Medical Laboratory Assistant I

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant I to process, label and transport specimens for testing, and to perform LIS data entry and clerical tasks. The role supports a patient-centered lab environment and requires teamwork with the healthcare staff.

Responsibilities include handling specimens, answering phones, filing, and maintaining an organized work area while upholding safety and accuracy in all procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous laboratory experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills and data entry into LIS.
• Strong communication and customer service abilities.

Responsibilities

• Process, organize, label and transport specimens for testing.
• Input and extract data from the Laboratory Information System.
• Answer phones and file documents as part of clerical duties.
• Organize workload and maintain a neat, stocked work area.
• Collaborate with healthcare team to ensure accurate patient data.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Organizational skills

Specimen handling knowledge

Basic computer skills

English proficiency

Customer service

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

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.

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.)

EXPERIENCE

• 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 assures 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 disposing
• Possesses basic computer knowledge to operate multiple computer systems to include Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
• 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

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. 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, incorrect tube type, etc.), identifies causes, and takes corrective action to solve basic problems.
• Operates automated instrumentation as applicable at 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. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
• Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in departmental projects 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

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

• On Call*

TRAVEL

**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in a laboratory preferred