Clinical Lab Assistant - Phlebotomist - UNM Cancer Center, (1554)

Tricore; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Job summary

TriCore in Albuquerque is seeking a Clinical Lab Assistant – Phlebotomist to work Monday through Friday 0700–1100 with additional shifts as needed. The role involves performing multiple modalities with supervision and may include a paid apprenticeship for those without experience.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent; preferred certification (PBT ASCP) and completion of a CLA program. Immunization requirements and ability to work variable hours including holidays and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• PBT (ASCP) or equivalent certification preferred.
• Completion of a Clinical Lab Assistant program or comparable training.

Responsibilities

• Perform duties in a professional and courteous manner.
• Maintain supplies and inventory for departmental functions.
• Observe staff and students as needed.
• Demonstrate effective communication with patients, families and staff.
• Handle on‑call responsibilities and hospital communications as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information and documentation.

Skills

Professional communication

Attention to detail

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

PBT (ASCP) or equivalent certification

Completion of CLA program

Job description

Clinical Lab Assistant – Phlebotomist

Schedule: Monday – Friday 0700‑1100 with holidays and other shifts as needed.

Location: UNM Cancer Center

Salary/Hourly: Hourly Position

Job Summary

The Clinical Lab Assistant Phlebotomist works independently with minimal supervision and performs one or more identified modalities. Compensation depends on modalities performed; candidates without experience may be considered for a paid apprenticeship. Regular in‑person attendance during scheduled work hours is essential.

Essential Functions

• Perform duties in a professional and courteous manner.
• Maintain supplies and inventory necessary to perform departmental functions.
• Observe students and new staff as needed.
• Exhibit basic problem‑solving skills to ensure exceptional customer and patient care service levels.
• Responsible for hospital communication responsibilities as assigned, including on‑call responsibilities during scheduled hours (cell phone) by location.
• Demonstrate effective telephone and verbal communication skills.
• Actively demonstrate professional judgment when dealing with clients, patients and co‑workers.
• Perform clerical functions as needed by the department, including, but not limited to, documenting critical communication such as call‑ins in the absence of a supervisor.
• Maintain confidentiality associated with position and access to personal and confidential information.
• Participate in and maintain coverage levels for on‑call as needed/required to meet service levels.
• Participate in coverage for holidays, evenings, and weekends as needed or required.
• Basic PC skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred:

• PBT (ASCP) or equivalent certification.
• Completion of a relevant Clinical Lab Assistant or comparable program.

Immunization Requirements

• Prove immunity to Hepatitis B, or be immunized, or sign a waiver refusing Hepatitis immunization.
• Provide documentation of a PPD test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire, or have a PPD test conducted through TriCore.
• In departments/locations with direct patient contact, prove immunity or be eligible to receive rubella, rubeola, and varicella immunization.

General Requirements

• Valid driver's license. Good driving record. Must be insurable by lab insurance carrier as required by location.
• Eligible to work in a health care facility as provided by the New Mexico Caregivers Criminal History Screening Act or other applicable law.

Minimum Experience

• Candidates with no training or experience may be considered for an apprenticeship.
• Selected candidates will be placed into CLA Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 based on the number of modalities completed on a regular basis. Assigned modalities are determined by the department leadership.

Modalities

• Check‑in and Order Entry/Reconciliation (Clinical, Anatomic, Research, Referral Testing).
  • Identifying patient in system.
  • Reconciling electronic orders.
  • Manual entry when necessary.
  • Insurance/payment when necessary.
• General Phlebotomy (ages 10 and above) including vacutainer, butterfly, and syringe collections.
• Special Collections and/or external shipping certification (e.g., arterial blood gas, pediatric and infant draws).
• Assisting provider‑performed procedures (FNA, bone marrow, EBUS, bronchial lavage).
• Specimen Processing (receipt, sorting, delivery/loading, decanting, retrieval for send‑out testing, surgical sample triage, storage, and disposal).
• Non‑conformity investigation/Problem Resolution (documentation).
• Lab equipment maintenance/support (superuser), chemical and biohazard waste management for non‑testing instrumentation.
• Sample testing (waived to moderate) including instrument maintenance, biohazard disposal, and QC – review results, resolve technical specimen problems, report results, investigate QC/instrument problems.
• Consistent training and/or competency assessments of modalities to employees and/or students (e.g., N95 FIT testing).
• Department‑specific skilled technical assistance (BB‑Product prep, infectious disease specimen processing, genetics and cytometry, histology and cytology).
• Department‑specific clerical or support functions (organization of AP/HP cases, slide filing, consult case management, client material return, unit allocation).
• Skilled inventory management (ordering, receiving, monitoring par levels, end‑of‑month reconciliations).