Program Technician

Job Summary:

The Program Technician performs program support functions as assigned. May collect, analyze and record specimens for drug testing.

Major Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities

Following is a general listing of the job duties inherent in this position. The employee will also perform other tasks and special projects as assigned or required.

• Aids clients in becoming accustomed to program routine.
• Answers the phone and assists callers as needed.
• Assists clients with finding information and filling out forms as needed.
• Assures facility and client living quarters meet cleanliness and repair standards.
• Attends staff meetings and in-service trainings as assigned.
• Collects samples, including urine, breath, perspiration, and hair for purposes of drug testing.
• Analyzes laboratory findings and checks the accuracy of the results.
• Analyzes samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
• Enters data from analysis of medical tests and clinical results into computer for storage.
• Operates, calibrates and maintains equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Sets up, cleans, and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Signs clients in and out of facility for passes, etc. as approved by counseling staff.
• Completes scheduled rounds and random inspections to ensure that clients and facilities are safe and secure.
• Complies with AICS health and safety policies
• Conveys respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.
• Demonstrates ethical and appropriate behavior.
• Enforces rules and regulations to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of the program.
• Establishes and monitors quality assurance programs and activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory and other program results.
• Inventories and orders supplies needed for carrying out job duties.
• Keeps records and prepares reports as directed.
• Maintains familiarity with AICS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations. Performs job duties accordingly.
• May accompany clients to activities inside the program or in the community..
• May serve as support when a client has an appointment off premises.
• Observes client position holders to see that their duties are completed adequately; reports any issues to counseling staff.
• Observes clients and reports unusual behavior to counseling staff.
• Participates in committees as assigned.
• Provides administrative support to counseling staff.
• Recognizes emergency situations and takes appropriate action, including recognizing and summoning assistance when necessary.
• Reports the need for facility maintenance and repair to appropriate staff
• Represents AICS well in all contacts.
• Works as a team member in performing job duties and assignments

Program Technician Competencies and Performance Expectations

All Program Technicians are expected to:

• Engage in behavior which supports a program setting.
• Develop an understanding of drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, 12 Step programs, confidentiality, professional boundaries, and co-dependency.
• Collect, analyze, report and document laboratory specimens in strict accordance with protocol.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with clients, staffs, and others as needed.
• Keep work, file, and storage areas well organized.
• Maintain records and files in such a way that authorized staff can retrieve needed items without difficulty.
• Communicate clearly with clients, staff, and others.

The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements which may be inherent in the position.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Following are the qualifications required to perform the essential functions of this position. Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Bilingual abilities may be required within certain AICS programs.

A combination of education, training and work experience equivalent to the following:

• High school diploma or equivalency and 2-years work experience.
• Education may be substituted for up to one year of the work experience.

Well-organized person with basic clerical and good alphanumeric filing skills. Prefer job background which includes people contact, both face-to-face and by telephone. Data entry and word processing experience or will train on the job with the requirement that employee demonstrates a learning curve resulting in computer skills adequate for this position within three months of hire.

Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of employment and maintain current thereafter.

Must have a valid California driver license and liability insurance if driving personal vehicle on AICS premises.

Able to stand, bend, stoop, squat and reach for purpose of performing duties such as handling materials stocked on shelves, filing and handling and sorting mail. Routinely lift and move items weighing up to twenty-five pounds; is expected to ask for assistance and use dolly or cart and any heavy items. Vision, hearing, manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination adequate for recordkeeping, writing, and using telephones, computers, and office machinery. Able to move about the facility and other off-site locations.