Laboratory Assistant - Full Time

Jupiter Medical Center; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Jupiter Medical Center in Town of Florida is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to perform data entry and monitor phlebotomy draws. In this role, you'll organize workflows, maintain vital logs, and provide support to the lab staff.

Candidates should have a High School education and strong communication skills. The environment is fast-paced, requiring clear interaction with clinical staff and adherence to safety protocols. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a leading healthcare facility.

Qualifications

• Recognized national certification certificate preferred.
• Must communicate professionally with coworkers and supervisors.
• Strong skills with computer data entry and multiple IS systems.
• Precise hand-eye coordination required for lab procedures.
• Able to learn requirements for over 2000 tests.

Responsibilities

• Perform data entry and workflow monitoring of lab draws.
• Organize workflow to improve efficiency and maintain logs.
• Answer phones and manage phlebotomy inventory.
• Support lab technical staff with specimen processing.
• Complete all required competencies in a timely manner.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer data entry

Hand-eye coordination

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

High School Graduate or Equivalent

Job description

Ranked #1 for Safety, Quality and Patient Satisfaction, Jupiter Medical Center is the leading destination for world-class health care in Palm Beach County and the greater Treasure Coast. Outstanding physicians, state‑of‑the‑art facilities, innovative techniques and a commitment to serving the community enables Jupiter Medical Center to meet a broad range of patient needs. Jupiter Medical Center is the only hospital in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties to receive a 4‑star quality and safety rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Education

• High School Graduate or Equivalent

Experience / Qualifications

• Recognized national certification certificate, (i.e. ASPT, ASCP) preferred.
• Must be able to communicate with coworkers, supervisors, and physicians in a professional, customer service manner at all times.
• Strong skills with computer data entry, must be able to learn more than one IS data entry system and utilize more than one computer system to track and receive orders.
• Special Skills: precise hand to eye coordination and finger dexterity is necessary to perform procedures, obtain specimens and use electronic/computerized equipment.
• Able to learn specimen requirements for over 2000 tests; timing of draws, and anatomy for correct collections.
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to self‑direct and exercise independent judgment in situations requiring follow‑up and discussions with clinical staff and/or other areas of Laboratory to ensure completeness of task and customer satisfaction.
• Works well in a team environment to accomplish common tasks to solve problems and enhance the smooth and efficient flow of the department.

Position Summary

The Laboratory Assistant performs computer data entry and workflow monitoring of all pending phlebotomy draws.

• Maintains pending log lists.
• Organizes workflow to improve efficiency.
• Answers phones, faxes report, maintains phlebotomy inventory.
• Maintains a clean environment, including lab equipment and work benches.
• Performs various tasks to support the laboratory technical staff; specimen procurement, specimen processing, lab testing, send outs and the maintenance of quality assurance records.
• Understands quality control and expected results for POCT tests performed.
• Completes all associated competencies in a timely manner.
• Expedites all specimens based on the level of priority (e.g., STAT, Timed, Routine and etc.).
• Acts as the front line for laboratory customer service by disseminating excellent communication over the phone and in person, resolves specimen issues presented by clinical staff and is able to identify/resolve specimen recollection opportunities.
• May also process microbiology specimens and will be required to crosstrain to perform Phlebotomy when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Team Member Competencies

Establishing Relationships

Builds effective networks, working relationships, and alliances in order to collaborate effectively within department and organization. Can relate to all kinds of people regardless of background; find topics and common interests that can be used to build rapport with others.

Peer Support

Provides guidance and feedback to help others strengthen knowledge/skills needed to accomplish tasks, solve problems, and perform effectively within the team.

Inspiring and Motivating Others

Fosters commitment and cohesiveness by facilitating cooperation and working as a team within the organization toward goal accomplishments. Work well with others, build consensus, and ensure cooperation to complete tasks and positive workflow.

Demonstrating Emotional Intelligence

Exercises self‑leadership, self‑awareness, and self‑regulation; manages emotions so that they are expressed appropriately; leads others by showcasing adaptability, empathy, and social skills.

Acting with Integrity

Interacts with others in a way that is seen as direct and truthful; ensures confidence in individual and organizational motives and representations. Acts in a way that is consistent with personal and organizational values by keeping confidence, promises, and commitments. Clearly states goals and beliefs; informs people of their true intentions, does what they say they will do; follows through on commitments.

Being a Champion for Change and Innovation

Supports people in their efforts to try new things. Things creatively, generates novel and valuable ideas and uses these ideas to develop new or improved processes. Accepts new ways of doing things and adapts to change.

Communicating Effectively

Speaks and writes clearly, conveys information in a concise, organized, and logical manner. Is adept at tailoring the message to fit the interests and needs of the audience. Listens attentively and exercises tact, discretion, and diplomacy when interacting with members of the department and organization.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Treats all people with dignity and respect. Demonstrates an open‑minded approach to understanding people regardless of their gender, age, race, national origin, religion, ethnicity, disability status, or other characteristics. Challenges bias and intolerance. Develops all‑inclusive groups in the realms of social interaction and communication. Shows respect for the beliefs of others; encourages and promotes practices that support cultural diversity; discourages behaviors or practices that may be perceived as unfair, biased, or critical toward people with certain backgrounds.

Physical Requirements

Standing on feet 65% of shift while performing lab test. Sits up to 4 hr/day on chair while doing paperwork. Walking up to 50 yards per day. Lifting: 1‑10 lbs from floor to counter level, PRN to replace reagents. Carrying: 1‑10 lbs distance <50 yards; several times a day. Pushing: 1‑5 < 50 yards several times a day. Squatting: several times a day to reach cabinets, equipment. Twisting: Upper body 45 degrees; frequency – 10 times/day. Rotating: Upper body 45 degrees; frequency – 10 times/day. Reaching: arms distance 1‑3 feet several times a day. OSHA exposure level is Category I‑ Exposure to infectious diseases, blood and body fluids. Use of appropriate protective equipment is required. Must be able to communicate with coworkers, supervisors and physicians and answer telephones. Environment is noisy and disruptive. Numerous interruptions occur throughout the day.

Threshold Requirements

• These threshold requirements are required and completed yearly basis.
• Annual Joint Commission mandatory education requirements, in‑service and health requirements including attendance at new employee orientation.
• TB/PPD Surveillance Program
• Maintenance of required professional licensing and/or certification(s).