Medical Laboratory Assistant I - FT/Evenings

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Medical Laboratory Assistant I to join their dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for processing and organizing laboratory specimens, ensuring accurate data entry, and maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. You will collaborate closely with the patient care team, promoting a positive atmosphere and contributing to optimal department results. This position offers a unique opportunity to grow and innovate within a supportive organization that values continuous education and development. If you are passionate about laboratory work and teamwork, this is the perfect role for you.

Qualifications

• Responsible for processing, organizing, and transporting specimens.
• Experience in a laboratory setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and transports specimens for laboratory testing.
• Maintains a clean work area and assists colleagues as needed.

Skills

Laboratory specimen handling

Data entry and extraction

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory Information System

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.

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.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in a laboratory preferred