Lab Technician

Position Summary:

The Lab Technician executes all Health Empowerment & Access Team (HEAT) testing, phlebotomy, and laboratory services for HIV, HCV, and STIs for participants referred to GLIDE’s low-barrier prevention programs. This position performs high-volume phlebotomy, CLIA-waived and moderate complexity testing, quality assurance on lab tests, and specimen processing and transport to off-site laboratories.The role serves as an HIV/HCV/STI test counselor, providing one-on-one risk reduction counseling, sexual health education, and referrals to healthcare and social support services. The technician also supports clinical research activities including specimen collection, processing, documentation, and delivery in compliance with Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and regulatory protocols. This position requires an understanding of how trauma and social determinants of health impact participant engagement. The job involves direct participant contact with diverse, high-risk individuals with complex needs, as well as substantial community outreach including street and neighborhood settings. Regular and predictable on-site attendance is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform high-volume phlebotomy (venipuncture) for STI testing, RNA confirmatory testing, and research specimens.
• Perform CLIA-waived and moderate complexity testing including rapid HIV, HCV, and syphilis tests.
• Process specimens and prepare samples for transport to off-site laboratories in accordance with all safety requirements and sample integrity standards.
• Provide HIV, HCV, and STI risk reduction counseling, risk assessment, and disclosure sessions to individuals seeking confidential testing.
• Build rapport, provide supportive counseling, and discuss/address barriers preventing linkages to primary medical care and HIV/HCV-specific care.
• Complete accurate client records in CTL and electronic case management systems.
• Conduct HIV/HCV treatment readiness assessment with eligible clients and provide treatment education and supportive counseling to at-risk individuals who have not tested for HIV/HCV or to HIV/HCV-positive individuals that are out of care.
• Perform blood draw collections regularly for STI testing and RNA confirmatory testing with all clients testing reactive for HIV or Hep C in community-based settings.
• Maintain regulatory compliance through proper documentation and implementation of research specimen testing, collection, processing, and shipping.
• Organize and store samples in accordance with all safety and other requirements of personnel and integrity of samples.
• Maintain daily records, temperature logs, and equipment logs.
• Maintain quality controls and perform quality assurance on all testing supplies and equipment.
• Educate, empower, and support clients to make informed decisions regarding their utilization of relevant services to achieve their safety, health and wellness goals.
• Provide in-house and external referrals to clients as needed.
• Conduct street and community outreach in settings where clients gather and/or live to provide testing services.
• Assist with mobile testing, SRO-based testing, health fairs, and special events (e.g., Dore Alley, Folsom Street Fair).
• Ensure all tests are properly performed and documented per clinic guidelines for point-of-care testing.
• Document and maintain client records for services provided in accordance with all state and federal privacy laws.
• Fulfill monthly documentation of testing services, activity reports, and other data in relevant databases.
• Participate in internal staff meetings, in-service training, and other coordination meetings as it pertains to service delivery and operations.
• Adhere to professional boundaries and standards. Understand and follow basic ethics, values and principles of clinical regulatory practices.
• Adhere to all laws and requirements regarding HIPAA, confidentiality, child/adult protective services, contractual agreements, etc.
• Assist Testing Manager in promoting testing services, linkages to care, and prevention education.
• Assist with other HEAT Programs activities, including syringe access services (SAS) and other provision of safer use supplies, street outreach, and community-based pop-up events.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of equivalent work experience providing HIV/HCV/STI prevention education, phlebotomy, and/or testing to similar populations, OR equivalent combination of education and direct service experience.
• Current California State Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT-1) certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• CA Rapid HIV/HCV Test Counselor certification strongly preferred or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 3 months of hire.
• Demonstrates understanding of Harm Reduction as a public health model for social justice.
• Familiarity with social determinants of health (SDOH) and how they impact people experiencing homelessness and other marginalized populations.
• Experience with venue-based testing and street-based settings (mobile testing, SROs, health fairs).
• Experience working with people who use drugs (PWUD) and people living with HIV/HCV.
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing techniques, counseling principles, and health education.
• Comfortable working in an environment with potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens (with appropriate PPE).
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and exercise sound judgment.
• Excellent attention to detail, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Demonstrates cultural humility and ability to work effectively across cultures.
• Valid California Driver’s license in good standing strongly preferred.

Experience and skills that are a plus:

• Experience with CLIA-waived and moderate complexity testing in an outpatient setting.
• Experience facilitating mobile testing, SROs, health fairs, and health access special events.
• Bachelor’s degree in public health, clinical laboratory science, or related field.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, Cantonese, Russian, or ASL.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• CA Rapid HIV/HCV Test Counselor certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Licensed Phlebotomist or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work on a computer and see details of objects at close range.
• Ability to hear within normal range, and communicate effectively (in person, telephone or Zoom).
• Finger dexterity and the ability to use all standard office equipment.
• Sit or stand comfortably; and the ability to navigate throughout office spaces (via elevator or stairs).