Lab Specialist

Definition

Responsible for accurately drawing blood samples from patients, preparing specimens for laboratory testing, and maintaining patient records.

Representative Examples of Work

• Draws blood samples as well as collects other specimens as ordered, including urine, stool, and breath.
• Prepares and sends specimens for testing and/or examination.
• Maintains safety standards in the collection and testing of laboratory samples.
• Maintains patient records.

Essential Duties

• Follows safety standards in the collection and testing of laboratory samples.
• Maintains safety procedures, tracks regular maintenance, calibration, and cleaning needs and resolves broken equipment repairs with the leadership team.
• Documents tests performed and test results (when applicable).
• Performs quality control tests on materials and equipment and sends them for review by an independent laboratory.
• Works as part of an interdisciplinary team to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Trains staff members in current safety information, practices, and precautions.
• Data management and data entry; data auditing as required.
• Maintains supplies and equipment inventories; orders supplies and equipment for the lab.
• May perform CLIA testing to maintain state licensure.
• Maintains bio waste containers and disposal of biohazard waste in the lab.
• Maintains OSHA guidelines in the laboratory.
• Recommends policies and procedures for lab operations.

Other Duties

• Maintaining a clean and safe work environment, adhering to compliance regulations, and effectively communicating with patients and staff.

Working Relationships

• Works extensively with the public seeking medical care.
• Works closely with both volunteer and regular staff including Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses, Medical Assistants, Patient Services Representatives and LPNs.
• Works as part of an interdisciplinary team to achieve positive patient outcomes.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of blood drawing procedures, patient sample matching, infection prevention and control practices.
• Considerable knowledge of medical terminology and interviewing methods.
• Working knowledge of medical office practices, procedures and techniques.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of HIPAA compliance.
• Working knowledge of the PHC Corporate Compliance Guidelines.

• Skill in collecting blood and urine for laboratory specimens.
• Skill in the use of patient assessment equipment (thermometer, blood pressure cuff).
• Skill in using an electronic medical record and in the use of personal computer (word processing).

• Ability to work effectively as part of a care delivery team.
• Ability to remain calm and tactful in stressful situations.
• Ability to gather information through interview.
• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to follow instructions in the English language, orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Education

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant certification is desired.

Experience

• At least one year of venipuncture and specimen collection experience in a healthcare setting.

Special Requirements

• Phlebotomy certification is required within six months of employment.
• Healthcare Professional BLS Certification is required within 90 days of employment.
• Requires immunizations or proof of immunity to certain infectious diseases and a TB test.
• New employees will be asked to volunteer vaccination status for required vaccines upon hire and will be offered assistance during hiring to receive necessary immunizations.
• Employees who have not received the vaccines required for their positions or who are unwilling to voluntarily provide vaccination status for required vaccines will receive a reasonable accommodation where such accommodation does not require an undue hardship or endanger the health or safely of any person.

Physical/Environmental Demands

• The work is performed while walking or standing most of the time.
• The work requires medium range lifting, including supply boxes (20-30 lbs.); assisting patients on and off the examination tables; carrying, lifting and restraining children.
• Requires the manual dexterity to perform skills such as drawing blood.
• The employee may risk exposure to bio-hazardous waste (blood, urine body fluids), disinfectant chemicals and communicable diseases.
• Work schedules rotate and may include evening and weekend hours.

To Apply

• Please complete all sections of the online application at partnershiphealthcenter.org/careers, even if a resume is submitted.
• Please include with your completed application the following attachments: Cover Letter, Resume, BLS Certification, Phlebotomist Certification, and copy of valid MT Driver’s License.
• Please address in your Cover Letter your experience working in a medical office, and why you want to work at PHC.

Incomplete Applications and Applications Without Required Attachments Will Be Disqualified.