Exception Handling Specialist

Exception Handling Specialist

The Exception Handling Specialist supports a busy medical laboratory by troubleshooting and resolving issues related to specimens and testing. This role serves as a key internal and external resource for specimen and test information, ensuring accurate processing, high-quality service, and strong customer support for patients, clinicians, and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve laboratory issues related to specimen handling, test ordering, and result processing.
• Effectively utilize available resources to maximize productivity, set priorities, and ensure high-quality service.
• Use the Laboratory Information System (LIS) to order, credit, note out, and cancel tests, and to determine specimen acceptability.
• Identify appropriate tubes, containers, transport media, and storage temperatures for each test type.
• Provide clear information on specimen requirements, reference ranges, and specimen stability to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal departments to resolve problems and ensure timely and accurate testing.
• Understand and follow processes for test requesting, labeling, specimen storage and retrieval, and tracking of all specimens received for testing.
• Monitor and interpret current work lists and track all ordered tests analyzed to ensure completion and accuracy.
• Utilize strong customer service skills to handle inquiries efficiently and professionally.
• Perform administrative duties such as maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Adhere to departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient, client, employee, and company information, including Protected Health Information (PHI).
• Demonstrate commitment to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including CAP, CLIA, HIPAA, Safety, and OSHA standards.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with employees, physicians, vendors, clients, and external agencies.
• Handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional and respectful manner.
• Work both independently and as part of a team, showing flexibility in supporting organizational needs.
• Use related software systems proficiently to support daily operations and documentation.
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and service quality.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• State licensure if applicable (required).
• Preferred two years of experience in a medical laboratory environment.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), including test ordering, crediting, canceling, and specimen tracking.
• Knowledge of specimen accessioning, specimen handling, and basic laboratory workflows.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements including CAP, CLIA, HIPAA, Safety, and OSHA regulations.
• Strong customer service skills with experience supporting patients, clinicians, or customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently with strong attention to detail and a focus on quality.
• Ability to prioritize and re-prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment based on changing demands.
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner.
• Ability to work well with others in a team-oriented environment and maintain positive relationships.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of employee, patient, client, and company information, including PHI.
• Demonstrated commitment to compliance with federal and state regulations and internal policies.
• Demonstrated respect for all individuals and adherence to organizational values and business practices.
• Ability to maintain cultural competence when working with diverse populations.
• Computer literacy and proficiency with related software applications.
• Customer service mindset with compassion, patience, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Physical ability to push, pull, lift, and carry objects up to 30 pounds and perform reaching, grasping, pinching, twisting, and occasional climbing motions.
• Ability to visually discriminate color, size, shape, and motility as required for laboratory-related tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a medical laboratory (preferred).
• Experience in roles such as lab assistant or similar laboratory support positions.
• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems.
• Experience with customer support in a healthcare or laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of specimen requirements, reference ranges, and specimen stability.
• Experience in problem resolution related to laboratory processes and customer inquiries.
• Demonstrated ability to provide compassionate and patient-centered service.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support organizational needs as they arise.

Work Environment

This position is based on-site in an environmentally controlled medical laboratory setting in Mesa, Arizona. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., for approximately 40 hours per week, with some flexibility in working hours. The environment is fast-paced and may involve occasional high-pressure or emergent situations. Employees may come into contact with contagious pathogens and hazardous chemicals and may be required to operate fire and safety equipment or follow established safety procedures. The role involves routine access to Protected Health Information (PHI); employees receive training on reasonable safeguards and are expected to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all privacy and security standards, accessing PHI only when required to fulfill job duties. The work requires regular use of computers, LIS, and related software, as well as physical activities such as light to medium lifting, reaching, and handling laboratory materials.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mesa, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $21.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Mesa,AZ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil