Laboratory Assistant

Description

CORE VALUES 

The core values of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) are dignity and stewardship. Each staff member is expected to perform their job duties in a way that preserves dignity for our patients and maintains good stewardship of the Center's resources. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Lab Assistant I (LA I) supports the provider care team by performing essential laboratory support functions, including specimen collection, processing, reporting, and scheduling. This position is responsible for providing accurate, timely, and effective laboratory services while delivering excellent customer service to internal and external customers. The LA I performs specimen acquisition using safe, professional techniques in compliance with laboratory policies and HIPAA requirements and ensures proper processing, transport, and referral of laboratory specimens and reports.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Perform specimen collection using venipuncture and capillary techniques in accordance with safety and infection control standards.
• Prepare patients for laboratory tests and procedures, ensuring accurate patient identification and specimen labeling. 
• Process, handle, store, and transport specimens (blood and non-blood) in compliance with collection, referral, and special handling requirements.
• Perform point-of-care and waived testing, including required quality control, per manufacturer and procedural guidelines.
• Conduct basic instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, including daily and periodic maintenance tasks.
• Perform EKGs accurately and according to established protocols.
• Enter laboratory orders and results accurately and monitor systems to ensure timely and consistent result flow.
• Perform NON-DOT urine drug screenings, including chain of custody, documentation, and safety procedures.
• Support clinic operations by maintaining patient flow, managing inventory and supplies, and assisting with health fairs as needed.

The essential functions listed are not an exhaustive list of every task the employee is required to complete. Employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic Life Support certification through American Heart Association required upon hire or within ninety (90) days of hire. 
• MOAB Certification within 1 year of hire.
• Experience in clinic or healthcare setting is preferred. Phlebotomy and/or lab experience strongly preferred.
• Must successfully pass annual competency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse patient-and employee-base.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the rationale of appropriate patient care.
• Communicates through appropriate channels. Use proper chain of command for patient complaints.
• Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively.
• Must be computer literate.
• Must be able to maintain good inter-personal relationship with co-workers and other members of the health care team and the organization.
• Provide customer service in accordance to the organization’s mission.
• Be courteous and respectful when interacting with patients and family members.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance to organization’s policy and procedure and HIPAA requirements.
• Demonstrate knowledge of special specimen requirements, including timing, handling, storage, and transport instructions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works primarily in a laboratory setting with exposure to biological specimens, chemicals, reagents, and laboratory equipment. Requires continuous fine motor dexterity for specimen processing, pipetting, aliquoting, data entry, and equipment operation. Frequent repetitive hand, wrist, and finger movements throughout the workday. Requires standing and walking for prolonged periods; may alternate between sitting and standing. Frequent bending, stooping, twisting, crouching, and reaching to perform phlebotomy, access equipment, supplies, and storage areas. Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds occasionally (e.g., supply boxes, specimen containers). Requires constant use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to gloves, lab coats/gowns, safety glasses, face shields, and masks/respirators as required. Visual acuity required for close work, reading labels, and monitoring instrumentation. Color vision required to accurately identify specimen characteristics, reagent changes, test indicators, labeling, warning signs, and color-coded materials. May work around moving mechanical parts, noise, refrigeration units, and laboratory ventilation systems. Possible exposure to biohazardous materials and sharps; adherence to safety protocols is mandatory.