Clinical Lab Assistant II

Clinical Laboratory Assistant

Under direct supervision, a Clinical Laboratory Assistant (CLA) performs a variety of record keeping duties and prepares routine specimens and performs ancillary tasks to support testing. Unpacks and records samples shipped in accordance with regulations and guidelines. Works with other team members to ensure timely and quality test results.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities regularly performed by and assigned to CLA levels I, II, III, and IV:

• Performs all assigned duties in compliance with internal SOPs and external regulations. Brings compliance issues to the attention of management.
• Maintains acceptable attendance and punctuality per the absence policy.
• Assures quality customer service to all customers
• Maintains accurate records and documentation. Performs data entry. Ensures donor, patient and employee confidentiality.
• Prepares and maintains inventory.
• Packs and ships supplies and/or specimens.
• Maintains the cleanliness of equipment and work areas.
• Assists in processing bio-waste, specimens, and micro-plates.
• Performs receipt and preparation of samples, as directed.
• Performs all other duties, at the discretion of management, as assigned.

Additional duties and responsibilities regularly performed by and assigned to CLA levels II, III, and IV:

• Unpacks samples received from internal and external customers.
• Accessions samples received for testing. Identifies unacceptable or missing samples, labels, or paperwork. Reports all discrepancies to the supervisor and assists with resolution.
• Orders laboratory reagents and supplies.
• Performs sample receipt, accessioning, handling, and disposition.
• Assists with equipment maintenance.
• Communicates pertinent information to customers, as directed.

Additional duties and responsibilities regularly performed by and assigned to CLA levels III and IV:

• Resolves routine problems; recommends corrective action to management or nonroutine issues.
• Investigates and resolves all shipping, receipt and labeling exceptions and reports to management as appropriate.
• Oversees inventory of supplies and reagents.
• Assists with management of data entry
• Participates in performance improvement teams and training programs, as required.

Additional duties and responsibilities regularly performed by and assigned to CLA level IV:

• May assist with coordination of workflow, training, and mentoring of support staff, as required.
• Assists in the deviation management process.
• Performs preventative maintenance on equipment and maintains accurate records.
• Communicates with customers, vendors, and couriers to ensure quality service.
• Ensures that appropriate Quality Assurance processes are in place.
• Participates in Quality Improvement Teams.

Required qualifications:

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid in-state driver's license, where applicable, required.
• CLA Level II - Must possess demonstrated competency in all CLA I and II tasks.
• CLA Level III - Must possess at least 1 year of clinical laboratory experience and demonstrated competency in all CLA II and III tasks.
• CLA Level IV - Must possess at least 1 year of clinical laboratory experience, including previous experience as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant at CTS and demonstrated competency in all CLA I, II, III, and IV tasks.

Preferred qualifications:

• Trainer Certification is preferred, but required for CLA IVs in Plasma Services.

Skills and abilities:

• Must possess the skills and abilities to successfully perform all assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Must have analytical, statistical, personal organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Must have proficient computer skills.
• Ability to think strategically and independently.
• Effective oral and written communication skills. Must be able to understand, follow, and give precise written and verbal instructions, and perform all activities safely.
• Ability to establish priorities and follow through on projects, paying close attention to detail with minimal supervision.
• Able to organize, prioritize, and execute a variable workload and multiple priorities.
• Ability to work in a team environment and participate as an active team member.
• Ability to comprehend and apply clinical laboratory procedures and theory.

Physical and travel requirements:

• 5+ hours per shift: Sitting, Standing, Handling, Finger Dexterity, Pinching
• 3- 5 hours per shift: Lifting to 40 pounds
• Up to 3 hours per shift: Walking, Climbing, bending, squatting, reaching above shoulders, reaching waist to shoulder, reaching knee to waist, reaching floor to knee, grasping items, pinching, lifting/carrying/moving items up to 40 pounds, handling, finger dexterity, driving, push/pull up to 40 pounds.
• Travel: <5%

Internal advancement statement:

In order to be considered for advancement to the next CLA level, employees must possess the required qualifications, skills, and abilities as stated in the job description AND regularly demonstrate the qualities and behaviors commensurate with our CTS mission, vision, and values.