenance experience on pre‑analytical instruments—including label printers and automated bulk‑loaders—to minimize processing delays and sustain continuous unit operations. Demonstrated accuracy evaluating specimen acceptability against regulatory and NCSLPH acceptance guidelines, with reliable accessioning of multiple test types in a high‑throughput environment. Experience adhering to PPE requirements, safety protocols, and established SOPs, with documented participation in quality improvement activities aligned to CLIA and SLPH quality practices. Proven effectiveness documenting and resolving specimen discrepancies through direct communication with providers, clinical staff, and couriers, maintaining data integrity and seamless pre‑analytical workflow. REPOST - Previous Applicants Do Not Need To Reapply In Order To Be Considered For This Vacancy Employees in this position must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA ’88 personnel requirements of Testing Personnel in a laboratory performing high complexity testing. Applicants must attach copies of their transcript(s) and/or certification(s) to be considered for the position   The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date This Position Is Designated As Mandatory And Must Report Or Stay Over During Adverse Weather Events Physical Requirements: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negotiable amount of force constantly to move objects.  If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time.  This position involves repetitious tasks and tasks requiring manual dexterity.  About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH): The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state. About the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH):    The State Laboratory of Public Health (SLPH), we provide medical and environment