Lab Assistant - Closes 5/22/26

United Indian Health Se• Crescent City, CA, US, CA

About The Position

This position is responsible for performing phlebotomy, specimen processing and tracking, and CLIA-waived testing to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. The role involves greeting clients courteously, providing outstanding customer service with clear communication and empathy, and maintaining a professional demeanor while working effectively as a team member. Responsibilities include processing laboratory orders within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Laboratory Information System (LIS), processing various types of specimens, and tracking shipments, completion, and reporting of tests. The position also requires performing capillary and venipuncture specimen collection, understanding and troubleshooting quality control procedures, and completing routine cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance of equipment. Clerical tasks, adherence to infection prevention and safety policies, and compliance with HIPAA and client confidentiality regulations are also key aspects of the role. The Lab Assistant must maintain an organized and clean working environment, manage laboratory supply inventory, and demonstrate a commitment to cultural awareness and humility when working with American Indian/Alaska Native people, including attending cultural presentations annually and delivering services in a culturally responsive manner. Accreditation and compliance standards must be adhered to, and other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Documentation of the completion of forty (40) hours of basic and advanced didactic (classroom) phlebotomy training from a phlebotomy program.
Documentation of the completion of forty (40) hours of phlebotomy practice that included the performance of at least fifty (50) venipunctures and ten (10) skin punctures.
Must have pending California Certified Phlebotomy Technician I or II Certificate.
Must have a minimum of three (3) years of full time (or equivalent) experience working in a medical facility performing phlebotomy (Level II).
Must be proficient in venipuncture and fingerstick procedures for blood collection and in handling and processing specimens for clinic diagnostic testing (Level II).
Completion and/or maintenance of clinical cross training, or higher-level certification (i.e., National or ASCP Phlebotomy Certification) (Level II).
Must have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience working in a medical facility performing phlebotomy (Level III).
Must demonstrate the ability to successfully train level 1-2 and phlebotomy interns (Level III).
May be met by having one (1) or more years’ experience as a Licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist or by assuming managerial responsibilities in the laboratory (Level III).
Ability to cross train a Medical Assistant (Level III).
Demonstrate a commitment to the provision of culturally sensitive counseling services to American Indians.

Responsibilities

Performs phlebotomy, specimen processing and tracking, and CLIA-waived testing.
Greets clients courteously, providing outstanding customer service with clear communication and empathy.
Maintains a professional demeanor at all times and works effectively as a team member.
Processes laboratory orders within the Electronic Health Record (EHR), Laboratory Information System (LIS), and paper requisitions.
Processes blood, urine, microbiology, and pathology specimens for testing.
Assists in tracking the shipment, completion, and reporting of all tests into the EHR and LIS.
Performs capillary and venipuncture specimen collection.
Understands, documents, and troubleshoots quality control procedures.
Completes routine cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance of equipment and analyzers.
Handles clerical tasks as needed.
Adheres to UIHS Infection Prevention, Safety policies, and standard operating procedures.
Reports to the Laboratory Manager on daily oversight and general processes.
Understands and complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other client confidentiality regulations.
Maintains an organized and clean working environment.
Maintains an inventory of laboratory supplies.
Must be willing to learn more about the American Indian culture and attend at least one Cultural Presentation/Training per year.
Must be willing to work with American Indian/Alaska Native people and demonstrate cultural awareness and humility.
Must be willing to deliver services in a culturally responsive manner.
Adheres to accreditation and compliance standards/guidelines.
Engages in understanding, documentation, and basic troubleshooting of quality control procedures (Level II).
Manages inventory of laboratory supplies, ensuring optimal stock levels (Level II).
Track the shipment, completion and reporting into EHR and LIS of all laboratory tests processed through a UIHS laboratory (Level II).
Collaborates closely with the Laboratory Manager for daily oversight, process improvements, and general operations (Level III).
Assists in the development and revision of laboratory policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives (Level III).
Takes the lead in resolving more complex problems encountered during the laboratory workflow (Level III).
Oversees and ensures the regular and advanced maintenance of analyzers and other equipment (Level III).
Champions the continuous education and understanding of the UIHS culture, setting examples, and guiding junior staff (Level III).