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Employment Opportunity

9/22/2026

Laboratory Assistant

This position is in the classified civil service.  The Laboratory Assistant position is included in a voluntary recognition bargaining unit (union), which may include union dues. This position is located in the Drug Testing Laboratory of the Common Pleas Court’s Probation Department and is responsible for the direct observation and collection of urine specimens from defendants for illegal drugs and/or alcohol. Specimens are obtained from Probation Department clients and outside agencies. This position works closely with the Laboratory Manager to ensure that strict adherence to laboratory protocols, policies, and procedures are maintained.

 

Department: Probation
Reports To: Laboratory Manager
Starting Salary:

$ 0

$42,556.80

Essential Duties and Responsibilities


1. Directly observing urine collections from offenders of the same sex in accordance with established protocols;
2. Monitoring sign-in and identification of clients prior to specimen collection;
3. Perform pre-analytical specimen processing (e.g., numbering of specimens, etc.);
4. Performing a variety of other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties. Other duties may be assigned.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities


To perform this job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following:

1. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with Lab staff, Probation Department staff and other Court employees, outside agencies and the public;
2. Ability to communicate and elicit cooperation from offenders in order to check identification and obtain specimens for testing;
3. Ability to follow established collection and identification procedures;
4. Ability to report unusual incidents in writing;
5. Proficiency in spelling, grammar and simple math skills;
6. Attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to understand and follow instructions;
7. Effective time management, reliability and punctuality;
8. Ability to work collaboratively, constructively and positively in a team environment;
9. Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information;
10. Ability to interact professionally on a regular basis with a diverse population within the Court’s jurisdiction, including people from many different geographic, socioeconomic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds;
11. Professional appearance and demeanor.

 

Education and Experience


Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment


The physical demands described here represent those an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job.  The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

This position requires working in a laboratory environment. Potential exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous chemicals and potentially bio-hazardous specimens are controlled through standard safety precautions (e.g., gloves and fluid-resistant lab coats when necessary).  This position requires direct observation of urine specimen collection with clients who may be uncooperative and/or potentially disruptive, requiring the ability to assess, de-escalate and remain calm and professional while appropriately responding to unpredictable, potentially volatile high-risk situations.  However, security is on the premises. Frequent contact occurs with laboratory staff and other Court personnel, defendants and other clients.  Occasional contact may occur with judges and probation officers regarding specimen collection and/or results.

 

The normal hours of operation for the Court are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  This position requires some work beyond normal hours, including evenings and weekends to cover extended laboratory hours (currently 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Friday).  Please note that laboratory hours and staff work hours are subject to change based on operational need.

Proof of education and employment references will be required before final interview. The Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas requires submission to a criminal history background check, finger printing and drug testing for employment. The selected candidate must successfully complete a six-month probationary period. This position requires the direct observation of urine specimen collection from male defendants/clients. Due to the privacy sensitive nature of the collection process, male sex is a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) for this specific assignment. Accordingly, applicants for this vacancy must be male. Applicants must submit a letter of interest and resume to: 

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court
Gregory Popovich - Court Administrator
1200 Ontario Street
Justice Center 11th Floor
Cleveland, Ohio 44113

(e-mail: infosys@cuyahogacounty.gov)

 

Click here to download a .pdf of the job description.

 

THIS POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED

 

 

 

 

All applicants will receive notification of their application status.  No phone calls or e-mails please. 

Reasonable accommodation may be available to qualified employees and applicants; please contact the Director of Human Resources for Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court at 216-443-8560.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

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For more information, visit the following websites:

http://cp.cuyahogacounty.us/internet/News.aspx

www.cuyahogacounty.us