Clinical Laboratory Assistant 3 - Plantation

University of Miami•Plantation, FL

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant 3 supports clinical and research laboratory operations by assisting technical and professional personnel with routine and advanced specimen-related duties. The role handles accessioning, processing, documentation, referral testing, inventory, quality assurance, and communication with healthcare providers, laboratory staff, patients, and external clients. The position also serves as a departmental resource and mentor for Clinical Laboratory Assistant I and II staff, supports onboarding and training, and assists with daily workflow coordination and operational coverage. The assistant ensures accurate patient and specimen identification, labeling, handling, documentation, and distribution in accordance with departmental procedures and applicable regulatory requirements. The role uses laboratory information systems to verify orders, document activities, manage pending tests, scan reports, and resolve discrepancies. It also supports specimen receiving and front desk operations, coordinates referral testing, monitors specimen status, and reports equipment malfunctions. The position must safeguard patient confidentiality and follow University and unit policies.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, or relevant experience, certification, or license.
At least 4 years of relevant experience.
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.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of Microsoft 360 features, email, phone etiquette, data logging, and reading and recording measurements.
Ability to use Epic and laboratory information systems and portals, including Sunquest, CoPath, SoftBank, UChart, SmarTerm, and reference laboratory portals.
Knowledge of sample viability and the anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology needed to support specimen processing and laboratory operations.
Ability to maintain compliance with patient identification, specimen labeling, chain-of-custody, specimen handling, CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission, OSHA, and institutional requirements.
Positive, happy, and caring attitude.

Nice To Haves

A college degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify, handle, accession, receive, sort, verify, inspect, and distribute patient specimens and accompanying documentation.
Transport specimens and communicate test results, rejection notifications, recollection requirements, and testing recommendations accurately and promptly.
Perform specimen processing, including centrifugation, aliquoting, decanting, labeling, volume measurement, preparation, and add-on testing according to established procedures.
Coordinate and prepare specimens for referral testing, send-outs, courtesy testing, and external reference laboratory services; track batches, referrals, and specimen status.
Maintain accurate laboratory files, logs, electronic documentation, and monthly records for specimen tracking, retention, and storage.
Generate patient reports, scan laboratory reports and supporting documentation into UChart, and forward reports to appropriate departments or physicians.
Monitor and manage pending test lists for in-house and reference laboratory testing.
Maintain adequate inventory, rotate stock when applicable, review packing slips, verify received items, document receipt, and provide copies to a supervisor or designee.
Participate in departmental performance improvement and quality assurance processes; identify, document, investigate, and help resolve pre-analytical errors and specimen-related concerns.
Evaluate specimen acceptability and initiate corrective action for specimens that do not meet established criteria; investigate collection, labeling, and order discrepancies and escalate concerns as appropriate.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information and comply with applicable federal and state guidelines, regulatory standards, and institutional policies.
Serve as a resource and mentor for Clinical Laboratory Assistant I and II staff; assist with orientation, onboarding, training, and competency validation.
Provide troubleshooting and technical guidance on specimen collection, processing, order entry, laboratory workflows, testing requirements, transportation, and specimen integrity.
Assist supervisors and managers with daily workflow coordination and operational coverage; serve as lead or backup when the supervisor is unavailable.
Act as a liaison among laboratory personnel, nursing units, physician offices, clinics, external clients, and patients; respond to inquiries and resolve referral-testing or specimen problems.
Perform front desk and accessioning functions to ensure proper specimen receipt, identification, and distribution.
Maintain assigned work areas in a clean and orderly condition and report equipment malfunctions, coordinating service requests and follow-up as needed.
Safeguard University assets and adhere to University and unit-level policies and procedures.