Senior Lab Clerk

About the role

Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

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.

Responsibilities

• Specimen Processing: Responsible for meticulous specimen processing including receiving, verifying patient identification, sorting, preparing, and distributing blood, urine, and other biological specimens according to protocol. Operates laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and copiers and utilizes the organization's EHR and LIS computer systems to perform these functions. Reviews data in the laboratory information system, labels specimens, centrifuges, aliquots, and loads specimens onto laboratory equipment.
• Phone and Customer Service: Field phone calls, provide ordering information on lab tests and specimen requirements, answering telephones, taking and relaying messages, and offering phone customer service. Includes receiving calls regarding test ordering information and patient results from providers, and contacting reference laboratories for test inquiries and resolution. Ensures inquiries are addressed promptly and accurately, supporting overall laboratory efficiency.
• Documentation and Resource Management: Handles documentation related to lab incidents, fills out reference lab forms, resolves specimen issues, and reports issues. Ensures results are received from external testing sites, scans results into EHR ensuring results are sent to providers.
• Maintenance of Equipment: Maintains equipment by recording temperatures, defrosting freezers, and cleaning laboratory equipment. Ensures that all equipment is functioning correctly and adheres to maintenance schedules, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of the lab.
• Quality Improvement and Compliance: Contributes to Quality Improvement and Lean Process Improvement activities. Completes all mandatory learning requirements on time and attends and participates in department, team, and committee meetings. Complies with all department and location-specific policies and procedures.
• Leadership Responsibilities: In the absence of the supervisor, assumes responsibility for the Processing department's smooth operation. Performs regularly assigned work and assists co-workers during times of increased workload or reduced staffing. Monitors workflow, makes staffing adjustments, and prioritizes tasks. Serves as a resource person and problem collaborator for team members, communicates employee requests, suggestions, and staffing needs to the supervisor. Supports and communicates decisions made by the supervisor regarding interpersonal conflicts within the work unit and shares opportunities for improving processes with management. Encourages and develops the employees they lead, actively engaging in special projects or assignments made by the Processing Supervisor or Lab Manager.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• 1+ years of computer proficiency experience
• 1 + years of experience in a clinical pathology laboratory including specimen processing
• Current BLS certification or ability to obtain within the first 30 days of employment
• Knowledge of laboratory information systems (LIS) for data entry and specimen tracking purposes
• An understanding of regulatory requirements, including OSHA, CLIA, and CAP standards, pertaining to laboratory safety and compliance
• Exhibit a range of technical skills, including the proven ability to process biological samples efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Proven attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, especially in tasks involving specimen processing procedures and support functions
• Demonstrated flexibility for covering team members on leave and adjusting working hours as needed
• Proven ability to exhibit a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, ensuring current knowledge of advancements in the field

Skills

• Demonstrated solid organizational skills to ensure accurate processing, along with the demonstrated ability to multitask while maintaining a calm and effectual demeanor
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills for interactions with patients, laboratory team members, clinicians, and other clinical staff
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and encourage teamwork through cooperative interactions
• Demonstrated adaptability to new processes demonstrated through Continuous Process Improvement
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment, contributing to the overall efficiency of the laboratory

Benefits

• 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.)

Pay and Schedule

The hourly pay for this role will range from $17.98 to $32.12 per hour based on full-time employment.

Benefits

Learn more about our range of benefits designed to help you live well.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• 1+ years of computer proficiency experience
• 1 + years of experience in a clinical pathology laboratory including specimen processing
• Current BLS certification or ability to obtain within the first 30 days of employment
• Knowledge of laboratory information systems (LIS) for data entry and specimen tracking purposes
• An understanding of regulatory requirements, including OSHA, CLIA, and CAP standards, pertaining to laboratory safety and compliance
• Exhibit a range of technical skills, including the proven ability to process biological samples efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Proven attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, especially in tasks involving specimen processing procedures and support functions
• Demonstrated flexibility for covering team members on leave and adjusting working hours as needed
• Proven ability to exhibit a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, ensuring current knowledge of advancements in the field