Assistant II, Laboratory

Kaiser Permanente; Lithonia (GA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in Lithonia, GA is seeking a Laboratory Assistant II to support specimen collection and processing under the guidance of the Laboratory leadership. The role emphasizes independence at the facility, proficiency with the laboratory information system, and maintaining patient privacy and PHI per HIPAA.

The ideal candidate will have venipuncture skills across age groups, strong customer service, and the ability to manage test orders and reports with Cerner and EPIC.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience as a Laboratory Assistant.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Basic Life Support required at hire.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the onsite laboratory liaison for the facility and works independently.
• Collect laboratory specimens with venipuncture proficiency on all age groups.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service and professionalism while assisting members.
• Operate and maintain the laboratory information system and EPIC/Cerner for test pending lists and reports.
• Process specimens and ensure proper storage and disposal of materials.

Skills

Venipuncture

Customer service

Teamwork

Professionalism

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication

PHI/HIPAA awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Cerner

HealthConnect/EPIC

Job description

Job Summary:

A Laboratory Assistant II is responsible for the proper collection and processing of laboratory specimens under the direction of the Laboratory Manager, Assistant Manager, Laboratory Supervisor, Assistant Supervisor, Medical Technologist II, Medical Technologist/Technician and/or Lead Lab Assistant. He/she is expected to be proficient in the use of the laboratory information system and KPHC/EPIC to manage test pending lists/test reports (i.e., filing, distributing, faxing) and to maintain supplies associated with laboratory functions. Must demonstrate excellent customer service skills, teamwork, professionalism, good judgment, critical thinking, and organizational skills. Works independently as the only laboratory staff onsite at assigned facility.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Serves as the onsite laboratory liaison for the facility: working lab independently. Record temperatures, troubleshooting when out of range, recording action. Equipment maintenance. Assists with training new lab employees and nursing staff.
• Collect laboratory specimens: Perform venipuncture proficiently on all age groups. Escort members for urine specimen collection to the rest room and explain collection procedure. Follow department policies/procedures for specimen collection, including Standard Precautions. Maintain a professional demeanor/appearance per regional policy while collecting specimens. Research and collect appropriate specimen for the test requested. Address members properly, collecting specimens efficiently with compassion. Clearly explain, ensure understanding of collection/storage instructions for patient take home tests. Promptly respond to requests for venipunctures to be performed in areas outside of the lab. Be familiar with emergency codes and be able to execute appropriate emergency procedures. Protect PHI per HIPAA, including shred or properly dispose of all unused labels. Keep work area/ phlebotomy room clean/stocked with in date supplies, complete checklist.
• Deliver great customer service: Show care and respect for members at all times, resolving issues or finding someone who can. Establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external customers. Prioritize work to meet member/customer needs, e.g., update members of any delay or extended wait time, and verify check-in/walk-in for lab. Consistently displays good communication skills.
• Greet members promptly using good customer service skills (make eye contact, smile). Exhibit competency in Cerner, the laboratory information system. Exhibit competency in HealthConnect/EPIC. Maintain a professional demeanor/appearance per regional policy at all times. Use good telephone etiquette (give name, location). No eating, drinking, chewing gum, or applying makeup, no cell phone usage in patient care and testing area. Process all orders/accurately. Monitor the waiting area for members waiting, using the Caution List. Protect PHI per HIPAA. Keep lab area neat, clean, and stocked with in date supplies & patient instructions.
• Process specimens: Process STATS, coagulation, and other time sensitive specimens immediately. Notify technologist when stats are brought into technical area. Follow through with add-on requests. Follow department policies/procedures for processing specimens. Monitor pending functions/list daily to ensure all collected specimens have been processed. Keep accession area clean/stocked with in date necessary/appropriate supplies, complete checklist. Other duties as assigned.
• Be informed/provide information: Complete all mandatory training, policy/procedure review and competency requirements. Assist with preparation of facility lab, participate in internal DHR inspections, being prepared to answer inspectors questions. Attend department and facility meetings as well as applicable in-service education programs. Responsible for reading and complying with information communicated in Laboratory Newsletters, and Cerner pop-ups. Document quality issues and communicate to supervisor.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of experience as a Laboratory Assistant.

Education

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.

License, Certification, Registration

• Basic Life Support required at hire

Additional Requirements:

• Must demonstrate good customer service skills.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must have a history of punctuality.
• Must have a history of good attendance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum one (1) year of customer service experience.
• Completion of a phlebotomy training program.

Notes:

• Emp will support the Panola Location and surrounding MOBs.