Laboratory Technician I

Location: Brenham State Supported Living Center, 4001 S HWY 36, Brenham, TX 77833. Agency: Health & Human Services Commission, Laboratory Services. Posting #22534, closes 11/05/2026. Salary: $2,694.33 – $3,946.25/month (Salary Group TEXAS-A-11). Full-time, regular, nonexempt. Day shift: 6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Monday–Friday (1 hour lunch). Telework not eligible. Travel up to 5%.

About the role

Under the supervision of the Medical Director, with some independence and judgment expected, the technician performs phlebotomy on Brenham State Supported Living Center (BSSLC) individuals Monday through Friday. Draws occur at the Health Center Lab or on the homes as circumstances require. After collecting specimens, the technician prepares them for shipment to Austin State Hospital Laboratory and enters all specimen records in the ASH database. The center serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or have behavioral problems, providing campus-based direct services and supports.

Responsibilities

• Draw blood from BSSLC individuals as ordered by primary care physicians or psychiatrists.
• Prepare samples for transport to Austin State Hospital Laboratory per established protocols (spinning down blood, drawing off serum, refrigerating, pooling specimens for 2:00 p.m. courier pick-up).
• Prepare urine samples for transport.
• Label all specimens accurately.
• Maintain an organized, efficient work environment.
• Monitor and order lab supplies to maintain on-hand stock.
• Log all tests to be performed on specimens obtained each day, both manually and in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Document all draws in the EHR (IRIS) with relevant details (site, vein, notable observations).
• Review daily morning lab schedules and communicate any issues to ordering providers.
• Log orders for tests sent to Scott & White Hospital lab in Brenham; obtain and distribute results.
• Schedule appropriate annual, semi-annual, and other recurring lab tests per standing or new orders.
• Perform EKGs as required.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, which may require alternate shifts or locations.
• Attend work regularly; may be required to work specific shifts, rotating schedules, extended shifts, or overtime per agency leave policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalent.
• Experience in phlebotomy.
• Current Phlebotomy Certificate.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Males aged 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Pass fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks (Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System, Nurse Aide Registry, Medication Aide Registry, Employee Misconduct Registry, HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities).
• Subject to random drug testing as a State Supported Living Center employee.
• Flexibility in work hours; willingness to work overtime, extended hours, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Skills

• Strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques, including specimen collection and preparation for transport.
• Familiarity with special processing techniques to optimally preserve specimens.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time-off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Pay

Monthly salary range: $2,694.33 – $3,946.25 (Salary Group TEXAS-A-11).

Schedule

Day shift, 6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour off for lunch. Full-time, regular position. Overtime, extended hours, weekends, and holidays may be required.