Lab Assistant - Pathology

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. This role supports the Laboratory Manager, Supervisor, Technologists, Scientists, Sr. Scientists and Phlebotomists in all phases of laboratory testing, particularly in, but not limited to: 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, and other tasks assigned by lab leadership team. The role may perform CLIA waived testing and must meet the minimum qualification set forth by state & CLIA. The assistant may be assigned to support laboratory testing support to one of the following laboratory sections: 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 position requires compliance with all Health First, HF Laboratory policies and procedures, along with all pertinent federal and state accreditation agency requirements. The role involves meeting goals and demonstrating commitment to continuously improve performance improvement metrics, demonstrating appropriate skill sets as determined by the Annual Competency Assessments, and availability to meet departmental staffing demands with effective time management. Basic computer skills pertinent to job performance are necessary. The role monitors data management systems and inventory on a daily basis, reporting variances to the Supervisor. Responsibilities include assisting in cleaning of laboratory equipment, emptying waste, discarding, retrieval & storage of specimens/lab records, and cross-training in other departments within the laboratory or as directed by supervisor. Compliance with the Health First I-Care values and effective communication with coworkers and management, including proper escalation when necessary, is expected.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Must pass color blindness test
• Proficient in required computer applications
• Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision
• Strong skills in critical thinking
• Strong skills in prioritization and organization of tasks
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Able to endure >8 hour workday in periods of high demand
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity to perform clinical/technical tasks
• Must be able to lift 10-20 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to communicate with others to exchange information
• Visual acuity and hand-eye coordination to perform tasks
• Must be able to function in a highly stressful environment
• Ability to deal with multiple problems at the same time
• Ability to make independent decisions

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)
• May require travel to various facilities within and beyond county perimeter
• May require use of personal vehicle
• Able to interpret regulatory guidelines

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 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
• Monitoring data management systems and inventory on a daily basis
• Reporting variances to the Supervisor
• Complying with all Health First, HF Laboratory policies and procedures, along with all pertinent federal and state accreditation agency requirements
• Meeting goals & showing commitment to continuously improve performance improvement metrics
• Demonstrating the appropriate skill sets as determined by the Annual Competency Assessments
• Availability to meet departmental staffing demands
• Demonstrating effective time management
• Performing basic computer skills pertinent to job performance
• Complying with the Health First I-Care values
• Demonstrating effective communication with coworkers and management
• Proper escalation when necessary

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