Lab Assistant - Microbiology

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Support the Laboratory Manager, Supervisor, Technologists, Scientists, Sr. Scientists and Phlebotomists in all phases of laboratory testing.
• Process lab specimens manually or using automated lab analyzers.
• Label specimens and manage sample information in the electronic medical record.
• Perform quality control procedures.
• Manage lab supply and inventory.
• Maintain laboratory equipment.
• Provide lab customer service support.
• Perform CLIA‑waived testing when assigned.
• Meet minimum qualifications set by state and CLIA regulations.
• Assist in laboratory sections such as Blood Bank, Core Laboratory, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular, Lab Supply Management, Lab Support Services, Pathology, Point of Care, or other areas as directed.
• Comply with Health First and HF Laboratory policies, procedures, and all pertinent federal and state accreditation requirements.
• Meet performance improvement goals and demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate skill sets as determined by Annual Competency Assessments.
• Maintain availability to meet departmental staffing demands and exhibit effective time management.
• Perform basic computer skills pertinent to job performance.
• Monitor data management systems and inventory daily; report variances to the Supervisor.
• Assist in cleaning laboratory equipment, emptying waste, discarding, and retrieving/storing specimens and lab records.
• Cross‑train in other laboratory departments as directed by supervisor.
• Uphold Health First I‑Care values and communicate effectively with coworkers and management, including proper escalation when necessary.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Must pass color blindness test.
• Proficient in required computer applications.
• Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Strong skills in critical thinking, prioritization and organization of tasks, and communication (written and verbal in English).
• Physical requirements: able to endure >8‑hour workday during high demand; visual acuity and manual dexterity for clinical/technical tasks; lift 10‑20 lbs unassisted; visual acuity and hand‑eye coordination; may require travel and use of personal vehicle.
• Mental demands: ability to function in a highly stressful environment; handle multiple problems and make independent decisions; interpret regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications

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

Pay

Paygrade: PG‑26

Schedule

Schedule: Per Diem; Shift Times: 1000pm‑630am