Specimen Collection Specialist

About the Role

The Specimen Collection Specialist is responsible for collecting patient specimens in physician’s offices, including urine, oral fluid specimens, Covid-19 specimens, and blood specimens. This role involves completing requisition forms for specimen testing, ensuring specimen integrity, obtaining accompanying patient information, shipping specimens to the laboratory, and entering patient information into EMR or LIS systems. Additional duties may include requesting missing patient information, scheduling specimen collection appointments, and performing general office tasks as needed.

Responsibilities

• Collect all urine samples and enter data in the Laboratory Information System
• Collect anterior nasal swabs for Covid-19 testing, if requested
• Obtain blood specimens following Ethos venipuncture protocols, if applicable
• Follow established patient protocols and maintain specimen integrity by adhering to Ethos standard operating procedures
• Track collected specimens by initialing, dating, and completing paper requisition forms
• Label specimens for identification and prepare samples for shipment to the lab
• Maintain a safe, secure, and clean work environment by following standard procedures and compliance guidelines
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational and training opportunities provided by Ethos
• Adhere to Ethos professional standards, policies, and procedures, and meet federal, state, and local requirements
• Maintain positive interactions with patients and clinic staff, representing Ethos core values
• Work independently under remote supervision
• Complete assigned computer-based learning and remain current with competency sign-offs in Media Lab
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Regular and prompt attendance
• Ability and willingness to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required
• Excellent attention to detail, time management skills, and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to handle highly confidential information and remain compliant with HIPAA
• Positive attitude and disciplined work ethic
• Ability to work independently and under remote supervision
• Strong interpersonal and patient care skills
• Strong technical ability to perform tasks with sound judgment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications
• Willing and able to complete all varieties of specimen collection
• Partner with Regional and Territory Managers to provide strong team representation and set up proper protocols for specimen collection

Qualifications

• 2 years of medical office or laboratory collection experience required
• Logistics, patient-facing customer service, data entry, and other related experience preferred
• Phlebotomy Certificate preferred but not required; sufficient phlebotomy experience to sit for CPT certification if required by client
• High School Diploma or GED required
• Reliable transportation

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work under limited and remote supervision with established procedures and policies
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug test
• Ability to utilize technology for remote work, including updating personnel documents, completing online training, and using smartphone apps to clock in and out

Schedule

Monday - Wednesday; 8am-5pm

Physical Requirements

• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination or approved exemption
• Work in varying degrees of temperature (heated or air-conditioned environments)
• Position requires sitting, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing
• Work will be performed in a patient-facing environment and exposes the incumbent to normal bodily fluids, including biohazard materials