Phlebotomist (Departmental Assistant)

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Phlebotomist (Departmental Assistant) in Amherst for part-time onsite work. The role involves specimen collection, processing, data entry, and ensuring regulatory compliance while supporting billing and safety practices.

The ideal candidate has phlebotomy training or certification, strong communication, and the ability to work independently or in a team in a clinical laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; phlebotomy certification or equivalent training is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication; ability to enter data accurately into systems.
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with staff and patients.

Responsibilities

• Perform venipuncture and capillary phlebotomy on patients using standard techniques.
• Process specimens: centrifugation, pour-off, aliquoting, labeling, packaging.
• Enter patient and specimen data into the departmental data system accurately.
• Maintain inventory of materials, supplies, and equipment for daily duties.
• Follow safety procedures for chemicals and infectious materials; protect patient information.
• Collaborate with departments to support billing and HIPAA compliance.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Data entry

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Phlebotomy certification / training / 2+ years experience

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Title: Phlebotomist (Departmental Assistant)

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Direct Medical Care

Department: Laboratory

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Part Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Phlebotomist plays a critical role in supporting the daily operations of the clinical laboratory by ensuring a clean, safe, and compliant work environment. This position is responsible for specimen collection and processing, data entry, and adherence to regulatory standards. The technician performs venipuncture and capillary phlebotomy. Additionally, the role involves troubleshooting technical issues, maintaining inventory, and collaborating with other departments to support billing and compliance with HIPAA, CLIA, and other regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement in laboratory practices.

Essential Functions

• Trains laboratory staff on proper techniques/procedures related to clinical laboratory practice.
• Performs venipuncture and capillary phlebotomy procedures on patients using appropriate specimen collection equipment and techniques.
• Processes specimens including centrifugation, pour-off, aliquoting, labeling, and packaging.
• Assists with maintaining sufficient inventory of material, supplies and equipment for performance of duties.
• Understands and implements safety procedures relating to a laboratory to include handling infectious biological agents as well as potentially hazardous chemicals; appropriate hazardous clean up procedures; universal precautions and infection control procedures.
• Drafts laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Troubleshoots all computer and technology problems.
• Collaborates with other departments to ensure correct patient billing and record keeping.
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures relating to personally identifiable information, data security policies relating to IT and HIPAA compliance, and those outlined in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA).
• Ensures laboratory system compliance with regulations and quality standards and guidance including but not limited to the federal government and state Department of Public Health (DPH) compliance and requirements associated with CLIA.
• Enters the appropriate patient and specimen information into the departmental data system.
• Generates ideas for continuous improvement, risk identification and risk mitigation in collaboration with lab and UHS staff.
• Answers the telephone, screens calls, gives information concerning tests results to authorized persons as directed, or refers call to appropriate person.

Other Functions

• Performs tasks necessary to the maintenance of a hygienic and safe work environment.
• Interacts professionally with patients, families, and healthcare staff. Address patient concerns and provide clear instructions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Phlebotomy certification, or completed training program, or two (2) years or more experience as a phlebotomist.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of MS Office programs.
• Proven ability to maintain productive relationships with all levels of personnel and collaborators is expected.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Phlebotomy ASCP certification or NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification.
• Five (5) or more years' experience as an in-patient phlebotomist.
• Proven track record in providing exceptional customer service.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Comfortable working under minimal supervision.

Additional Details

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Hours fluctuate based on department need between 7:00am - 9:00pm, to include weekends and holidays.

Salary Information

Hourly Rate: $25 - $30

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.