Medical Laboratory Assistant 1

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 2,066,400 - 3,030,720; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant I to support specimen processing, labeling, and transport for laboratory testing. The role also includes data entry in the Laboratory Information System and basic clerical tasks such as answering phones and filing documents.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent; prior laboratory experience is preferred; strong customer service and teamwork skills, plus basic computer skills and good English communication.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent education is required.
• Previous laboratory experience is preferred.
• Excellent customer service and teamwork skills.
• Strong organizational abilities and accuracy.
• Basic computer knowledge to operate multiple systems.
• Proficiency in English for safety-critical communication.

Responsibilities

• Process, label, and transport specimens for testing.
• Input and extract data in the Laboratory Information System.
• Perform clerical tasks including answering phones and filing documents.
• Assist with department workflow and maintain a clean, organized workspace.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

English proficiency

Specimen handling

Computer literacy

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent education

Tools

Office software

Job description

The Medical Laboratory Assistant I has responsibility for the processing, organizing, labeling, and transporting of specimens for laboratory testing. Duties also include the input and extraction of data from the Laboratory Information System and the performance of clerical tasks such as answering phones and filing documents.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post‑secondary education, etc.)
• Previous experience in a laboratory preferred
• Skills and Abilities:
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on‑going evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills, competency assessments and/or performance reviews.
  • Exhibits strong interpersonal and team‑player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and ensures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co‑workers.
  • Strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload and maintain accuracy.
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge of specimen requirements for testing, processing, and proper waste disposal.
  • Possesses basic computer knowledge to operate multiple computer systems to include Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents.
  • Shows sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.
  • Communicates effectively with patients, physicians, family members and co‑workers in a manner consistent with a customer‑service focus and application of positive language principles.
• Essential Functions:
  • People Essential Functions – Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team‑focused work unit that actively helps one other 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.
  • Service Essential Functions – Prepares specimens for courier pick up and delivery to referral lab as necessary; communicates with other laboratory personnel when specimens need to be transported to other areas. Performs various Laboratory Information System functions. Files requisitions, reports and other pathology materials appropriately. Answers the telephone and refers requests for the delivery of results to physician offices appropriately. Organizes workload and sets priorities, keeps work area neat, clean and well stocked, and utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.
  • Quality/Safety Essential Functions – Receives, triages, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing; processes specimens, aliquots, and/or slides/blocks according to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as well as samples forwarded to referral laboratories. Handles STAT samples expeditiously. Assists pathologist and/or other laboratory personnel with specimen grossing as needed. Recognizes problems such as mislabels or incorrect tube types, identifies causes, and takes corrective action to solve basic problems. Operates automated instrumentation as applicable at the entity following all safety measures. Performs and documents any processing equipment maintenance. Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.
  • Finance Essential Functions – Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs and appropriately utilizes the time recording system. Uses department resources, equipment and supplies properly and efficiently.
  • Growth/Innovation Essential Functions – Participates in departmental project activities and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

Supplemental Requirements

• Work Attire:
  • Uniform
  • Scrubs
  • Business professional
  • Other (department approved)
• On Call – Employees may be required to be on‑call during emergencies such as disasters or severe weather events regardless of selection below.
• Travel – May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area or outside the Houston Metropolitan area.