Lab Assistant - Microbiology

POSITION SUMMARY

The Laboratory Assistant position is responsible for providing quality laboratory diagnostic service and 

stewardship by performing support functions to ensure optimal support of the laboratory department. 

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Support the Laboratory Manager, Supervisor, Technologists, Scientists, Sr. Scientists and Phlebotomists in all phases of laboratory testing, particularly in, but not limited to: processing of lab specimens manually or using automated lab analyzers, labeling, sample management in electronic medical record, quality control, lab supply and inventory management, equipment maintenance, lab customer service support, and other tasks assigned by lab leadership team. 
2. May perform CLIA waived testing. Must meet the minimum qualification set forth by state & CLIA.
3. May be assigned to support laboratory testing support to one of the following laboratory sections: 
4.  Blood Bank, Core Laboratory, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular, Lab Supply Management, Lab Support Services, Pathology, Point of Care, or other sections as determined by laboratory leadership.
5. Complies with all Health First, HF Laboratory policies and procedures, along with all pertinent federal and state accreditation agency requirements.
6. Meets goals & shows commitment to continuously improve performance improvement metrics.
7. Demonstrates the appropriate skill sets as determined by the Annual Competency Assessments.
8. Availability to meet departmental staffing demands and demonstrates effective time management.
9. Ability to perform basic computer skills pertinent to job performance.
10. Monitors data management systems and inventory on a daily basis. Reports variances to the Supervisor.
11. Assists in cleaning of laboratory equipment, emptying waste, discarding, retrieval & storage of specimens/lab records
12. Cross trains in other departments within the laboratory or as directed by supervisor.
13. Complies with the Health First I-Care values and demonstrates effective communication with coworkers and management to include proper escalation when necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Licensure: NA
• Certification: NA
• Work Experience: NA
• Work Experience in lieu of Education: NA
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

1. Must pass color blindness test, proficient in required computer applications.
2. Work autonomously with minimal supervision.
3. Strong skills in:
4. Critical thinking, prioritization and organization of tasks, communication skills (written and verbal in English).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Current enrollment or completion of a post-secondary technical or clinical program in biological sciences and/or related field.
• Licensure: 
• Certification: Clinical Lab Assistant Certification from American Society for Clinical Pathology CLA(ASCP).
• Work Experience: 1 year in clinical healthcare laboratory or any clinical healthcare setting.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Laboratory skills (knowledge of pre-analytic, analytic and post analytic phase of diagnostic lab testing). 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to endure >8 hour workday in periods of high demand. 
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity to perform clinical/technical tasks. 
• Must be able to lift 10-20 lbs. unassisted. 
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Visual acuity and hand-eye coordination to perform tasks.
• May require travel to various facilities within and beyond county perimeter; may require use of personal vehicle.
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• MENTAL DEMANDS
• Must be able to function in a highly stressful environment.
• Ability to deal with multiple problems at the same time and made independent decisions.
• Able to make independent decisions & interpret regulatory guidelines.

ABOUT HEALTH FIRST

At Health First, diversity and inclusion are essential for our continued growth and evolution. Working together, we strive to build and nurture a culture that recognizes, encourages, and respects the diverse voices of our associates. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more collaborative work environment that delivers better results. As an organization, it fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our associates, customers, and the communities we serve.