Laboratory Aide

Bloodworks Northwest is backed by more than 70 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. A national leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks has been chosen to serve more than 90 hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska – partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. We are local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based.

We have a wonderful opportunity for a Laboratory Aide to join our Donor Testing Lab at Bloodworks Northwest. The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical and clerical support to the daily operations of the Donor Testing Laboratory by preparing materials and reagents used in testing, performing clerical duties, and maintaining testing records.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to:

• Retrieve, prepare, and ship samples for routine and specialized testing, confirmatory testing, training, research, and retention.
• Dispose of testing samples per the defined schedule.
• Perform and document maintenance and quality-control procedures for instrumentation used in Donor Testing.
• Support External Account testing, including but not limited to customer service, faxing testing records, and returning shipping materials.
• Take inventory and order medical and office supplies.
• Provide telephone reception.
• Operate computer systems relevant to the work performed in the department at this level, including Surround, BBCS, PC applications, Reliance ETQ, and REES.
• As this is an essential position with direct responsibility to patients, the incumbent should be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts, and possibly at a different location, during periods of inclement weather. Refer to the Human Resources Policy Manual or laboratory management for more information.
• Recognize situations in which management and/or Technologists should be consulted.
• Comply with all applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as written.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science.

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS include, but are not limited to:

• Required physical activities include continuous standing, sitting, walking, talking, hearing, and repetitive hand/wrist motions. Other required physical activities used less often include bending and reaching (occasionally) and stooping and kneeling (rarely).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• The ability to prioritize workload according to business and customer needs.
• The ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently while also addressing periodic interruptions, equipment malfunctions, computer downtime, etc.
• The ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and with staff from other departments.
• Must be able to model a high level of professionalism and teamwork behavior.
• The ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends as assigned.
• The ability to perform basic computer functions, including data entry and word processing.
• The ability to lift, push, pull, and carry 20 pounds throughout a normal day is required, as is the ability to lift 50 pounds.
• The ability to transport large boxes weighing up to 65 pounds throughout the building using a hand truck or flat cart is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is conducted in a moderately noisy, high-volume production environment.
• Extensive computer work, including viewing the computer display, is a continuous job condition encountered while performing this job.
• Constant standing is a frequent job condition encountered in this role.
• Extensive close work is an occasional condition of this job.
• Rarely does substantial overtime occur while performing this job.
• As this is an essential position with direct responsibility to patients, the incumbent should be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts, and possibly at a different location, during periods of inclement weather or emergency operations. Refer to Human Resources policy or department supervisors for more information.
• Position requires occasional intermittent work in refrigeration and freezer units as follows:
• In cold rooms of 2°C - 6°C for up to 30 minutes at a time, and
• in walk-in freezers colder than -23°C for up to 15 minutes at a time.
• This position involves direct exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Benefits and Perks:

Bloodworks Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.