Lab Assistant - Microbiology

Health First Careers • Melbourne, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant position is responsible for providing quality laboratory diagnostic service and stewardship by performing support functions to ensure optimal support of the laboratory department. The role involves supporting the Laboratory Manager, Supervisor, Technologists, Scientists, Sr. Scientists and Phlebotomists in all phases of laboratory testing. This includes processing lab specimens manually or using automated lab analyzers, labeling, sample management in electronic medical record, quality control, lab supply and inventory management, equipment maintenance, lab customer service support, and other tasks assigned by the lab leadership team. The position may perform CLIA waived testing and must meet minimum qualifications set forth by state & CLIA. The assistant may be assigned to support laboratory testing in various sections such as Blood Bank, Core Laboratory, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular, Lab Supply Management, Lab Support Services, Pathology, Point of Care, or other sections as determined by laboratory leadership. The role requires compliance with all Health First, HF Laboratory policies and procedures, and pertinent federal and state accreditation agency requirements. It also involves meeting goals, demonstrating commitment to performance improvement metrics, and possessing the appropriate skill sets as determined by Annual Competency Assessments. Availability to meet departmental staffing demands and effective time management are essential. Basic computer skills pertinent to job performance are necessary. The role includes monitoring data management systems and inventory daily, reporting variances to the Supervisor, and assisting in cleaning laboratory equipment, emptying waste, discarding, retrieval, and storage of specimens/lab records. Cross-training in other departments within the laboratory or as directed by a supervisor may be required. Compliance with Health First I-Care values and effective communication with coworkers and management, including proper escalation when necessary, are expected.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Must pass color blindness test
• Proficient in required computer applications
• Work autonomously with minimal supervision
• Strong skills in critical thinking
• Strong skills in prioritization and organization of tasks
• Strong skills in communication (written and verbal in English)
• Ability to perform basic computer skills pertinent to job performance
• Demonstrates the appropriate skill sets as determined by the Annual Competency Assessments
• Availability to meet departmental staffing demands
• Demonstrates effective time management

Nice To Haves

• Current enrollment or completion of a post-secondary technical or clinical program in biological sciences and/or related field
• Clinical Lab Assistant Certification from American Society for Clinical Pathology CLA(ASCP)
• 1 year in clinical healthcare laboratory or any clinical healthcare setting
• Laboratory skills (knowledge of pre-analytic, analytic and post analytic phase of diagnostic lab testing)

Responsibilities

• Processing of lab specimens manually or using automated lab analyzers
• Labeling
• Sample management in electronic medical record
• Quality control
• Lab supply and inventory management
• Equipment maintenance
• Lab customer service support
• Performing other tasks assigned by lab leadership team
• May perform CLIA waived testing
• Assisting in cleaning of laboratory equipment
• Emptying waste, discarding, retrieval & storage of specimens/lab records
• Cross training in other departments within the laboratory or as directed by supervisor
• Monitors data management systems and inventory on a daily basis
• Reports variances to the Supervisor

Benefits

• Diversity and inclusion are essential for our continued growth and evolution.
• Working together, we strive to build and nurture a culture that recognizes, encourages, and respects the diverse voices of our associates.
• Different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more collaborative work environment that delivers better results.
• It fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our associates, customers, and the communities we serve.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED