Laboratory Assistant III

Baptist Health•Homewood, AL

About The Position

Performs specimen receiving and processing duties, registers patients, enters orders in the computer system, centrifuges specimens, labels and aliquots samples, delivers samples to the test site, and stores samples, slides, and blocks. Provides specialized support in patient registration and laboratory operations while maintaining customer service, specimen workflow, and patient care and safety. May perform phlebotomy or IV starts when the required competencies or training are approved and on file.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalency.
Three years of laboratory, patient care, or patient business experience.
Knowledge of specimen collection and handling requirements.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively with team members.
Ability to work flexible hours to meet department needs.
Phlebotomy competency approval on file if performing phlebotomy.
Approved training and competencies on file if performing IV starts.

Responsibilities

Provide specialized support for patient registration and demonstrate knowledge of third-party reimbursement requirements and regulations.
Maintain customer support and supplies; investigate customer requests and issues.
Demonstrate knowledge of specimen collection and handling requirements.
Follow up on patient care issues and communicate them to the immediate supervisor.
Perform departmental functions involving hospital and laboratory information systems, specimen processing, billing, reference testing, and scheduling.
Maintain positive customer service relationships and proactively respond to customer service issues.
Train staff as required and direct staff to ensure corporate and departmental expectations are met in specimen workflow.
Coordinate, organize, or perform tasks required to ensure patient care and safety.
Work cooperatively with team members and respond to customer phone calls.
Act as liaison between the laboratory, physicians, nursing personnel, other ancillary departments, clients, and vendors outside the laboratory.
Order and stock necessary supplies.
Process pathology specimens as appropriate.
Schedule courier pickups as needed.
Communicate issues and department status to the immediate supervisor.
Maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with applicable policies and laws.
Comply with Baptist Health policies and procedures.
Maintain an active role in the laboratory Quality Improvement Program.
Maximize productivity, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
Document specimen quality issues and follow established policies.
Adhere to infection control and safety practices and keep a clean, organized work area.
Maintain confidentiality of patient records and hospital and departmental matters.
File reports and requisitions and assist with report distribution.
Perform phlebotomy as necessary when approved competency is on file.
Perform IV starts as necessary when approved training and competencies are on file.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
403(b) retirement savings plan with matching.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Paid time off (up to five weeks to start).
Life insurance.
Extended Leave Plan (ELP).
Family Care for childcare, elder care, and pet care.
Educational benefits, including tuition reimbursement and monthly payments to help pay down graduated school debt.
Benefits start on day one.