Lead Specimen Collector/Medical Laboratory Assistant

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Lead Specimen Collector/MLA to oversee specimen collection and processing at designated sites. The role emphasizes efficiency, safety, and reproducible operations while fostering a collaborative team environment.

The position requires four years of related experience, clinical training in MLA/MA/PCA, and strong leadership skills to guide staff and manage workflows, with night and weekend coverage as needed.

Qualifications

• Requires ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Must have clinical education or training in MLA/MA/PCA, etc.
• Experience in data entry and specimen handling is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead specimen collection/processing sites to ensure safe, efficient operations.
• Train and mentor staff; oversee staffing and workflow.
• Escalate issues and coordinate with leadership for patient safety and quality.
• Maintain accurate data entry and reporting within LIS and related systems.

Skills

Team leadership

Data entry

English proficiency

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma

Clinical training MLA/MA/PCA

Tools

Laboratory Information System

Office software

Job description

This full time position typically works five, 8-hour shifts per week, Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend shifts primarily during daytime and evening hours, plus must be flexible to occasionally work night shift as needed for coverage. At Houston Methodist, the Lead Specimen Collector/Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) position is responsible for the oversight and operational performance of specimen collection or processing sites at designated facility/ clinic(s), ensuring daily operations are carried out in an efficient, safe, systematic and reproducible manner. This position must assess potential improvements for flow when it is warranted. The Lead Specimen Collector/MLA position requires the ability to foster a team environment and should emphasize the need for all Houston Methodist staff to work together effectively and efficiently. This position is responsible for ensuring the sites are adequately staffed and troubleshoots patient care or technical issues as they arise. This position will train employees to perform all necessary functions to maintain the operation of the collection or processing sites and performs the role of Specimen Collector or MLA, as needed. The Lead Specimen Collector/MLA position involves reporting of data, appropriate escalation of issues, communication and focus on patient, visitors and employee's safety and satisfaction.

FLSA STATUS

Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
• Must have a clinical education or training in one of the following areas, which include but are not limited to: Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA), Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Medical Assistant (MA), Nursing Assistant, Nursing student, Graduate Nurse, Phlebotist, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

EXPERIENCE

• Four years of related experience which must include data entry and specimen collection or handling
• Previous experience leading a team preferred

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology
• Knowledge of donning and doffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the importance of infection control principles and best practices
• Ability to exhibit a professional, positive attitude and work ethic
• Ability to adapt to change and manage multiple ongoing priorities including organizing work flow
• Excellent interpersonal skills required and ability to show empathy and interact professionally with culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress
• Critical thinking and sound judgment to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Ability to consistently deliver excellent customer service
• Strong training, leadership and mentoring skills
• Basic computer knowledge and ability to operate multiple computer systems to include Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Role models to team members effective communication and customer service skills, assisting in their development of such skills.
• Orients, guides and mentors team members to help build confidence and competency in skills, knowledge and abilities. Assists in interviewing and hiring of new staff.
• Organizes work schedules and ensures the collection or processing sites are adequately staffed.
• Functions as the liaison with employees, patients, and visitors at the collection or processing sites.
• Identifies trends and opportunities for improvement with employee engagement. Leads initiatives to improve employee participation and satisfaction.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Acts as the point-person and resource for collection or processing site needs, issues, etc. Performs functions of Specimen Collector or MLA, as needed. Performs various Laboratory Information System functions.
• Follows established procedure for collecting and handling biological specimens; handles samples expediently. Performs special collections/procedures as directed and according to competency and policies/procedures.
• Anticipates the needs of the patient population.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs interactive patient ID as needed. Identifies patient and labels specimen correctly 100% of the time using two patient identifiers as needed. Accurately processes, organizes, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing.
• Recognizes and initiates action to resolve specimen labeling discrepancies. Recognizes problems, investigates the cause, takes remedial action, or escalates to management for follow-up.
• Maintains a safe environment, following all policies and procedures for safety and infection control, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Provides leadership to staff on efficient utilization of time according to budgetary guidelines. Reviews team member's time cards for accuracy and management approval.
• Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently. Participates in inventory management by taking action to ensure supply levels are adequate.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Identifies and assumes responsibility of own learning needs and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.
• Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and activities. Follows up on action items to ensure completion of assignments.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): Yes

ON-CALL*

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**

**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
• Must have a clinical education or training in one of the following areas, which include but are not limited to: Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA), Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Medical Assistant (MA), Nursing Assistant, Nursing student, Graduate Nurse, Phlebotist, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

EXPERIENCE

• Four years of related experience which must include data entry and specimen collection or handling
• Previous experience leading a team preferred