Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology

Avera; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO available day 1 for eligible hires

Up to 5% employer matching retirement

Career development and mentorship

Job summary

Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD is seeking a dedicated technician to join the microbiology team. You will perform culture set-ups, waived kit testing, and molecular assays alongside laboratory staff, during the Afternoon Shift (2:30 pm–11:00 pm, Monday–Friday).

Responsibilities include specimen collection, processing, data entry, and ensuring timely, accurate testing in a fast-paced clinical setting. A HS diploma or GED is required, with emphasis on accuracy and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.

Responsibilities

• Collects blood and other specimens from patients according to established standards and procedures.
• Labels, transports or stores collected specimens promptly and accurately.
• Processes laboratory specimens including centrifuging, measuring, and distributing to testing areas or reference labs.
• Completes patient registration and data entry for test orders as required.
• Interprets test orders to determine collection timing and specimen types.
• Performs selected point-of-care testing according to standards.
• Maintains records and documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Maintains supplies and inventories for the lab area.

Education

High School or GED Equivalent

Job description

Sioux Falls, SD

Full time

R-260028605

Location:

Avera McKennan Hospital

Worker Type:

Regular

Work Shift:

Afternoon Shift (United States of America)

Pay Range:

The pay range for this position is listed below. Actual pay rate dependent upon experience.

$18.75 - $24.50

Position Highlights

This position will primarily work alongside laboratory technical staff in the microbiology department performing microbiology culture set‑ups, waived kit testing, molecular assays.

Schedule: 2:30 pm - 11:00 pm; Monday -Friday. No weekends/holidays.

You Belong at Avera

Be part of a multidisciplinary team built with compassion and the goal of Moving Health Forward for you and our patients. Work where you matter.

A Brief Overview

Organizes specimen collection requests, performs patient clinical laboratory specimen collection procedures, specimen transport, specimen processing, testing dispersal, point‑of‑care testing procedures, and other pre analytic functions following established standards and practices.

What you will do

• Collects blood and other specimens from patients according to established standards and procedures.

• Labels, transports or stores collected specimens as directed in an accurate and timely manner following Lean Principles as determined by Standard Work Document.

• Processes all laboratory specimens to include centrifuging, separating, measuring, storing and distributing to appropriate testing areas or packaging for transport to reference laboratories.

• Completes patient registration, test order computer data entry and pertinent sequel databases as required by established standards and procedures.

• Identifies and resolves routine specimen acceptability and test order problems for on campus specimens.

• Refers incomplete patient information or non‑routine identified problems to appropriate individuals for problem resolution.

• Interprets inpatient and outpatient test orders to determine appropriate collection time and specimen types to be collected.

• Performs selected point‑of‑care testing according to established standards and procedures.

• Assists with analysis, collection and maintenance of records as required by regulatory agencies and/or federal, state, or local law.

• Maintains and distributes supplies and inventories.

Essential Qualifications

The individual must be able to work the hours specified. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily including having visual acuity adequate to perform position duties and the ability to communicate effectively with others, hear, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds. These requirements and those listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions, as long as the accommodations do not cause undue hardship to the employer.

Preferred Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:

• High School or GED Equivalent

Expectations and Standards

• Commitment to the daily application of Avera’s mission, vision, core values, and social principles to serve patients, their families, and our community.

• Promote Avera’s values of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship.

• Uphold Avera’s standards of Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement (CARE) with enthusiasm and sincerity.

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Work effectively in a team environment, coordinating work flow with other team members and ensuring a productive and efficient environment.

• Comply with safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards associated with, but not limited to, CMS, The Joint Commission, DHHS, and OSHA if applicable.

Benefits You Need & Then Some

Avera is proud to offer a wide range of benefits to qualifying part‑time and full‑time employees. We support you with opportunities to help live balanced, healthy lives. Benefits are designed to meet needs of today and into the future.

• PTO available day 1 for eligible hires.

• Up to 5% employer matching contribution for retirement

• Career development guided by hands‑on training and mentorship

Avera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, Veteran Status, or other categories protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-605-504-4444 or send an email to [e-mail].

At Avera, the way you are treated as an employee translates into the compassionate care you deliver to patients and team members. Because we consider health care a ministry, you can live out your faith, uphold the dignity and respect of all persons while not compromising high-quality services. Join us in making a positive impact on moving health forward.

The policy of Avera to provide opportunities for all qualified employees or applicants without regard to disability and to provide reasonable accommodations for all employees or applicants who may be disabled. Avera is committed to ensuring compliance in accordance with the Americans with Disability Act. For assistance, please contact HR Now at 605-504-4444.

Additional Notices

For TTY, dial 711

Avera is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.