Phlebotomist (35 Hour)

State of Connecticut • East Lyme, CT

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Correction is recruiting three Phlebotomists to perform specimen collection and basic laboratory procedures in a correctional health care environment. The positions are full-time, 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Current openings are at York Correctional Institution in East Lyme and Hartford Correctional Center in Hartford, with first- and second-shift schedules. The recruitment may also be used to fill vacancies at any of Connecticut’s 14 correctional facilities as openings arise.

The role involves independently performing venipuncture and other specimen-collection techniques, preparing specimens, and providing related administrative laboratory support. The work includes direct interaction with incarcerated patients, including individuals who may have habitual IV drug use, be immunocompromised, or require encouragement to comply with ordered laboratory tests and forensic DNA collection.

The Department of Correction operates facilities focused on safety, security, rehabilitation, education, treatment, and successful reintegration. Staff are expected to uphold the agency’s values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dignity, and Excellence.

Requirements

• One year of experience as a phlebotomist in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-regulated laboratory within the last five years; alternatively, qualifying phlebotomy technician certification may substitute for this experience.
• Knowledge of standard phlebotomy procedures and techniques, blood processing and handling procedures, and medical terminology.
• Interpersonal, oral and written communication, keyboard, and basic math skills.
• Ability to understand and follow clinical protocols and procedures; interact courteously and understandingly with patients of all ages; understand and carry out written and oral instructions; keep simple records; perform simple arithmetic; and use computer software.
• Ability to move 30 to 40 pounds to stock supplies and to move or support patients.
• Willingness to undergo periodic testing or immunization for communicable diseases.
• High school diploma or GED may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or an organization acceptable to the Department of Correction or UConn Health, as a substitution for the general experience requirement.
• Experience working with correctional or forensic populations.
• Experience working with Electronic Health Records.
• Experience working in a hospital setting.
• Experience working in a locked institutional setting.
• Experience working in a clinical laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine blood draws, including venipuncture, heel sticks, and finger sticks, using standard equipment.
• Collect non-blood specimens such as urine, sputum, and throat swabs for laboratory testing.
• Accession specimens using standard positive-patient-identification procedures and record collection information according to protocol.
• Perform quality-control procedures to meet internal and regulatory requirements.
• Interact directly with the inmate population and encourage compliance with ordered laboratory tests and forensic DNA collection.
• Provide clerical support, including collecting co-pays, answering calls and general questions about test orders and collections, taking messages, and triaging calls.
• Prepare test-order forms and record entries in reference laboratory logs, either computerized or handwritten.
• Follow laboratory policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Contribute to general laboratory functions and institutional needs.
• Attend required in-service training.
• Maintain inventory and stock or restock supplies.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Healthy work/life balance.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness after 10 years of qualifying service.

What This Job Offers

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