Specimen Processor, Full-Time, Brookhaven, MS

Specimen Processor / Phlebotomist

Physicians Group Laboratories • On-site at Southern Primary Care, Brookhaven, MS

Full-Time • Non-Exempt • Reports to: PGL Laboratory Operations Manager

Why This Role Matters

Every diagnostic result starts with you. Physicians Group Laboratories is a CAP-accredited laboratory serving physician practices across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and this position is our front line inside a busy primary care clinic. You will be the person who makes a nervous patient feel safe, who collects a clean specimen the first time, and who gets it to the lab correctly labeled and ready to run. When you do your job well, providers get accurate answers faster and families get care sooner.

What You Will Do

• Collect specimens. Collect blood (venipuncture and capillary — finger and heel sticks), nasal, throat, urine, and other specimens from patients of all ages — pediatric through geriatric — using age-appropriate technique and comfort measures.

• Verify before you draw. Confirm two patient identifiers before every draw. Verify that each specimen matches a valid provider order and that the requisition is complete and accurate before it leaves the clinic. No order, no collection.

• Label, document, and prepare. Label at the bedside, document collection time and site, and package specimens to meet temperature and stability requirements for courier transport to the PGL laboratory.

• Protect specimen integrity. Maintain chain-of-custody, specimen storage logs, and rejection/recollection records. Own your specimen rejection rate.

• Communicate with families and clinic staff. Explain procedures in plain language to patients and caregivers, de-escalate anxiety, and coordinate with clinic nurses and front-desk staff so draws fit smoothly into the patient visit.

• Represent PGL inside the clinic. Serve as the daily point of contact between the clinic and PGL — relay order questions, result inquiries, supply needs, and courier issues to the right person the same day.

• Keep it safe and compliant. Follow HIPAA, OSHA bloodborne-pathogen, and infection-control standards; maintain a clean, stocked, inspection-ready draw station.

• Manage supplies and logs. Track and reorder collection supplies, maintain temperature logs for refrigerators and transport coolers, and support basic administrative tasks as needed.

What Success Looks Like in Your First 90 Days

• Zero patient-identification or labeling errors.

• Specimen rejection rate at or below the PGL network standard [e.g., <1%].

• All specimens ready for the scheduled courier pickup — no missed or late transports.

• Clinic providers and staff describe you as reliable, calm with anxious patients, and easy to work with.

• Temperature and supply logs complete and audit-ready every day.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Active phlebotomy certification (ASCP, NHA, AMT, NPA, or equivalent state/national credential).

• Current CPR/BLS certification, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

• At least 1 year of hands-on specimen collection experience, including capillary collection.

• Ability to follow written protocols exactly and keep accurate, legible records.

• Dependable attendance, punctuality, and reliable transportation.

• Successful completion of background check, drug screen, and clinic-required immunization/TB screening.

Preferred

• Pediatric and geriatric phlebotomy experience — difficult-stick confidence across the age range.

• Experience in a physician office or outreach-lab setting; familiarity with laboratory information systems (Orchard a plus).

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Stand and walk for most of the shift; bend, reach, and kneel to position patients of all sizes.

• Lift and carry up to 25 lbs (supply boxes, transport coolers).

• Fine motor control and visual acuity for venipuncture and labeling.

• Routine exposure to blood, body fluids, and potentially infectious materials with appropriate PPE.

• Fast-paced primary care clinic environment with frequent interruptions.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay with annual review.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage; [401(k) with company match]; paid time off and paid holidays.

• Paid certification renewal and continuing-education support.

• A small, CAP-accredited team where your work is visible and your ideas are heard.

Physicians Group Laboratories is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. This job description outlines the essential functions of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties; responsibilities may change based on business needs.