Laboratory Technician Assistant

Kaiser Permanente International; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in Portland, OR is seeking a laboratory support technician to provide technical and clerical assistance to laboratory professionals. You will receive and prepare specimens, perform limited analytical tasks, and report results to authorized recipients.

Under supervision, you will log and verify specimens, prepare them for testing or shipment, and assist with quality control and record-keeping. Strong communication, accuracy, and ability to lift up to 30 pounds are essential.

Qualifications

• Passing score on Medical Lab Terminology Assessment is required.
• Demonstrated customer-focused service skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly with patients and staff at all levels.
• Willingness to handle patient specimens.
• Demonstrated ability to perform multiple tasks within a limited time frame and attention to detail.
• Ability to lift and move containers weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Verbal and written command of the English language.
• Typing ability (20 wpm) and basic computer skills.
• Proven dependability and good attendance.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming specimens or blood components and log in per policies.
• Verify specimen identity and ensure proper collection and handling.
• Notify testing staff of STAT or ASAP test requests.
• Prepare specimens for testing on-site or shipment and ensure packaging compliance.
• Perform waived testing under supervision and release results as appropriate.
• Receive and screen phone requests for patient reports and relay results to authorized recipients.
• Maintain accession logs, worksheets, and files for workload auditing and patient history.
• Conduct quality control and routine maintenance and manage waste disposal.
• Maintain inventory levels and order supplies; prepare reagents as instructed.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

4+ life sciences courses

Tools

Kaiser system

Office equipment (printers, copiers, fax)

Basic computer skills

Job description

Job Summary:

To provide technical and clerical support within scope of practice, to the laboratory professional staff by receiving and preparing specimens for examination/testing; performing and reporting limited analytical and quality control procedures; communicating test results to authorized recipients.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Receive incoming specimens or blood components and log in according to department policies and work instructions. Verify correct specimen identity. Evaluate that specimen has been collected correctly and handling requirements have been met. Notify testing staff of all STAT or ASAP test requests.
• Using Laboratory Quality Assurance policies, initiate problem solving in regards to missing, inadequate or compromised specimens or blood components. If the specimen as been collected incorrectly or the quality of the specimen is unacceptable INFORM the appropriate person (s) and/or arrange for recollection.
• Prepare specimen for testing on-site or for shipment to specific testing laboratory. Process may include but not limited to slide preparation/staining, centrifugation, separation, aliquoting, refrigeration/freezing, distribution or routing to testing areas. When indicated, determine most appropriate means of specimen transport. Ensure compliance with packaging and labeling regulations while maintaining specimen integrity.
• Under technical supervision, perform waived testing according to clia regulations. release and report test results when appropriate.
• Receive and screen incoming phone requests for patient reports. Following Confidentiality policy, provide test results to authorized recipients by consulting either the electronic or paper information sources. Call and/or fax abnormal, STAT or requested results to the appropriate person(s). Verify that verbal reports have been correctly received. Serve as a resource person by answering questions or providing instructions related to specimen collection and processing. when appropriate, refer calls to technical staff, pathologists or other department(s).
• Support accurate record keeping by preparing accession logs, initiating worksheets, creating and maintaining files. Compile data for workload auditing, quality assurance monitors, research and patient history. Prepare completed patient reports for final distribution.
• Perform quality control and maintain records of routine maintenance procedures specific to the work area. Record any action taken to correct unacceptable quality control or equipment functions. conduct environmental safety checks where applicable. collect and package bio-hazardous and chemical waste for disposal.
• Ensure adequate levels of supplies in the work area through timely inventory and ordering practices. Order products and supplies through purchasing or specific vendor. Prepare and label reagents according to work instructions.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• N/A

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.

License, Certification, Registration

• N/A

Additional Requirements:

• Passing score on Medical Lab Terminology Assessment.
• Demonstrated customer-focused service skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly with patients and staff at all levels.
• Willingness to handle patient specimens.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately perform multiple tasks within a limited time frame and attention to detail.
• Ability to lift and move containers weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Demonstrated verbal and written command of the English language.
• Working knowledge of typing/computer keyboard (20 wpm).
• Basic computer skills.
• Proven dependability and good attendance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a medical laboratory.
• Experience in operating computer systems, printers, copiers and fax machines Working knowledge of Kaiser system.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize.
• Ability to use multi-line phone system.
• Demonstrated highly effective communication and human relation skills.
• Proficient in high-volume, detail-oriented tasks.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills.
• Successful completion of four (4) or more classes at an accredited university or college in life sciences (including Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Physiology, Organic Chemistry, Cell Biology, Anatomy, Genetics or related field ).