Lead Laboratory Support Services Specialist

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best.   Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale.   Join us to start  Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

For those who want to invent the future of health care, here's your opportunity. We're going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.  

The Lead Laboratory Support Services Specialist must possess comprehensive knowledge of clinical laboratory procedures, including specimen processing, documentation, and result management. The Lead Laboratory Support Services Specialist must have the ability to work effectively under pressure and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency. They should be capable of providing leadership and direction to team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Schedule: Office is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. This role would consist of a 40- hour work week, between the hours of 7:00 am to close (approximately 11:30 pm). This shift may be from 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm or 2:30 pm to 11:30 pm. The schedule will be determined by the supervisor upon hire. Rotating Holidays and Weekends possible.

Location : 3901 Hoyt Ave, (Founder's Lab in basement) Everett, WA 98201.

Primary 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

• Perform other duties as assigned

What are the reasons to consider working for UnitedHealth Group? Put it all together - competitive base pay, a full and comprehensive benefit program, performance rewards, and a management team who demonstrates their commitment to your success. Some of our offerings include:

• 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.)

   

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Highschool diploma or GED

• One plus years of computer proficiency experience

• One plus years of experience in a clinical laboratory including specimen processing

• One plus years of leadership experience, including mentoring and guiding team members, monitoring workflow, and making staffing adjustments

• One plus years of demonstrated ability to engage in professional phone communication with both patients and healthcare providers

• Ability to work a 40-hour flexible work week to include the hours of 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm or 2:30 pm to 11:30 pm Schedule may change due to business needs

Preferred Qualifications:

• C urrent BLS certification or ability to obtain within the first 30 days of employment

• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory equipment operation, such as centrifuges and copiers

• 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

Soft Skills:

• 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

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $16.00 to $29.00 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. 

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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