Clinical Laboratory Assistant 3 - Plantation

University of Miami•Plantation, FL

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant 3 performs routine duties supporting technical and professional personnel in clinical and research laboratories and provides broad support for laboratory operations. The role handles patient samples, specimen processing and accessioning, documentation, inventory, referral testing, and communication with clinical and laboratory stakeholders. The position also serves as a departmental resource and mentor for Clinical Laboratory Assistant I and II staff, supports training and daily workflow coordination, and assists with quality assurance, compliance, and resolution of specimen-related issues. The role processes and manages routine, complex, and specialized specimens; verifies orders and documents activities in laboratory information systems; coordinates specimens for referral testing; and helps ensure timely, accurate testing and reporting. It also supports specimen receiving and front desk operations, communicates specimen requirements and problems, and reports equipment malfunctions. The position must follow departmental and regulatory procedures and maintain patient confidentiality.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, or relevant experience, certification, or license.
At least 4 years of relevant experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a team environment.
Proficiency with office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
Knowledge of Microsoft 360 features, email, phone etiquette, and data logging.
Ability to use Epic and laboratory information systems and portals, including Sunquest, CoPath, SoftBank, UChart, SmarTerm, and reference laboratory portals.
Ability to read and record measurements and understand sample viability.
Working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology necessary to support specimen processing and laboratory operations.
Positive, happy, and caring attitude.

Nice To Haves

A college degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify, handle, accession, transport, and process patient specimens, including centrifuging, aliquoting, decanting, measuring, labeling, and preparing samples.
Communicate test results and specimen-related information accurately and promptly; generate patient reports and forward them to the appropriate departments or physicians.
Maintain laboratory files, logs, electronic documentation, inventory levels, and required specimen tracking, retention, and storage records.
Investigate and respond to inquiries about referral testing, specimen requirements, and improper or inadequate samples; resolve problems or escalate concerns as appropriate.
Review packing slips, verify received items, document receipts, and provide copies to a supervisor or designee.
Serve as a lead or backup when the supervisor is unavailable and assist with daily workflow coordination and operational coverage.
Mentor Clinical Laboratory Assistant I and II staff and assist with employee orientation, onboarding, training, and competency validation.
Provide guidance and troubleshooting support for specimen collection, processing, order entry, laboratory workflows, and testing requirements.
Ensure compliance with patient identification, specimen labeling, chain-of-custody, specimen handling, CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission, OSHA, and institutional requirements.
Identify, document, investigate, and assist in resolving pre-analytical errors, specimen incidents, specimen acceptability issues, and quality concerns; recommend corrective and preventive actions.
Use laboratory information systems to verify orders, document activities, resolve discrepancies, scan reports and supporting documentation, and monitor pending test lists.
Coordinate specimens for referral testing, send-outs, courtesy testing, and external reference laboratory services; track batches, referrals, and sample status.
Perform specimen add-on testing procedures according to established protocols.
Accession, verify, and process specialized specimens, including cytology, stem cell, blood bank, cerebrospinal fluid, bronchial lavage, immunology/histocompatibility, and microbiology specimens.
Receive, sort, verify, and inspect specimens and accompanying documentation from internal departments and external collection sites; perform front desk and accessioning functions.
Act as a liaison among laboratory personnel, nursing units, physician offices, clinics, external clients, and patients; provide technical guidance and communicate rejection or recollection requirements professionally.
Maintain assigned work areas in a clean and orderly condition and maintain confidentiality of patient information.
Report equipment malfunctions and coordinate service requests and follow-up activities.
Adhere to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguard University assets.