Senior Phlebotomist

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.  

Under general supervision, the Senior Phlebotomist will be responsible for performing a wide range of laboratory duties, including specimen collection, waived and moderate testing (including microscopy), and EKGs. The Senior Phlebotomist will have a strong background in phlebotomy, laboratory procedures, and patient care. This position requires excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills. The Senior Phlebotomist will work independently and as part of a team to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Schedule: This position is a 40‑hour work week.

• Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Hours may fluctuate based on business needs.
• Final scheduling will be determined by the hiring manager.

Location: 11019 Canyon Rd E, (Lab), Puyallup, WA 98373

Primary Responsibilities:

• Venipuncture and specimen collection:
  • Collect blood specimens from patients using venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques promptly
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment
  • Process and prepare specimens for testing and transport
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to specimen collection, testing, and equipment
  • Give proper patient collection instructions (i.e. urine collection, stool collection, etc.)
  • Instruct patients in post-phlebotomy care
  • Properly dispose of bio-hazardous and sharps materials
  • Obtain specimens for microbiology testing
  • Perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) and other miscellaneous services
  • Order sufficient supplies to perform the workload and rotate stock and prevent the use of outdated supplies
  • Always follow the venipuncture standard of work (SOW)
  • Always follow the processing standard of work (SOW) including positive identification of all patient specimens
• Perform waived and moderate complexity laboratory testing:
  • Performs both waived and moderate complexity laboratory testing, including microscopy
  • Maintain accurate records of patient information, test results, and laboratory procedures
  • Perform quality control and calibration procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results
  • Participate in quality assurance and quality control activities including proficiency testing
  • Always follow the resulting standard of work (SOW)
  • Always follow the processing standard of work (SOW)
  • Participate in competency assessment
  • Follow The Optum Clinic lab procedures and guidelines
  • Follow the Calling Critical Value policy
• Customer Experience: 
  • Interact with patients and healthcare providers in a professional and compassionate manner
  • While registering patients, always follow the reception standard of work (SOW)
  • Problem solve efficiently and promptly
  • Locate missing lab orders and specimens
  • Competent and efficient phone skills
•  Duties integrated into all job functions:
  • 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 Everett Clinic
  • Integrate 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 TEC policies
  • Attends training to meet job position requirements and as needed or mandated by TEC policies, Div. of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), OSHA, L&I, and other state/federal regulations
  • Have regular and predictable attendance
• Performs 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 directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-Pbt) certification from the state of Washington to perform capillary and venous invasive procedures for blood withdrawal under the supervision of a health care practitioner 
• Completion of a Phlebotomy Certificate program through an accredited school
• BLS (AHA) certification or the ability to obtain within the first 30 days of employment 
• 1+ years of experience with excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to speak clearly and concisely, conveying information in a manner that others can understand, as well as ability to understand and interpret information from others and within the team environment 
• Intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Office and demonstrates solid computer skills
• Ability to use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects. Occasionally, lifting to 50 pounds and carrying up to 24 pounds may be required
• Ability to abide by the code of conduct per Optum/UHG
• Access to reliable transportation and travel to the other draw locations within Optum 

Preferred Qualifications:   

• 2+ years of blood draw experience 
• 2+ years of blood draw experience, Knowledge of laboratory information systems and electronic medical record
• Documented training program to include all elements of CLIA regulation 42CFR493.1423 
• Experience performing EKG’s and accurately determine acceptable readings 
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology 
• Knowledge of laboratory information systems and electronic medical record 
• Demonstrated solid organizational and time management skills
• Proven ability to maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment 
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to specimen collection, testing, and equipment 
• Proven ability to work with a diverse patient population, including infants, children, adults, and geriatric patients
• Thorough understanding of phlebotomy techniques, procedures, and safety protocols
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment 
• Knowledge of waived laboratory testing, including sample preparation and analysis, quality control, and troubleshooting 
• Familiarity with EKG procedures and acceptable results 
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy 
• Understanding of HIPAA regulations and compliance standards 

Soft Skills: 

• Ability to work independently and maintain good judgment and accountability 
• Ability to acclimate working on a small or large team
• Demonstrated ability to work well with health care providers 
• Strong organizational and time management skills 
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks to meet all deadlines 
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to speak clearly and concisely, conveying information in a manner that others can understand, as well as ability to understand and interpret information from others 

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Employees must meet the physical and mental demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to frequently stand and walk from place to place for long periods with intermittent breaks
• Must be able to run during an emergency
• Must be able to frequently use hands and fingers to handle, grasp or feel objects, tools, controls, and medical or office equipment
• Must be able to repeat the same movements frequently
• Must be able to make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls and move arms and legs quickly
• Must speak clearly so listeners can understand and be able to understand the speech of another person
• Must be able to hear sounds and recognize the difference between them
• Must have a level of visual acuity to see details of objects from near and far, see differences between colors, shades, and brightness, and determine the distance between objects. May have periods of prolonged sitting in connection with telephone or computer usage
• Must be able to use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects. Occasionally, lifting 50 pounds and carrying up to 24 pounds may be required
• Must be able to bend, stretch, stoop, twist, squat, kneel, crawl, push/pull, grasp, handle, or reach out
• Must be able to move two or more limbs together while remaining in place
• Must be able to coordinate the movements of several body parts, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving
• Must demonstrate proper body mechanics to support physical activity for long periods without getting tired or out of breath
• Must be able to keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position 

Typical Working Conditions:

• The work environmental characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing the job's essential functions
• Can have frequent exposure to communicable/infectious diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical environment. Interaction with others is busy, constant, and occasionally interruptive. Typical office conditions and noise levels are usually quiet. Work may be demanding at times. It may require the ability to work irregular hours  

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 $18.00 to $32.00 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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