Senior Lab Clerk

UnitedHealth Group•Seattle, WA

5d•$18 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Senior Lab Clerk will be responsible for performing a variety of laboratory duties, including specimen collection, processing, and waived testing. This position requires excellent communication skills, detail-oriented, and a passion for providing exceptional patient care. Schedule – A 40-hour work week. Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm PST. May include some Saturday and Holiday rotations for coverage purposes. Location: : 904 7Th Ave, Second Floor, (Laboratory office) Seattle, WA 98104

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
1+ years of computer proficiency experience
1 + years of experience in a clinical pathology laboratory including specimen processing

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
Leadership Responsibilities: In the absence of the supervisor, the Lead Specialist assumes responsibility for the Processing department's smooth operation. They perform regularly assigned work and assist co-workers during times of increased workload or reduced staffing. Monitoring workflow, making staffing adjustments, and prioritizing tasks are among their key responsibilities. They also serve as a resource person and problem collaborator for team members, communicating employee requests, suggestions, and staffing needs to the supervisor. Additionally, they support and communicate decisions made by the supervisor regarding interpersonal conflicts within the work unit and share opportunities for improving processes with management. Encouraging and developing the employees they lead, the Lead Specialist actively engages in special projects or assignments made by the Processing Supervisor or Lab Manager.
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
Performs 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.)
comprehensive benefits package
incentive and recognition programs
equity stock purchase
401k contribution