Lab Clerk

UnitedHealth Group • Everett, WA

1d • $16 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
Under the supervision of the Specimen Processing Supervisor; the position is responsible for processing of specimens and performing various laboratory support procedures in the main laboratory processing department. The Lab Clerk must be proficient with computer data entry to maintain patient demographic as well as test ordering details in multiple computer systems in accordance with compliance guidelines. The Lab Clerk will process, prepare and package patient samples for in-house testing and reference laboratories.
Schedule: Office is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. This role would consist of a 40- hour work week, between the hours of 7:00 am to close (approximately 11:30 pm). This shift may be from 1:00 pm to 9:30 pm. The schedule will be determined by the supervisor upon hire. Rotating Holidays and Weekends possible.
Location: 3901 Hoyt Ave, (Founder’s Lab in basement) Everett, WA 98201.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED (or higher)
• 1+ years of computer proficiency experience
• 6+ months of experience in a clinical laboratory including specimen processing or 6+ months of phlebotomy experience
• 6+ months of experience in demonstrated ability to engage in professional phone communication with both patients and healthcare providers
• Ability to work a 40-hour flexible work week to include the hours of 1:00 pm to 9:30 pm pm PST9 may change due to business needs

Nice To Haves

• Current BLS certification or ability to obtain within the first 30 days of employment
• Knowledge of laboratory information systems (LIS) for data entry and specimen tracking purposes
• An understanding of regulatory requirements, including OSHA, CLIA, and CAP standards, pertaining to laboratory safety and compliance
• Exhibit a range of technical skills, including the proven ability to process biological samples efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Proven attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, especially in tasks involving specimen processing procedures and support functions
• Demonstrated flexibility for covering team members on leave and adjusting working hours as needed
• Proven ability to exhibit a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, ensuring current knowledge of advancements in the field
• Demonstrated solid organizational skills to ensure accurate processing, along with the demonstrated ability to multitask while maintaining a calm and effectual demeanor
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills for interactions with patients, laboratory team members, clinicians, and other clinical staff
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and encourage teamwork through cooperative interactions
• Demonstrated adaptability to new processes demonstrated through Continuous Process Improvement
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment, contributing to the overall efficiency of the laboratory

Responsibilities

• Specimen Processing: Responsible for meticulous specimen processing including receiving, verifying patient identification, sorting, preparing, and distributing blood, urine, and other biological specimens according to protocol. The Specialist operates laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and copiers and utilizes the organization's EHR and LIS computer systems to perform these functions. Review data in the laboratory information system, label specimens, centrifuge, aliquot, and load specimens onto laboratory equipment
• Phone and Customer Service: Field phone calls, provide ordering information on lab tests and specimen requirements, answering telephones, taking and relaying messages, and offering phone customer service. Includes receiving calls regarding test ordering information and patient results from providers, and contacting reference laboratories for test inquiries and resolution. Effective communication ensures that inquiries are addressed promptly and accurately, supporting overall laboratory efficiency
• Documentation and Resource Management: Serving as a lab resource, the Specialist handles documentation related to lab incidents, fills out reference lab forms, resolves specimen issues, and reports issues. Ensure results are received from external testing sites, and scan results into EHR ensuring results are sent to providers
• Maintenance of Equipment: Maintenance duties include recording temperatures, defrosting freezers, and cleaning laboratory equipment. Ensures that all equipment is functioning correctly and adheres to maintenance schedules, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of the lab
• Quality Improvement and Compliance: Contributes to Quality Improvement and Lean Process Improvement activities. They complete all mandatory learning requirements on time and attend and participate in department, team, and committee meetings. Compliance with all department and location-specific policies and procedures is mandatory
• All staff members are to promote a positive and productive work environment by acting maturely and responsibly, satisfactorily performing job responsibilities, and conducting themselves professionally, courteously, and respectfully toward fellow employees, physicians, and patients
• Must relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions: (a) get along with co-workers or peers without exhibiting behavioral extreme; (b) perform work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others; and (c) respond openly and appropriately to feedback regarding performance from a supervisor
• Performs all duties in a manner that promotes and supports the Core Values of the organization
• Integrates Lean principles, practices, and tools to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction.
• Must follow written and oral instructions and complete routine tasks independently
• Complete all compliance training, including but not limited to HIPAA/Privacy/Confidentiality/Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Integrity Statement and signed Agreements
• Ensures confidentiality of patient information by following HIPAA guidelines and policies
• Attends training to meet job position requirements and as needed or mandated by policies, Div. of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), OSHA, L&I, and other state/federal regulations
• Have regular and predictable attendance
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Paid Time Off which you start to accrue with your first pay period plus 8 Paid Holidays
• Medical Plan options along with participation in a Health Spending Account or a Health Saving account
• Dental, Vision, Life& AD&D Insurance along with Short-term disability and Long-Term Disability coverage
• 401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Voluntary Benefits (pet insurance, legal insurance, LTC Insurance, etc.)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED