Lab Assistant

Position Description: 

Laboratory Assistant

Position Summary: 

Under the direction of the Director of Clinical Services, the Laboratory Assistant performs lab work as ordered by the Physician or mid-level providers. To include checking, recording, and processing daily laboratory request; instructs and assists patients in procedures for tests; uses appropriate equipment for drawing blood samples; maintains quality control records and prepares monthly reports; prepares special solutions, autoclaves packs, media, and reagents; prepares patient specimens for referral laboratory; collects, inspects, prepares, dispenses and sterilizes lab equipment, media reagents and solutions; assists in the preparation of specimens for examination including staining of slides; receives, bottles and labels specimens; operates equipment such as mixers, autoclave, centrifuge and automatic dispensers; prepares microscopic testing and assists providers with microscopy operation; schedules patients for appointments; maintains supplies including ordering, receiving, stocking and distributing; performs basic clerical functions, maintains sanitary and orderly laboratory. Assumes primary responsibility for managing the laboratory in compliance with OSHA standards. The Laboratory Assistant must be able to communicate well and be able to establish rapport with patient and their families. He/she must be sensitive to the needs of the Indian community; its cultures, traditions, and values. The Laboratory Assistant must be familiar with the goals and objectives of the Health Center, also maintains genuine enthusiasm for the success of TRIHCI’s health programs and consequently exercises a strong sense of stewardship in developing and maintaining community relations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Performs general lab procedures including venipuncture, simple to moderate waived CLIA tests.
2. Labels all specimens with appropriate patient information and insure that all lab requisitions are completed appropriately, including billing information.
3. Performs weekly quality assurance checks on all lab appropriate lab equipment and records in log.
4. Performs daily, weekly, and monthly controls on all equipment and records in log.
5. Reports any malfunction of lab equipment to supervisor or designated individual.
6. Responsible for the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the laboratory.
7. Observes all Universal Precautions Protocol.
8. Provides additional assistance to the Medical Receptionist and Medical Records Clerk and Nursing staff when necessary.
9. Ensures all Patient test results are received in a timely manner.
10. Ensures all CPT and ICD-9 coding is correct on chart and lab paperwork to ensure correct billing;
11. Completes daily R.P.M.S. Data entry and/or E.H.R. entry to document lab activity.
12. Tracks use of supplies and follows supply ordering procedures.
13. Reviews lab bills for accuracy and forward them to the appropriate department for payment. 
14. Records all in-house testing for tracking of inventory & lot number tracking.

Additional Responsibilities may include: 

1. Participate in all required staff meetings including any necessary trainings.
2. Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of medical terminology; medical processes, and medical procedures sufficient to perform routine patient care; 
2. Must have good communication skills, be able to effectively communicate with diverse populations, and be willing to convey responsibilities to patients.
3. Demonstrate the ability to work independently in carrying out assignments while remaining reliable and dependable.
4. Demonstrate professional competency in office and healthcare abilities, including the maintenance of client confidentiality.
5. Ability to demonstrate basic levels of computer literacy, with a functional understanding of Microsoft Windows Operating Systems in an office setting. Must be familiar with entering data into a healthcare database program (EHR).
6. Must demonstrate the ability to maintain accurate records and preparing clear and accurate reports for informational, auditing, and operational use, including capacities for attention to detail and for reviewing and verifying accuracy of data.
7. Possess the ability to organize and follow one’s own work schedule (i.e. setting priorities, being available during work hours, and meeting critical deadlines).
8. Possess the ability to perform well in group problem-solving situations and use reason even when dealing with highly emotional topics.
9. Possess the ability to become knowledgeable of health needs and services provided to the Indian community both on and near the reservation.
10. Demonstrate the competency and integrity to maintain the confidentiality of organizational, employee, and client records.
11. Possess the ability to deliver effective training and presentations on technical subjects to large and/or small groups of various educational and cultural backgrounds.
12. Possess knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations governing public health, principles of mental health. Laws and regulations relating to the practice of medicine and nursing;
13. Knowledge of causes, means of transmission and methods of control of communicable disease, principles and practices of diagnosis and treatment of common medical problems, child growth, and development.

Education and/or Experience 

1. A high school diploma or equivalency is required for this position. 
2. One or more years work experience as a Laboratory Assistant; 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations 

1. First Aid/CPR at BCLS level
2. Current certification to perform Venipuncture 
3. Must have a current California State License (CPT-1)

Preferred Qualifications and Contingencies 

1. Medical Assistant experience a plus.
2. PALS certification preferred
3. TRIHCI maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace, and all offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background check, a post-offer drug test and physical, TB test and verification of the right to work in the United States.

Preference in hiring is given to qualified American Indians in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, § 472 & 473). Applicants claiming Indian Preference must submit Indian verification, certified by Tribe of affiliation or other acceptable documentation of Indian heritage.

Physical Work Environment: The description provided here is representative of those conditions in which the Laboratory Assistant will be required to perform the essential functions of this position. As stated earlier, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this position, the Laboratory Assistant is situated in a standard office environment within the health center, where there is little or no exposure to variations in the weather or other similar elements. The Laboratory Assistant will move throughout the health center to meet with supervisors and co-workers but maintains direct patient/client contact. Consequently, the Laboratory Assistant must:

1. Possess the mobility to work in a standard office setting (i.e. walk, stand, or sit for extended periods of time); 
2. Posses the ability to use standard office equipment to write, type, copy, fax, or perform other duties; 
3. Possess the strength to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 15 lbs repeatedly and up to 45 lbs intermittently;
4. Possess the visual acuity to read printed materials and a computer screen; and
5. Demonstrate hearing and speech capabilities that allow him/her to communicate in person and over the telephone as required,
6. Possess the ability to push, bend and/or lift to help patients to/from vehicle 
7. e, wheelchairs, stretchers, etc., and moving equipment and medical supplies.

The clinical setting at TRIHCI is categorized by OSHA as a Blood-borne Pathogen Category I facility. Consequently, there exists the potential for exposure to blood, body fluid/tissue, and infectious wastes. There also exists the potential for exposure to chemicals, biologicals, toxicants, and irradiants found on-site.

Disclaimer:

This position description lists the major duties and requirements for the Laboratory Assistant position as established by subject-matter experts and the Human Resources Manager at the time of this document’s creation. This position may require additional performance of duties and responsibilities beyond those outlined in this document, and thus may require additional sets of knowledge, skills, and abilities not fully articulated herein.