Phlebotomist (Departmental Assistant)

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 41,328; Part time

Job summary

UMass Amherst is seeking a part-time Phlebotomist to support the Laboratory in Amherst. The role involves venipuncture, specimen processing, data entry, and compliance with HIPAA and CLIA requirements.

This position requires 1+ year of healthcare experience and an Associate's Degree in Medical Technology or Health Sciences. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and collaboration with other departments, with duties spanning routine phlebotomy, QA/QC, and recordkeeping.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Medical Technology, Health Sciences, or equivalent.
• At least one year of relevant experience in a healthcare setting.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance, CLIA compliance.
• Experience developing QA/QC compliance and standard operating procedures.
• Working knowledge of MS Office programs.
• ASCP or similar / equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Organizational skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

MS Office

Collaboration

Data entry

Education

Associate's Degree in Medical Technology/Health Sciences

ASCP or equivalent certification

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

• Associate's Degree in Medical Technology, Health Sciences, or equivalent.
• At least one year of relevant experience in a healthcare setting.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance, CLIA compliance.
• Experience developing QA/QC compliance and standard operating procedures.
• Working knowledge of MS Office programs.
• Proven ability to maintain productive relationships with all levels of personnel and collaborators is expected.
• ASCP or similar / equivalent certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Phlebotomy or Medical Technician certification.

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.