Lab Assistant

Community Health Systems; Poplar Bluff (MO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) matching

Student loan repayment

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Life insurance

Job summary

Community Health Systems is seeking a Lab Assistant to support laboratory operations, including phlebotomy, specimen processing, and quality control. You will assist with diagnostic procedures, maintain safety standards, and support staff with routine testing while ensuring accurate sample handling and data entry in LIS/EMR systems.

Responsibilities include preparing specimens, labeling, and transporting them, maintaining equipment, and contributing to process improvements.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety protocols.
• Experience operating laboratory equipment and performing routine maintenance.
• Familiarity with LIS/EMR and data entry responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Assists laboratory staff in performing routine tests following proper protocols.
• Prepares and processes specimens with correct labeling and transport.
• Maintains and reports on laboratory equipment; assists with troubleshooting.
• Performs phlebotomy procedures (finger sticks, venipuncture, heel sticks) as trained.
• Ensures safety, infection control, and HIPAA compliance in daily work.
• Documents lab procedures and specimen information in LIS/EMR systems.
• Stocks supplies and maintains inventory for daily operations.
• Cleans and disinfects surfaces and equipment to meet safety standards.
• Assists with data collection and process-improvement initiatives.
• Collaborates with healthcare providers and lab staff to optimize workflow.

Skills

Laboratory procedures knowledge

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Education

Laboratory assistant training or phlebotomy program

High school diploma or GED

Tools

LIS

EMR

Job description

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Future Security: 401(k) with matching
• Student Loan Support – Up to$10,000 repayment assistance, because we invest in your future.
• Educational Tuition Assistance
• Competitive Pay & Full Benefits – A salary and package designed to reward your expertise and dedication.
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance

Job Summary

The Lab Assistant performs supportive laboratory duties, including phlebotomy, specimen processing, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and quality control assistance. This role ensures the laboratory operates efficiently by assisting with diagnostic procedures, maintaining safety protocols, and supporting laboratory staff in routine testing and analysis. The Lab Assistant is responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked work environment while adhering to regulatory and safety standards. The Lab Assistant supports laboratory operations by performing phlebotomy procedures, preparing specimens for testing or transport, and assisting with specimen processing and data entry. This role ensures accurate identification, labeling, and handling of specimens in accordance with laboratory protocols, safety standards, and regulatory guidelines. The Lab Assistant contributes to timely and efficient patient care by maintaining clear communication and operational support within the lab.

Essential Functions

• Assists laboratory staff in performing routine tests used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, following proper laboratory protocols.
• Prepares and processes specimens, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and transport according to laboratory procedures.
• Maintains laboratory equipment, ensuring it is in good working order, reporting malfunctions, and assisting with routine troubleshooting.
• Performs, finger sticks, venipunctures and heel sticks on patients of all ages in accordance with the laboratory policies and procedures
• Ensures compliance with safety and infection control standards, including proper handling of biohazardous materials and chemical reagents.
• Logs lab procedures and specimen information into the laboratory information system (LIS), ensuring accuracy and compliance with documentation protocols.
• Performs quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) tasks, assisting in documentation and regulatory compliance efforts.
• Stocks laboratory supplies and maintains inventory, ensuring necessary materials are available for daily operations.
• Cleans and disinfects work surfaces, equipment, and laboratory spaces, ensuring compliance with safety and infection control guidelines.
• Assists with data collection and performance improvement projects, actively participating in process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborates with healthcare providers, laboratory staff, and other departments to ensure efficient specimen processing and workflow.
• Ensures positive patiient identification by using two patient identifiers and labeling specimens at the patient's bedside to prevent errors.
• Collect timed specimens as ordered, prioritizing and efficiently completing phlebotomy tasks to meet clinical needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Completion of a laboratory assistant training or phlebotomy program or training course required or
• A combination of education and experience (i.e., 1-2 years) as a phlebotomist may be considered in lieu of program completion
• H.S. Diploma or GED required
• 1-2 years of experience in a laboratory, healthcare, or clinical setting required
• 1-2 years Experience with specimen processing, laboratory equipment, and quality control procedures required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and medical terminology.
• Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment and perform routine maintenance tasks.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, ensuring timely completion of laboratory support tasks.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with laboratory staff, healthcare providers, and patients.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow safety protocols, HIPAA regulations, and laboratory compliance standards.
• Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) and electronic medical records (EMR).