Position Overview The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to perform theduties of Clinical Laboratory Technologist 2. Under direction, performs professional work in a Statelaboratory, subject to the provisions of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), USFDA,USEPA, and Select Agent Rules. The duties of the position include, but not limited to, conductingcomplex tests, performing standard and specialized analytical microbiology procedures to detectthe presence of enteric pathogens in clinical specimens, design and evaluate new testing methodsand technologies, and provide training to lower level personnel. Job Responsibilities 1. Conducts complex tests. Performs specialized techniques (cultural, biochemical, serological, and microscopic) toidentify enteric pathogens in clinical specimens and/or specimens referred by otherlaboratories and hospitals. 2. Cultures feces, urine, blood and/or food, etc., using special processing techniques andselective media for the isolation of salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, E. coli and otherEnterobacteriaceae causing communicable gastrointestinal infections, by using selectivemedia and special antisera for speciation of above groups. 3. Instructs and trains new and lower technical staff in the identification of enteric pathogens. Confers with unit supervisor concerning abnormal or unusual results and resolution oftechnical problems. 4. Provides assistance to other units. Prepares samples/specimens for testing. Performs tests following appropriate laboratory procedures. Analyzes results. Prepares reports of findings. Performs preventative maintenance on testing equipment. 5. Reports diagnostic test results. Compiles statistical information. Discusses interpretation of laboratory findings with physicians, local health agencypersonnel or other laboratories. 6. Performs routine and preventative maintenance, calibration, and care of standard andspecialized laboratory equipment. Prepares and maintains records of analyses and compiles data for periodic summaryand statistical reporting. 7. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope pf thoseenumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications Requires a Bachelor’s degree in medical technology from a recognized college or university,supplemented by one year’s professional clinical laboratory experience or a bachelor’s degreefrom a recognized college or university in one of the chemical, biologic, or physical sciences. Two years professional clinical laboratory experience. Preferred Qualifications Working knowledge of methods and techniques of clinical laboratory analysis. Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of microscopes, analytical balance, andcentrifuges. Thorough knowledge of applying sterile techniques and maintaining accurate records. Thorough knowledge in the use of complex specialized techniques for the detection ofchemical and biological substances in clinical specimens. One year experience of laboratory related software programs. Extensive knowledge of CLIA regulations regarding biochemical laboratories. One year experience of Clinical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Microbiologylaboratory techniques. One year experience interpreting laboratory reports using laboratory information managementsystem. Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Work Location: 2121 W Taylor St Chicago, IL 60612-4224 Agency Contact Email: DPH.HRApplications@illinois.gov Phone #: 217-785-2031 Job Family: Sciences and Natural Resources
Department Overview
In Illinois, if you have eaten at a restaurant, required hospital or nursing home care, vacationed at a campground or swam at a public beach or pool, drank a glass of milk, got married or divorced ,had a baby, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has touched your life in some important way.
Assuring the quality of our food, setting the standards for hospital and nursing home care, checking the safety of recreation areas, overseeing the inspection of milk producing farms and processing plants, maintaining the state's vital records and screening newborns for genetic diseases are just some of the duties of IDPH.
In fact, IDPH has 200 different programs that benefit each state resident and visitor, although its daily activities of maintaining the public's health are rarely noticed unless a breakdown in the system occurs. With the assistance of local public health agencies, these essential programs and services make up Illinois' public health system, a system that forms a frontline defense against disease through preventive measures and education. Public health has provided the foundation for remarkable gains in saving lives and reducing suffering. ...Today, life expectancy is 80 years for women and 74 years for men compared with fewer than 50 years at the at the beginning of the 20th century.
In the past, IDPH directed state efforts to control smallpox, cholera and typhoid, virtually eliminated polio, reduced dental decay through fluoridation of community water supplies, and corrected sanitary conditions that threatened water and food supplies.
Today, IDPH has programs to deal with persistent problems that require continued vigilance – infectious diseases, such as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and meningococcal disease; foodborne and communicable diseases, such as E. coli 0157: H7, monkeypox, salmonella and West Nile virus; vaccine preventable diseases; lead poisoning; lack of health care in rural areas; health disparities among racial groups, breast, cervical and prostate cancer; Alzheimer's disease; and other health threats -- sexually transmitted diseases, tobacco use, violence, and other conditions associated with high-risk behaviors. In addition, IDPH has been charged with handling the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the threat of bioterrorism.
IDPH, which is one of the state's oldest agencies, was first organized in 1877 with a staff of three and a two-year budget of $5,000. IDPH, now has an annual budget of $2.9 billion in state and federal funds, headquarters in Springfield and Chicago, seven regional offices located around the state, three laboratories, and 1,200 employees.
IDPH is organized into 12 offices, each of which addresses a distinct area of public health. Each office operates and supports numerous ongoing programs and is prepared to respond to extraordinary situations as they arise.
