LABORATORY ASSISTANT

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local healthcare clinic in Santa Barbara is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to support the medical staff with duties including phlebotomy, injections, and routine tests. The role requires at least 2 years of experience in a medical setting and a phlebotomy certificate. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with healthcare teams. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to patient-centered care in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in a medical care setting.
• Certification in Phlebotomy required.
• Ability to communicate effectively and follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Perform phlebotomy and manage specimen processing.
• Administer injections and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Ensure quality control and assist providers with patient care.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Injection Administration

Customer Service

Communication

Medical Terminology

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

EHR Systems

Standard Laboratory Equipment

Job description

Under the supervision of the Clinic Manager, the Laboratory Assistant is responsible for supporting the licensed medical staff in a clinic setting with phlebotomy and routine tests including injections, immunizations, point of care tests, CLIA waived tests, etc., while maintaining high customer service standards. This position supports patient-centered care by working collaboratively to deliver timely results and follow-up for laboratory testing which supports optimal patient outcomes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs phlebotomy and processing of specimens to be sent to outside laboratory.
• Injects patients with medications after verification by a provider, to the extent permitted by law.
• Performs finger sticks and TB skin tests.
• Measures and describes skin test reaction in Electronic Health Record system (EHR) and reports to provider any reactions exceeding thresholds.
• Performs CLIA waived In-House tests ordered by providers.
• Maintains quality control of all In-House laboratory tests.
• Operates and maintains standard laboratory equipment (e.g., DCA, HemoCue, INRatio2, Autoclave, and Glucometer).
• Reviews and processes orders from EHR for laboratory testing of patients.
• Records In-House test results in Electronic Health Record system.
• Reviews and updates all “Immediate Follow Ups” for Pap tests in case management software daily.
• Inventories and orders all laboratory supplies and reviews laboratory invoices for accounts payable.
• Cleans and restocks laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Maintains monthly calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Helps with review and correction/completion of Quest Diagnostics denials.
• Assists the Call Center staff by reviewing patients’ charts and informing them when a patient is due for laboratory tests, immunizations, etc.
• Administers immunizations as directed by providers.
• Utilizes CAIR2 (CA Immunization Registry 2) for vaccine inventory and administration of all patients receiving vaccines; enters patient demographic and immunization information into CAIR2 and into the EHR.
• Assists provider staff in addressing abnormal laboratory results by contacting patients and getting them a walk‑in or same day appointment to discuss results with the provider.
• Provides ABN forms to Medicare only patients before doing any laboratory procedures.
• Works with QI and Compliance Manager to address CoCasa reports or any other laboratory reports.
• Maintains a safe environment in the laboratory.
• Keeps work area clean and in an orderly manner.
• Checks email upon arrival every morning and throughout the day to keep himself/herself informed of day to day functions and important communications with administration and clinic staff.
• May need to cover at other sites if needed.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrates understanding of and observe all SBNC policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Demonstrates successful work‑related behaviors.
• Attends all required SBNC meetings and trainings.
• Interacts with patients, physicians, staff, vendors, and visitors in a positive manner that reflects the SBNC mission and philosophy.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Seeking candidates with at least 2 years of prior experience in a medical care setting, including phlebotomy and injection experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of: Medical terminology; laboratory safety practices; use of standard software such as Windows, Word and Excel.
• Ability to: Draw blood and perform injections as permitted by certification; follow verbal and written instructions; communicate effectively; use basic office equipment including computer, copy machine, fax machine, and postage meter.
• Preferred Qualifications: Ability to speak fluent Spanish as well as English. Minimum keyboard speed of 45 WPM.
• Physical Demands: May be required to lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal range. Ability to move about.
• Certification/License: Phlebotomy certificate required. Successful completion of SBNC’s staff skills checklist within three months of the date of hire.