Laboratory Assistant III

Mohawk Valley Health System•City of Utica, NY

2d•$22 - $28

About The Position

Under the direction of the Laboratory Medical Director, Director of Laboratory Services, and Laboratory Manager, the Laboratory Assistant III assists technical personnel with assigned tasks, instrument maintenance, and inventory. The role receives and identifies patients, collects and transports specimens, and processes specimens. The position supports accurate and timely laboratory operations by managing task priorities, communicating with department and hospital personnel, maintaining supplies, and following procedures for specimen handling, blood products, instrument maintenance, safety, and sanitation. It also supports patient care through accurate order checks, specimen collection, and timely result turnaround.

Requirements

Minimum two-year degree in a science field such as Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry.
No licensure or certification is required.

Nice To Haves

Phlebotomy work experience.
Laboratory assistant work experience.
Other healthcare experience.

Responsibilities

Identify appropriate task priorities and establish and maintain communication and rapport within the department and with other hospital personnel.
Use computer software and specimen management systems appropriately.
Prioritize requests and arrange workload to support optimal patient care.
Manage inventory and receive and distribute reagents and supplies.
Assist with Medical Center-sponsored blood drives.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information and demonstrate ethical, honest, and professional conduct with internal and external consumers.
Ensure accuracy in specimen receiving and blood-product issuance, and perform instrument maintenance according to standard procedures.
Use department equipment, including telephones, computers, and software, appropriately.
Support timely turnaround of patient results, including turnaround times, unfinished work lists, result distribution, and communication with consumers.
Follow up on internal and external departmental requests.
Participate in educational opportunities and identify opportunities for departmental process improvement.
Ensure correct tests are drawn and collected, check orders against the computer system for accuracy, and resolve discrepancies.
Perform specimen collection as needed.
Follow environmental standards for patient, visitor, and staff safety.
Practice hand washing and sanitation.
Report unsafe conditions and respond appropriately to codes and drills.
Use standard precautions when handling chemicals and specimens.
Stock and reorder supplies.
Clean and disinfect work areas and equipment, including refrigerators, freezers, incubators, water baths, and plasma thawers.