Laboratory Assistant Senior

Kaiser Permanente; Kailua (HI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii seeks a Lab Assistant to perform clinical laboratory procedures under supervision, handling specimens and data with strict confidentiality and compliance. This role supports technicians and technologists while maintaining equipment, reagents, and records in a patient-centered environment.

The ideal candidate has phlebotomy experience and a high school diploma, with strong attention to detail and English proficiency.

Qualifications

• Six (6) months experience in clinical laboratory setting with some phlebotomy experience.
• High School Diploma.
• Heartsaver CPR AED within 6 months of hire from American Heart Association.
• Demonstrated skills in specimen processing.
• Reading, writing, speaking, understanding English.

Responsibilities

• Obtain laboratory specimens such as blood, urine and sputum directly from patients.
• Use centrifuge to separate plasma or serum and prepare samples for testing.
• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment and QC charts.
• Inoculate bacteriological specimens and prepare smears.
• Input data into computer systems and maintain test records.
• Transport items between lab, clinic and hospital locations.
• Perform authorized tests (e.g., CLIA waived) across multiple areas.
• Prepare reagents and stains; clean and sterilize equipment.
• Maintain a neat, professional work area and provide customer-focused service.
• Demonstrate age-appropriate care and culturally sensitive service.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Data entry

Records management

Communication

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Centrifuge

Job description

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision, Performs clinical laboratory procedures and test using manual and automated equipment. Maintains required records and data. Assists laboratory technician and medical technologists. Supports compliance and Principles of Responsibility. Maintains confidentiality. Protects organizational assets. Exhibits ethics and integrity. Adheres to applicable federal and state laws and regulations, accreditation and licensing requirements, policies and procedures. Reports and/or resolves issues of non-compliance.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Obtains laboratory specimens such as blood, urine and sputum directly from patient.


• Using centrifuge, Separates plasma or serum from whole blood. Checks specimen acceptability for testing. Labels, distributes and stores samples appropriately. Measures/weighs appropriate samples. Provides information to technicians and technologists to be used in further laboratory testing.


• Maintains and operates equipment such as centrifuges used to prepare samples for testing. Keeps Quality Control Maintenance Charts on such equipment as well as refrigerators and freezers within department. Tends automatic equipment as appropriate to prepare specimens for analytical testing.


• Inoculates bacteriological specimens on culture media. Prepares smears for staining.


• Performs input of data via computer CRT/keyboard. Handles inquiries on laboratory specimen requirements and handling. Keeps detailed records of all tests performed. Reports laboratory findings to authorized persons.


• Assists in transporting items between laboratory, clinic and hospital locations. Maintains packing/shipping training and certification as appropriate to remain in compliance with applicable regulations.


• Performs authorized (e.g., CLIA waived) tests in various areas such as serology, hematology, chemistry, microbiology, histology and cytology using standard techniques and equipment as needed. (All tests performed must be certified and verified by supervisor or designee of assigned department as needed).


• Performs Bleeding Time Test under direct supervision.


• Prepares solutions, reagents, and stains, following standard laboratory formulas and procedures. Cleans and sterilizes laboratory equipment and instruments. Maintains laboratory stock of supplies and chemicals.


• Keeps work area neat and clean.


• Maintains customer focus. Demonstrates principles of service excellence in all activities.


• Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide care and/or service appropriate to age groups served.


• Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide culturally sensitive care and/or service.


• Adheres to and maintains current knowledge of Principles of Responsibility, applicable federal and state laws and regulations, accreditation and licensing requirements, policies and procedures. Reports and/or resolves issues of non-compliance.


• On regular, sustained basis, cooperates with other staff members both within and outside department in accomplishment of own job duties as well as assisting others in accomplishing theirs. Serves as team player and role model for other employees in organization, always exhibiting traits of courtesy, caring, helpfulness and respect. Conducts self in service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, cooperative, sensitive, respectful and kind when dealing with members, visitors, public and all employees.


• Performs other duties and accepts responsibility as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience:

• Six (6) months experience in clinical laboratory setting with some phlebotomy experience.

Education:

• High School Diploma.

License, Certification, Registration:

• Heartsaver CPR AED within 6 months of hire from American Heart Association

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrated skills in specimen processing.


• Talking to co-workers, customers, outside vendors, and on the telephone.


• Reading, writing, speaking, understanding English.


• Training/giving and receiving instructions.


• Mathematical ability, attention to detail (e.g., organization, prioritization, proofing), concentration and alertness.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One (1) year as Lab Assistant II or similar position.


• Experience in wide range of age-related phlebotomy areas (e.g., newborn, pediatric, geriatric).


• Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in word processing, spreadsheet, and database PC applications.


• Certified Clinical Laboratory Phlebotomist (CLPlb) by the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, Inc. (NCA).


• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).


• Post high school training/education with emphasis in science (e.g., biology, chemistry).


• Phlebotomy training.