Lab Assistant Temporary- Arcata

Job Description

Job Description

Lab Assistant -Temporary- Arcata -Closes June 4, 2026

E S S E NTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Level I :

• Greets clients courteously, providing outstanding customer service with clear communication and empathy.
• Maintains a professional demeanor at all times and works effectively as a team member.
• Processes laboratory orders within the Electronic Health Record (EHR), Laboratory Information System (LIS), and paper requisitions, as necessary.
• Processes blood, urine, microbiology, and pathology specimens for testing.
• Assists in tracking the shipment, completion, and reporting of all tests into the EHR and LIS.
• Performs capillary and venipuncture specimen collection.
• Understands, documents, and troubleshoots quality control procedures.
• Completes routine cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance of equipment and analyzers.
• Handles clerical tasks as needed.
• Adheres to UIHS Infection Prevention, Safety policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Reports to the Laboratory Manager on daily oversight and general processes.
• Understands and complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other client confidentiality regulations.
• Maintains an organized and clean working environment.
• Maintains an inventory of laboratory supplies.
• Must be willing to learn more about the American Indian culture and attend at least one Cultural Presentation/Training per year.
• Performs all duties in accordance with the UIHS Mission, Vision, and Guiding principles.

Level 2—competent in all Level I and in addition to the following :

• Engages in understanding, documentation, and basic troubleshooting of quality control procedures.
• Manages inventory of laboratory supplies, ensuring optimal stock levels.
• Track the shipment, completion and reporting into EHR and LIS of all laboratory tests processed through a UIHS laboratory.

Level 3—competent in all Level 2 and in addition to the following :

• Collaborates closely with the Laboratory Manager for daily oversight, process improvements, and general operations.
• Assists in the development and revision of laboratory policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Takes the lead in resolving more complex problems encountered during the laboratory workflow.
• Oversees and ensures the regular and advanced maintenance of analyzers and other equipment.
• Champions the continuous education and understanding of the UIHS culture, setting examples, and guiding junior staff.

S UPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Q U A L IFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE : Educational degrees must be from a US Department of Education accredited school.

Level 1 :

• High school diploma or equivalent; and must have:
• Documentation of the completion of forty (40) hours of basic and advanced didactic (classroom) phlebotomy training from a phlebotomy program.
• Documentation of the completion of forty (40) hours of phlebotomy practice that included the performance of at least fifty (50) venipunctures and ten (10) skin punctures.
• Must have pending California Certified Phlebotomy Technician I or II Certificate.

Level 2 – above mentioned and:

• Must have a minimum of three (3) years of full time (or equivalent) experience working in a medical facility performing phlebotomy.
• Must be proficient in venipuncture and fingerstick procedures for blood collection and in handling and processing specimens for clinic diagnostic testing.
• Completion and/ or maintenance of clinical cross training, or higher-level certification (i.e., National or ASCP Phlebotomy Certification)

Level 3 – above mentioned and:

• Must have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience working in a medical facility performing phlebotomy.
• Must demonstrate the ability to successfully train level 1-2 and phlebotomy interns.
• May be met by having one (1) or more years’ experience as a Licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist or by assuming managerial responsibilities in the laboratory. Ability to cross train a Medical Assistant.

COMPUTER OPERATIONS:

• Basic personal computer skills including electronic mail, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, etc.
• Experience with electronic health records and/or laboratory information system is preferred.