Clinical Laboratory Assistant 2

University of Miami•Miami, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The UHealth Laboratories Pathology Department at UHealth/University of Miami has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Clinical Laboratory Assistant 2 at the UTower Hospital. The Clinical Laboratory Assistant 2 performs a variety of routine duties in assisting technical and professional personnel in clinical and research laboratories. An employee in this position provides broad support for the laboratory operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum 2 years of relevant experience
Skill in data entry with minimal errors.
Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, reports and correspondence
Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
High School diploma or equivalent
Minimum 2 years of relevant experience
Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.
Commitment to the University’s core values.
Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.
Prior experience in a clinical laboratory, accessioning, specimen processing, or healthcare environment preferred.
Working knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory workflows highly desirable.
Proficiency with computer systems and data entry; experience with LIS systems preferred.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Professional demeanor and strong customer service orientation
Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially

Nice To Haves

Experience: Prior experience in a clinical laboratory, accessioning, specimen processing, or healthcare environment preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes: Working knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory workflows highly desirable.
Proficiency with computer systems and data entry; experience with LIS systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Identifies, handles, and accessions patient samples requiring laboratory testing.
Transports specimens and communicates test results timely and accurately.
Maintains required laboratory files and logs system in a neat and accurate manner.
Performs specimen processing, such as centrifugation, aliquoting, and volume measurement.
Maintains adequate inventory level as per protocol.
Participates in the performance improvement processes for the department.
Maintains assigned work area in a clean and orderly condition.
Maintains confidentiality of all patient information according to federal and state guidelines and regulations.
Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
Case distribution to pathologists
Preparation of slides, blocks and documents for assembly of cases
Filing and Log Systems
Assists in the maintenance of operable systems by changing paper, labels and/or printer ribbons as necessary.
Inventory and Supplies
Processing Machines:
Responsible for helping in the cleaning of blocks in the embedding area.
Matching paperwork and for assembly of cases:
Miscellaneous Laboratory Activities
Participates in the Performance Improvement of the department by documenting all problems and complaints in the internal QA log.
Participates in required educational program, including safety, infection control, etc.
Follows unit specific safety and infection control standards.
Receive, accession, label, and log patient specimens for Flow Cytometry, Molecular, and Cytogenetics testing in accordance with SOPs.
Verify patient identifiers, test orders, specimen requirements, and transport conditions at receipt.
Evaluate specimen acceptability; identify and escalate issues related to specimen integrity, labeling, volume, or transport conditions.
Prioritize and triage time‑sensitive specimens (e.g., stat, transplant‑related, bone marrow, cytogenetics cultures).
Accurately enter test orders, demographics, and specimen data into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and multiple departmental databases (MEDGIS, RedCap, Copath-UM, Copath-JMH, Sunquest).
Maintain accurate records for specimen tracking, chain of custody, send‑outs, and storage.
Scan, upload (into UChart and/or Copath), and file requisitions and supporting documentation per departmental procedures.
Serve as the primary administrative and operational support for Flow Cytometry, Molecular, and Cytogenetics laboratories.
Manage specimen distribution to appropriate laboratory sections while maintaining turnaround time requirements.
Prepare specimens for internal testing, referral testing, or storage as required.
Organize and maintain the laboratory office, accessioning area, files, and supply inventory.
Communicate effectively with technologists, supervisors, pathologists, clinicians, nursing staff, couriers, and reference laboratories.
Respond to inquiries regarding specimen status, testing requirements, and documentation.
Notify laboratory leadership of delays, specimen problems, or workflow issues that may impact patient care.
Follow all laboratory safety policies, including OSHA and biohazard handling procedures.
Adhere to CLIA, CAP, institutional, and departmental policies related to specimen handling and documentation.
Participate in quality improvement activities related to accessioning accuracy and workflow efficiency.
Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations at all times.
Assist with training of new lab assistants or temporary staff as assigned.
Support laboratory operations during high‑volume periods, staff shortages, or transitions.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support laboratory services and patient care.