CLINICAL LAB ASSISTANT

Independence Health System - Westmoreland Area; Plum (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a dedicated laboratory assistant to support the processing and handling of specimens. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, ensuring accurate specimen management and efficient workflow in a clinical environment. This role requires a high school diploma and offers opportunities for growth within the healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• Strong ability to communicate complex topics to diverse audiences.
• Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assists in preparation and tracking of laboratory specimens.
• Maintains operational readiness of work area.
• Interacts with healthcare professionals to expedite laboratory services.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational Skills

Critical Thinking

Communication

Math Proficiency

Keyboard Proficiency

Multi-tasking

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Assists technical staff in the preparation, processing, handling and tracking of laboratory specimens. Competent in general laboratory support services such as computer system order entry, registration of patients, procurement and handling of specimens and orders. May work in clinical lab, cytology and microbiology.

Essential Job Functions

• Demonstrate competency in appropriate computer system functions
  • Assures accuracy of patient specimen identification, data entry, and transcription of information.
  • seeks resolution of questionable information in a timely manner
  • utilizes effectively order entry system to place requests for supplies and services and aid in trouble shooting
  • ensures continuity of communication from physician orders through to resulting
  • monitors various reports to track specimens and/or results
  • retrieves information in an efficient manner providing timely resolution to inquires
  • Maintains a general understanding of the HIS-LIS exchange of information and the overall information requirements to ensure accurate completion of communication transactions.
• Responsible for receipt and pre-analytic examination of patient specimens
  • verifies the correct identification of patient specimens and laboratory orders
  • accessions patient specimens and orders accurately and completely to ensure successful and timely progression of testing
  • labels specimens according to departmental policy to ensure correct specimen identification through processing to reporting of results
  • maintains knowledge of current specimen requirements to assess basic specimen integrity
  • forwards specimens to appropriate laboratory sections in a timely manner to maintain departmental efficiency
• Prepares and processes laboratory specimens appropriately to ensure specimen integrity through the pre-analytic phase and post-analytic phase.
• Plans and utilizes time effectively and efficiently to maintain optimal testing turnaround time
  • uses time to departmental advantage by filling in with office work, assisting technical staff, performing general housekeeping duties, putting away supplies, or performing other duties as necessary
  • demonstrates ability to deal with changes in priorities to provide smooth and consistent workflow
• Maintains operational readiness of work area to ensure continuity of operations
  • organizes records/reports to enable timely retrieval of information
  • facilitates distribution of supplies and information between hospital employees and physician offices
  • assures work area is organized, stocked and clean
• Interacts with various health care professionals to obtain or exchange information to expedite laboratory services.
  • retrieves requested information in a timely manner
  • effectively communicates specimen collection requirements as requested
  • handles telephone communications with courtesy, accuracy, and respect for confidentiality
  • seeks guidance or asks for assistance from appropriate personnel regarding unusual requests or problems
  • effectively communicates and/or obtains documentation for continuity of workflow
• Compliance with all established guidelines as documented in technical policies and procedures as related, but not limited to:
  • quality control
  • quality assurance
  • record retention
  • requisitions and orders
  • billing
  • biohazard waste management
  • safety
  • specimen packaging and shipping.
• Actively begins breath alcohol training and urine drug screen training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]

Required Qualifications/Experience

• High School Diploma, GED or higher level of education.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
• Basic Math and Keyboard Proficiency
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
• Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Experience as a lab assistant.
• Experience in laboratory specimen procurement and receiving position or enrolled in an appropriate clinical Laboratory program.
• Experience in a specimen receiving position.
• Experience as phlebotomist.
• Experience handling patient specimens.
• College/Technical school experience with laboratory specimens
• Core course completion in a Biological Science, or related field
• Experience in Healthcare setting.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment
Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

Physical Condition

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Extreme Heat

x

Extreme Cold

x

Heights

x

Confined Spaces

x

x

Mechanical Hazards

x

x

Use of Vibrating Tools

x

Operates Vehicle (company)

x

x

x

Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices

x

Rotates All Shifts

x

x

x

x

x

On-Call

x

Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hrs/wk)

x

x

x

x

x

x

Respirator Protective Equipment

x

Eye Protection

x

x

x

Hearing Protection

x

Hand Protection

x

x

Feet, Toe Protection

x

Body Protection

x

x

Latex Exposure

x

x

Solvent Exposure

x

x

Paint (direct use) Exposure

x

Dust (sanding) Exposure

x

x

Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure

x

x

x

x

x

Mist Exposure

x

x

x

x

Laser Exposure

x

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

Physical Condition

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

x

x

x

x

Walking

x

x

x

x

Climbing Ladders

x

Standing

x

x

Kneeling

x

Squatting (Crouching)

x

Twisting/Turning

x

x

Keyboard/Computer Operation

x

x

Gross Grasp

x

x

x

x

Hand/Arm Coordination

x

x

Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)

x

20#

Carry

x

5#

Transfer/Push/Pull Patients

x

Seeing Near w/Acuity

x

x

Feeling (Sensation)

x

x

x

x

Hearing Clearly

x

x

Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead

x

x

Reaching Above Shoulder Level

x

x

Reaching Forward

x

x

Lifting Floor to Knuckle

###

x

10#

Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle

###

x

5#

Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder

###

x

10#

Lifting Shoulder to Overhead

###

x

5#

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Qualifications

Education

Required

HS Diploma or better.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.