Laboratory Assistant I

About the Role

The Lab Assistant will provide a wide range of laboratory services including specimen collection, client service and reception desk duties, ordering/scheduling/billing functions, laboratory testing, phlebotomy, dispatching, specimen processing, centrifuging, delivery of specimens to appropriate lab/department, and ensuring proper efficiency and workflow management. This position will also serve as a resource for questions from hospital and clinic staff regarding specimen handling and processing.

Responsibilities

• Models and promotes organizational behaviors and provides feedback to staff and management.
• Serves as a customer liaison and promotes positive problem resolution.
• Communicates effectively with lab teams through various channels (email, huddles, meetings).
• Processes laboratory specimens (centrifuging, pipetting, labeling, aliquoting).
• Performs patient phlebotomy on patients of all ages, ensuring correct patient identification.
• Handles patient reception, registration, and ordering duties according to policies.
• Uses pneumatic tube systems for specimen receipt and blood component distribution.
• Delivers specimens to appropriate departments and loads them onto automated systems.
• Monitors, identifies, and resolves conflicts in phlebotomy and specimen processing services.
• Performs a limited menu of waived laboratory tests.
• Attends mandatory training and completes competency testing.
• Participates in performance appraisals for self, peers, and staff.
• May drive to patient or client locations as needed (valid driver’s license required).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong customer service skills and ability to work independently.
• Good problem-solving skills and knowledge of age-related growth and development principles.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet time-sensitive requests.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a medical-related field or an applied science degree.
• One year of hospital experience.
• ASCP certification for phlebotomy.

Organizational Expectations

• Excellence: Strive for the best results and continuous improvement.
• Compassion: Show empathy and respect for each person.
• Partnership: Work collaboratively with colleagues and those served.
• Integrity: Be open, honest, and keep commitments.
• Comply with safety instructions and maintain a safe work environment.
• Maintain regular and timely attendance.
• Protect confidentiality and participate in compliance-related training.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and handling/fingering (e.g., typing, computer work).
• Occasional sitting, squatting, lifting (up to 20 lbs), carrying, pushing/pulling.
• Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.

Hazard Assessment

• Exposure to sharp cutting devices (use cut-resistant gloves).
• Handling liquid chemicals, acids, or caustics (use goggles, gloves, lab coats, and face shields).
• Exposure to extreme heat or cold (use heat-resistant or cryogenic gloves).
• Driving or riding in motorized vehicles (no texting while driving, use seat belts).
• Working in wet or slippery conditions (use slip-resistant shoes).
• Preparing or handling hazardous drugs (use gloves, disposable gowns, goggles, ventilation hoods).