Laboratory Assistant / Phlebotomist

Family Health Care Centers of Greater Los Angeles•Bell Gardens, CA

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant / Phlebotomist performs venipuncture and other specimen-collection procedures for laboratory testing and diagnostic purposes. The role is responsible for patient identification, specimen collection, labeling, processing, and handling to protect specimen integrity and patient safety, while supporting patients and medical providers in accordance with laboratory procedures. The position also supports laboratory operations through accurate documentation and data entry, specimen preparation and transport, equipment and inventory maintenance, communication with laboratories and vendors, and collaboration with healthcare providers and staff. The employee must follow applicable privacy, quality, safety, and infection-control requirements and provide professional, patient-centered service.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Certification with the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Inc. and/or the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA).
Current BLS certification and ability to keep it up to date.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Fluency in spoken and written English and Spanish.
Ability to travel to and from FHCCGLA sites and attend off-site events, meetings, and trainings; access to an automobile, a valid California Driver’s License, and state-mandated automobile insurance are required.
Commitment to FHCCGLA’s mission, vision, and provision of high-quality healthcare services for indigent and underserved communities.
Ability to adapt to changes, including schedule changes, agency growth, and expansion.
Ability to prioritize work and meet tight, sensitive deadlines under pressure.
Knowledge of legal requirements for blood draws, specimen handling, and relevant medical equipment.
Dexterity and hand-eye coordination, with exceptional attention to detail for patient safety and data integrity.
Ability to stand, walk, and lift or carry laboratory shipment supplies weighing at least ten pounds.
Ability to work professionally and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and relate to the public and staff regardless of ethnicity, religion, or economic status.
Strong interpersonal, planning, organizational, problem-analysis, and critical-thinking skills; friendly and able to promote teamwork.
Excellent customer-service skills and ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Two years of phlebotomy experience.
Experience in an FQHC setting.
Computer knowledge, including NextGen (E.H.R. and PMS), Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
Knowledge of PPOs, HMOs, CPE, Medicare, Family PACT, CPSP, Medi-Cal, fee-for-service, managed care plans, and Every Woman Counts.

Responsibilities

Identify each patient using two independent identifiers before drawing blood or collecting specimens, and verify information against the lab requisition, E.H.R., and specimen labels.
Assess patient needs and history, print the correct provider lab requisition, and determine the reason for blood collection.
Verify and collect samples required for specific tests and label specimens accurately.
Perform venipuncture, capillary punctures, and other specimen-collection procedures according to training, certification, and established protocols.
Handle specimens according to laboratory standards and safety practices, and prepare them for transport or pickup while maintaining required temperatures.
Analyze blood specimens using the correct testing equipment.
Maintain accurate specimen records and enter information promptly in the patients’ E.H.R.; collect and enter accurate billing data.
Comply with HIPAA requirements and protect the confidentiality of patients’ protected health information.
Follow quality-control standards and clean, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment according to manufacturer instructions.
Keep the laboratory clean, organized, and stocked; check monthly for expired items and maintain an audit log.
Coordinate timely specimen pickups with laboratories, including Quest, LabCorp, and Foundation Lab.
Serve as a liaison among patients, the laboratory, and FHCCGLA to resolve billing inquiries and discrepancies.
Coordinate supply orders and deliveries with vendors and laboratory representatives, maintain cost-effective inventory practices, and report supply needs to the immediate supervisor.
Assist with blood draws for OB AFP testing.
Train and mentor new phlebotomy staff when assigned.
Collaborate with healthcare providers and FHCCGLA staff to support efficient workflows and quality patient care.
Use equipment and supplies properly to prevent waste or damage, and maintain cooperative working relationships with providers and coworkers.
Communicate professionally with patients and visitors, handle unexpected or stressful situations professionally, and seek medical-provider assistance for emergencies or other support when needed.
Attend mandatory quarterly staff trainings and other pertinent meetings requested by leadership.
Travel between FHCCGLA sites and attend off-site events, meetings, and trainings as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned, which may be modified as business needs dictate.