Clinical Laboratory Assistant – FT/Regular

Job Title:                            Clinical Laboratory Assistant       

Department:                     Medical - Lab

Reports To:                       Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Salary Level:                     $22.05 -$29.72/hour

FLSA Status:                     Non-Exempt

Approved By:                   Medical Director

Approved Date:               June 2016

GOALS FOR POSITION: TBA

SUMMARY: The Clinical Laboratory Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS). The position is responsible for performing a variety of technical and clerical duties as defined by, and in direct support of, the CLS at K’ima:w Medical Center.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Review, make changes as necessary, accession and log lab orders in the RPMS/EHR computer system.
2. Collect laboratory specimens from the Clinic and walk-in patients.
3. Process, centrifuge or otherwise prepare specimens, and distribute to the proper department.
4. Prepare paperwork and specimens as required for reference laboratories “send-out” specimens.
5. Stock the drawing station, the drawing tray, and other work stations.
6. Perform urine dip testing, and other waived testing, with training, as required.
7. Monitor temperatures in the AM.
8. Clean the counters once each day.
9. Dump out the urine samples before leaving at night.
10. Run quality control specimens as directed, supervised, and reviewed by the CLS.
11. Assist in the operation of specified analyzers and machinery.
12. Perform relief fit-for-duty drug testing when fit-for-duty staff is not present including, but not limited to, preparation of chain of custody paperwork.
13. Distribute patient test results to the appropriate provider, faxing to providers as necessary.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

Logistics:

1. Maintain log books in the appropriate manner and supplies.
2. Assist in compiling data for Quality Control and Quality Assurance review.
3. Assist in compiling data monthly reports and patient test load summaries.
4. Perform user maintenance on appropriate equipment.
5. Maintain the shelves, counters, and drawers in an appropriate state of order and cleanliness.
6. Maintain proper infection control procedures.

Manuals:

1. Reread the appropriate Laboratory manuals and procedures at least once yearly.
2. Follow all applicable guidelines in the Laboratory Safety manual.
3. Be thoroughly familiar with the applicable laboratory Policy and Procedure Manuals.
4. Attend meetings or workshops as directed by the CLS.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary responsibility satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or competencies required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: PUBLIC RELATIONS/ADVANCED INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Addresses patients by name; smiles when talking to patients, physicians, peers, and families; answers the telephone courteously and promptly; identifies self and department when answering the telephone, pleasant voice tone/verbiage; uses good listening skills; makes a sincere effort to interact positively with clients and peers.

COOPERATION: Must be self motivated; seeks solutions not excuses; accepts constructive criticism; willing to adjust to changes.

PROFESSIONALISM: Shows pride in personal appearance and grooming; displays a positive attitude about work; respects the confidentiality of clients; and is congenial with public and peers.

INITIATIVE: Willing to cross-train for more than one related position; asks questions; contributes during staff meetings; serves on KMC committees as appointed; demonstrates a desire to improve and learn.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Licensed as a Phlebotomist by the State of California desirable
• Ability to obtain specialized training and certification to administer Department of Transportation and other specialized fit for duty testing

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• California Phlebotomist license or equivalent
• Current CPR Certificate or obtain within 30 days of employment

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Must have  general  mathematical skills.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CONFIDENTIALITY:  Employee must be aware of and adhere to the Confidentiality Policy and deal appropriately with patient confidentiality at all times.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE:  Employee is subject to base line and random drug testing per the Hoopa Tribal Drug & Alcohol Fit for Duty Policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary duties and responsibilities of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary duties and responsibilities of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.