Lead Specimen Collector/Medical Laboratory Assistant

Houstonmethodistcareers; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a full-time team member to support specimen collection and patient care in a fast-paced environment in Houston, TX. The role requires five 8-hour shifts per week, typically Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend daytime and evening hours, and possible night shift coverage for coverage needs.

Non-exempt status applies. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma (or equivalent) and clinical training in MLA/MA/PCA or related areas, plus strong data-entry,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Clinical training in MLA/MA/PCA or similar area required.
• Strong English reading/writing and customer-service skills.

Responsibilities

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and achieve department results.
• Orients, guides and mentors team members and assists in hiring new staff.
• Organizes work schedules and ensures sites are adequately staffed.
• Interfaces with patients, physicians, and staff at collection sites.
• Identifies opportunities to improve employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Acts as point-person for collection site needs and performs specimen collection as needed.
• Follows procedures for collecting and handling specimens and uses LIS systems.
• Ensures accurate patient identification and proper specimen labeling.

Skills

Customer service

English communication

Team leadership

Critical thinking

Infection control

PPE knowledge

Medical terminology

Data entry

Multitasking

Confidentiality

Training/mentoring

Computer literacy

Education

High School diploma

Clinical training in MLA/MA

Tools

Laboratory information systems

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.

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