Lab Assistant (Referral Representative I)
About The Position
The Lab Assistant (Referral Representative I) handles internal and external customer contact regarding Referral Testing, resolves and follows up on complex customer issues, and serves as a liaison between customers and referral vendors. The role is based in Tucker, Georgia, and is scheduled Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday, 1:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The stated pay range starts at $17.75 per hour; eligible employees may receive shift differentials and annual performance bonus compensation. The position retrieves and prepares specimens for shipment to referral laboratories, verifies sample quality and accuracy, addresses specimen and information issues, and prepares shipments in accordance with IATA regulations. It also handles customer inquiries and testing-related matters, reports results using established protocols, investigates complex Referral Testing issues, and maintains required documentation and laboratory safety practices.
Requirements
- Minimum one to two years of clinical laboratory experience.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Basic understanding of Client Services and Specimen Processing operations.
- Thorough understanding of Referral Testing.
- Basic medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory.
- Detail-oriented, able to work independently, establish priorities, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Strong independent problem-solving skills.
- Interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and clients.
- Communication skills for handling telephone inquiries from clients and vendors.
- Ability to handle patient and client information confidentially.
- Good data-entry skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.
- Ability to stand and work at a bench for long periods, with frequent walking and/or standing.
- Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 36–50 pounds seldom; objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
Nice To Haves
- Customer service and/or medical background preferred.
Responsibilities
- Retrieve, sort, and process specimens for shipment to referral laboratories.
- Ensure sample quality and accuracy; identify specimen type, missing information, temperature, and quantity issues.
- Prepare specimens and packages for shipment according to IATA regulations.
- File departmental documents.
- Handle customer inquiries about result reporting, service failures, and quality issues.
- Report laboratory results using established protocols.
- Contact clients to resolve routine or medical/technical matters related to patient testing and result reporting, following established protocols.
- Investigate and resolve complex Referral Testing issues.
- Research test availability using established protocols for selecting a referral vendor.
- Assist Client Services, customers, and Sales by answering questions and responding to concerns in a timely manner.
- Communicate tests not performed and laboratory accidents to clients within 24 hours of notification.
- Document issues thoroughly and elevate concerns to a supervisor.
- Identify and escalate reportable quality incidents to supervisors.
- Maintain a safe, functional, and sanitary work area.
- Follow CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, and laboratory safety requirements, including use of required protective equipment and controls.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees working 30 or more hours.
- Well-being programs.
- Annual no-cost health assessment program.
- Blueprint for Wellness® healthyMINDS mental health program.
- Vacation and Health/Flex Time.
- Six holidays plus one “MyDay” off.
- FinFit financial coaching and services.
- 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service.
- Employee stock purchase plan.
- Life and disability insurance, with buy-up option.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Annual incentive plans.
- Matching gifts program.
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
- Career advancement opportunities.
- Potential annual performance bonus compensation.
- Potential shift differential of 10% for some or all second-shift hours and 15% for some or all third-shift hours.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
