CLINICAL LAB ASSISTANT

Laboratory Specimen Assistant

Assists technical staff in the preparation, processing, handling and tracking of laboratory specimens. Competent in general laboratory support services such as computer system order entry, registration of patients, procurement and handling of specimens and orders. May work in clinical lab, cytology and microbiology.

Essential Job Functions

• Demonstrate competency in appropriate computer system functions
• Responsible for receipt and pre-analytic examination of patient specimens
• Prepares and processes laboratory specimens appropriately to ensure specimen integrity through the pre-analytic phase and post-analytic phase.
• Plans and utilizes time effectively and efficiently to maintain optimal testing turnaround time
• Maintains operational readiness of work area to ensure continuity of operations
• Interacts with various health care professionals to obtain or exchange information to expedite laboratory services.
• Compliance with all established guidelines as documented in technical policies and procedures as related, but not limited to:
• Actively begins breath alcohol training and urine drug screen training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]

Required Qualifications/Experience

• High School Diploma, GED or higher level of education.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
• Basic Math and Keyboard Proficiency
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
• Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Experience as a lab assistant.
• Experience in laboratory specimen procurement and receiving position or enrolled in an appropriate clinical Laboratory program.
• Experience in a specimen receiving position.
• Experience as phlebotomist.
• Experience handling patient specimens.
• College/Technical school experience with laboratory specimens
• Core course completion in a Biological Science, or related field
• Experience in Healthcare setting.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.Essential – Absolute Necessity.Marginal – Minimal Necessity.Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift. - Physical Condition - Essential - Marginal - Constantly - Frequently - Occasionally - Rarely - Never

Extreme Heat - x

Extreme Cold - x

Heights - x

Confined Spaces - x

Extreme Noise(>85dB) - x

Mechanical Hazards - x - x

Use of Vibrating Tools - x

Operates Vehicle (company) - x - x

Operates Heavy Equipment - x

Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices - x

Rotates All Shifts - x - x

8 Hours Shifts - x - x

10-12 Hours Shifts - x

On-Call - x

Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk) - x - x

Travel Between Sites - x - x

Direct Patient Care - x - x

Respirator Protective Equipment - x

Eye Protection - x - x

Head Protection (hard hat) - x

Hearing Protection - x

Hand Protection - x - x

Feet, Toe Protection - x

Body Protection - x - x

Latex Exposure - x - x

Solvent Exposure - x - x

Paint (direct use) Exposure - x

Dust (sanding) Exposure - x

Ethylene Oxide Exposure - x

Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure - x

Blood/Body Fluid Exposure - x - x

Chemicals (direct use) Exposure - x - x

Mist Exposure - x

Wax Stripper (direct use) - x

Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure - x

Ionizing Radiation Exposure - x

Laser Exposure - x

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.Essential – Absolute Necessity.Marginal – Minimal Necessity.Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift. - Physical Condition - Essential - Marginal - Constantly - Frequently - Occasionally - Rarely - Never

Bending (Stooping) - x - x

Sitting - x - x

Walking - x - x

Climbing Stairs - x - x

Climbing Ladders - x

Standing - x - x

Kneeling - x

Squatting (Crouching) - x

Twisting/Turning - x - x

Keyboard/Computer Operation - x - x

Gross Grasp - x - x

Fine Finger Manipulation - x - x

Hand/Arm Coordination - x - x

Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force) - x - 20#

Carry - x - 5#

Transfer/Push/Pull Patients - x

Seeing Near w/Acuity - x - x

Feeling (Sensation) - x - x

Color Vision - x - x

Hearing Clearly - x - x

Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead - x - x

Reaching Above Shoulder Level - x - x

Reaching Forward - x - x