CLINICAL LAB ASSISTANT - BUTLER

Independence Health System; Butler Township (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Independence Health System in Butler Township, Ohio, is seeking Phlebotomists and Specimen Processors to assist in preparing and handling laboratory specimens. Candidates must have a High School Diploma or GED and strong communication abilities. The role includes verifying patient specimens and maintaining operational readiness.

Qualified candidates will demonstrate organizational skills and a proficiency in computer functions, ensuring timely processing and communication of vital health information.

Flexibility in scheduling and willingness to adapt are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Strong ability to communicate complex topics clearly.
• Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist technical staff in processing, handling, and tracking lab specimens.
• Verify and label patient specimens accurately.
• Ensure operational readiness of work area and assist with communication.

Skills

Leadership ability

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Basic math proficiency

Multi-tasking ability

Critical thinking skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Attention Phlebotomists & Specimen Processors 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 computer system functions:
  • Assure accuracy of patient specimen identification, data entry, and transcription of information.
  • Seek resolution of questionable information in a timely manner.
  • Utilize the order entry system to place requests for supplies and services and troubleshoot.
  • Ensure continuity of communication from physician orders through to results.
  • Monitor reports to track specimens and/or results.
  • Retrieve information efficiently to provide timely resolution to inquiries.
  • Maintain a general understanding of HIS‑LIS exchange to ensure accurate completion of transactions.
• Responsible for receipt and pre‑analytic examination of patient specimens:
  • Verify correct identification of patient specimens and laboratory orders.
  • Accession patient specimens and orders accurately to ensure timely testing.
  • Label specimens according to departmental policy.
  • Maintain knowledge of current specimen requirements to assess basic specimen integrity.
  • Forward specimens to appropriate laboratory sections in a timely manner.
• Prepare and process laboratory specimens to ensure integrity through the pre‑analytic and post‑analytic phase.
• Plan and utilize time effectively to maintain optimal testing turnaround time:
  • Use time to assist technical staff, perform general housekeeping duties, put away supplies, or other duties as necessary.
  • Demonstrate ability to adapt to changes in priorities to maintain smooth workflow.
• Maintain operational readiness of work area to ensure continuity of operations:
  • Organize records/reports for timely retrieval of information.
  • Facilitate distribution of supplies and information between hospital employees and physician offices.
  • Ensure work area is organized, stocked, and clean.
• Interact with various health care professionals to obtain or exchange information to expedite laboratory services:
  • Retrieve requested information promptly.
  • Effectively communicate specimen collection requirements.
  • Handle telephone communications with courtesy, accuracy, and respect for confidentiality.
  • Seek guidance or assistance for unusual requests or problems.
  • Communicate and/or obtain documentation for continuity of workflow.
• Compliance with established guidelines in technical policies including quality control, quality assurance, record retention, requisitions and orders, billing, biohazard waste management, safety, specimen packaging and shipping.
• Actively begin breath alcohol training and urine drug screen training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competency and Experience

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 of nursing practice.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and or controversial topics 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 laboratory assistant.
• Experience in laboratory specimen procurement and receiving position or enrollment in an appropriate clinical laboratory program.
• Experience in a specimen receiving position.
• Experience as a phlebotomist.
• Experience handling patient specimens.
• College/technical school experience with laboratory specimens.
• Core course completion in a biological science or related field.
• Experience in a 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.

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.

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.

Physical Demands

• Handling of 50 lbs or more requires assistance (two‑person lift) or a transfer device.
• Use of lift and transfer devices, respiratory, eye, hearing, hand, foot and body protection.
• Movement tasks: walking, standing, kneeling, squatting, reaching overhead, lifting objects up to 20 lbs and carrying up to 5 lbs.
• Adherence to CDC guidelines: goggles, face shield, mask, and respirator protection when required.

Equal Opportunity Employer 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.