Clinical Assistant

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 50,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA seeks a patient care associate to support clinical operations with a focus on accurate data collection, specimen handling, and basic phlebotomy tasks. You will work within a multidisciplinary team to ensure timely care and patient safety.

Responsibilities include vital signs, specimen collection, labeling, and EMR documentation, with mandatory training and competency assessments as required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2 years of equivalent experience in a medical setting.
• Phlebotomy certification may be preferred based on location.
• BLS Certification within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Identify patients and maintain HIPAA compliance.
• Record vital signs and other measurements in EMR.
• Collect specimens and label accurately with patient present.
• Perform phlebotomy and EKG where applicable.
• Transport patients, specimens, and equipment per policy.
• Notify staff of changes in patient conditions.
• Maintain stock of medical supplies and equipment.
• Assist with medical record preparation.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Busy patient care setting

Technical proficiency

Professionalism

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College coursework preferred

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensures proper patient identification and maintains patient safety, privacy, confidentiality and follows guidelines under HIPAA.
• Obtains and records vital signs, pain screens, weights and heights accurately into Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Reports changes and/or abnormalities in vital signs; findings that are outside of defined parameters; and changes in patient’s conditions to the nursing/medical staff in a timely manner.
• Obtains specimens (urine, stool, sputum, etc.) and ensures accurate labeling in presence of patient. Instructs patients/family members in collecting specimens.
• Performs phlebotomy and EKG as applicable and is competent in the two patient identifier practice.
• May precept with specific training.
• Assists with disease center specific procedural needs as applicable.
• Transports patients, medical records, specimens, blood components, equipment and supplies in accordance with Institute policy.
• Ensures that all patients on schedule are accounted for and communicate with providers/patients and colleagues as to approximate wait times.
• May be required to assist with research specific patient data entry as required.
• Assures that all clinical areas have an adequate stock of medical supplies, equipment, and forms.
• Assist with medical record preparation.
• Properly cleans and maintains equipment and patient care environment.
• Maintains a working knowledge of current computer systems used in clinical areas.
• Understands and utilizes the telephone/pager systems, including text paging staff, call system and emergency response system.
• Provides proactive instruction and time expectations to patient and family.
• Communicates patient and family status difficulties and concerns to appropriate staff.
• Attends mandatory training and education sessions, completes mandatory annual competency assessments and follows Institute policies.
• Accepts additional responsibilities based on the changing needs of patients, families, staff and unit.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to function in a busy work setting with patients with complex needs.
• Demonstrates proficiency in technical skills.
• Demonstrates respectful and courteous behavior toward peers, co-workers, visitors and management.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; college coursework preferred.
• Clinical Qualification:
  • 2 years of equivalent experience in a medical setting.
  • Phlebotomy certification may be preferred based on location (Yawkey 2, Satellites).

License/Certification/Registration Required

BLS Certification required within 60 days of hire.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Patient Contact

Yes, all ages

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high‑risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School‑affiliated hospitals.

Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

EEO Poster

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$50,000.00 - $62,853.73