AR Lab Coordinator

Location: AUSTIN, TX

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

Functional

Title:

AR Lab Coordinator
Job Title: Education Spclst III
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Microbiology
Closing Date: 08/25/2026
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $6,800.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 20%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL)
Other Locations: Austin

Under general supervision of the Microbiology Unit Quality Improvement and Testing Support Branch manager, performs highly complex (senior-level) consultative services, technical assistance, and advanced public health laboratory education with a focus on the antibiotic/antimicrobial resistance (AR) laboratory testing program. Serves as an AR Laboratory testing programs liaison to submitters, as well as regional and state healthcare associated infections (HAI) and AR programs.

Responsible for planning, overseeing, coordinating, and expanding education, outreach, recruitment, training, evaluation, and communication associated with AR Laboratory testing and other public health laboratory surveillance programs. Educate submitters on requirements for sample collection and shipment, and changes in analytical testing services. Supports submitter engagement and coordinates specimen submission and reporting. Create and update educational materials, recruitment materials, and presentations. Assist healthcare providers with the use of DSHS remote access data services, investigate and reduce unsatisfactory specimens, and other AR and program related activities.

Evaluate AR and other laboratory surveillance activities to identify successes, gaps, barriers, and opportunities, and recommending corrective actions, developing action plans, and monitoring progress, to improve effectiveness and efficiency. Provides consultative services and coordinates communication with the Healthcare Safety Unit and other infectious diseases programs staff, the general public, stakeholders, and public health facilities staff, including but not limited to physicians, nurses, and hospital staff.

Assist with Microbiology Specimen Logistics when applicable. Highly advanced verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills required. Actively participates in the safety program. Duties are performed under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

EFJ #1 (35%) Submitter Engagement and Coordination:
Acts as the AR Laboratory liaison and the initial main point of contact for submitters. Maintains and updates a contact list of submitters. Performs sample recruitment activities and provides technical assistance. Coordinates sample submission, result reporting, and sample shipping to CDC and AR Lab Network regional laboratory. Collects, organizes, and analyzes data and information and prepares reports in response to requests for AR laboratory information.

Monitors Texas ARLN and other email boxes for customer questions and requests, providing answers or forwarding to appropriate specialty area as needed. Serves as a resource on the AR laboratory policies and procedures. Prepares and shares reviews of literature, statutes, rules, or policies. Facilitates and processes special projects and routine requests associated with AR and other Microbiology specimens including open record requests.

Assists with the development of AR response plan and other program procedures and manuals for the AR laboratory in accordance with program objectives and goals. Coordinates and conducts tours of the laboratory as needed.

EJF #2 (30%)

Education:

Oversees, coordinates, leads, and collaborates with program staff to plan, develop, and implements educational program, processes, and materials to increase public and provider awareness, understanding, and compliance with AR laboratory testing including laboratory procedures. Determines the methodology and delivery of educational training. Develops educational materials and presentations and presents information about AR and other laboratory surveillance sample collection, submission, testing requirements and processes, and reporting protocols.

Composes and distributes notices, hints, and reminders. Maintains and updates AR testing laboratory website content and accuracy. Performs regular review of website, documents, forms, and other stakeholder resources. Oversees, guides and participates in the development of informative materials and…