Nature and Variety of Work

The Prince George's County Government Department of Corrections is seeking qualified applicants to fill a Laboratory Assistant I/II position, grade Q12-14, within its Community Corrections Division.

About the Position:
This is a dually allocated position whereby the incumbents will be non-competitively promoted to a Laboratory Assistant II, after serving a successful 12-month probationary period.

This is an entry level to full performance technical position. Incumbents are assigned to the drug monitoring laboratory at the Department of Corrections, where they are responsible for the collection and testing of urine samples and the maintenance of test result records. Incumbents must strictly adhere to maintaining the chain-of-custody protocol and client confidentiality. Work is performed under direct supervision of the Unit Chief, and is reviewed for quality and conformity to instructions.

• This position is considered "Essential". The incumbent selected for this position must be willing to stay or report to work during emergencies such as a man-made crisis or inclement weather when other county employees have been granted administrative leave.

Examples of Work

What You'll Do:

• Establishes the identification of individuals providing samples.
• Accurately and thoroughly explains the testing and consent form to individuals to be tested.
• Observes samples being voided to ensure sample integrity.
• Completes thorough quality assurance procedures according to the manufacturer's protocol.
• Performs all tests up to six (6) panels for Cocaine, Opiates, Phencyclidine (PCP), Marijuana, Alcohol, and Creatinine.
• Completes and maintains collections and result logs.
• Submits a copy of logs to the supervisor and Case Managers.
• Receives information from Court Officials requesting drug analysis and drug testing to be performed on specific defendants.
• Enters test information and related data in the laboratory computer system.
• Prints reports as requested.
• Maintains confidentiality of all work performed.
• Willingly and cooperatively performs tasks and duties which may not be specifically listed in the class specification or position description, but which are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.

Qualifications

What You'll Need:

• A high school diploma supplemented by either three (3) months of laboratory experience or college level coursework in chemistry or other related physical science.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

Additional Information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
1. Be willing to work in a Correctional Facility.
2. Obtain and remain current with NCIC certifications.
3. Pass a thorough background investigation.
4. Pass a drug screen and subsequent random drug screens.
5. Be willing to workday/evening shifts and weekend hours and holidays.
6. Pass a physical examination that includes TB testing.
7. Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

LOCATION: 13400 Dille Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

DURATION OF ELIGIBILITY: Applicants will be selected from a temporary register of eligible candidates, which will become effective approximately four (4) weeks after the closing date. Once a selection has been made, the register will expire.

ELIGIBILITY TO WORK:

• Some knowledge of the fundamental principles and practices of chemistry.
• Some knowledge of routine laboratory practices, techniques and terminology.
• Some knowledge of scientific instruments, equipment and apparatus used in a chemical laboratory.
• Some knowledge of, or the ability to acquire a knowledge of, report preparation and record keeping.
• Ability to make observations skillfully and accurately.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to receive and follow instructions, both orally and written.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform routine laboratory tests and procedures specified by superiors.

Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, an employer is required to hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to show and verify authorization to work in the United States.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S., only after an offer has been accepted and the Form I-9 is completed. For information on E-Verify, or if you believe the County has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or visit their website at dhs.gov/e-verify.

Internal Applicants: If you are a current Prince George's County Government employee and seeking a promotion, in accordance with Section 16-200 of the Personnel Law, you have the right to appeal a not qualified rating within five (5) working days of receiving a rejection notice. Union employees should refer to their respective collective bargaining agreement and/or union representative for their grievance procedure.
ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.