Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory Assistant

Department: Laboratory

Program: Primary Care

Reports to: Laboratory Director

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule: 40 Hours/52 Weeks

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Laboratory/Imaging Director, the Laboratory Assistant draws the patient's blood and collects the appropriate specimen in a safe, accurate, and professional manner with the proper technique. Oversees testing, including laboratory, pathology, and cytology testing. Performs Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) waived and moderate CLIA clinical laboratory testing to ensure accurate results to facilitate diagnosis and treatment. Accurately conducts quality control procedures in a timely manner to assure the accuracy and reliability of test results. Performs department maintenance in a timely manner to ensure efficient operation of the department. Perform diagnostic testing under the policies and procedures established by the laboratory department. Perform inventory management to ensure supplies are available as needed. Observe safety, infection control, and risk management policies and procedures; participate in continuing education programs and related professional activities; perform any duties and functions necessary to the efficient and quality operation of the department.

Essential Functions

• Performs specimen collection and handles testing according to laboratory and national standards
• Uses Policy, Procedure manual, and other reference materials to ensure proper course of action and retains the information
• Interacts and communicates with others in a way that promotes a harmonious and cooperative work environment
• Listens and responds to constructive criticism in a productive manner
• Maintains quality results by running standards and controls, verifying equipment function through routine equipment maintenance and advanced troubleshooting calibrating equipment utilizing approved testing procedures, and monitoring quality control measures and protocols
• Serves as a technical resource by participating in staff training; answering questions of other professionals; participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; participating in professional organizations
• Identifies and communicates abnormal patient conditions by alerting supervisory personnel, the medical provider, or the manager; reporting mandated information to the public health department or other designated officials
• Identifies the presence or quantity of drugs of abuse and toxic substances by operating toxicology instrumentation; performing manual methods for performing drug screens; lead levels
• Provides test results for patient diagnosis and treatment by performing microscopy on urine sediment, vaginal wet mounts, and KOH preps
• Participates in proficiency testing events
• Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• Light work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
• Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)
• See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)
• Taste/Smell (Detect, Distinguish, Determine)
• Repetitive Motion

Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions

• Exposure Extreme Temperatures
• Wet
• Noise
• Mists or Gases
• Chemical Hazards
• Other

OSHA Categories

• Category I - Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue

Equipment and Tools

List Equipment used for job: Clinical Laboratory Analyzers

Drives KIT or Personal Vehicle:

Travel

• Local

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

Experience

• Phlebotomy certification, or other comparable certification or able to obtain within six (6) months
• One year (1) of experience performing routine laboratory testing and phlebotomy

Preferred

• Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities
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License/Certification

• Must have a valid Alaska State driver's license and must remain insurable under the Tribe's policy, or obtain within 90 days of hire, or, with approval of the hiring manager, sign a *Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in lieu of having a driver's license to perform the required duties of the position (If Applicable)
• Medical Laboratory Assistant certification from American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), American Medical Technologists (AMT), or other comparable certification or be eligible to take the exam within 3 months of hire
• Basic Life Support (BLS) American Heart Association (AHA) certification or able to obtain within three (3) months of hire

Special Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, or obtain training within 90 days of hire
• Conducts business in a service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, respectful and kind when dealing with un'ina, visitors, co-workers and others
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Knowledge of routine laboratory chemistry including chemical composition, structure and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they may undergo. This includes use of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods
• Must demonstrate the ability to work in an ambulatory healthcare environment and to work effectively with management and clinical staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, organizational skills, attention to detail and able to handle pressures from people and environment
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*Memorandum of Understanding: Serves as documented evidence that the Kenaitze Indian Tribe has expressed the ineligibility of an employee to operate motor vehicles owned, leased or rented by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, or to operate a personal vehicle on behalf of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe.