Medical Laboratory Assistant - Anatomic Pathology at Houston Methodist in HM The Woodlands

Job description

The Medical Laboratory Assistant II has responsibility for the processing, organizing, labeling, and transporting of specimens for laboratory testing. As an experienced and fully competent laboratory assistant, performs advanced functions such as phlebotomy and/or section-specific specialty tasks and serves as a role model and preceptor for other staff. Duties include the input and extraction of data from the Laboratory Information System as well as clerical tasks such as answering phones and filing documents.

 FLSA STATUS Non-exempt QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) EXPERIENCE Minimum of 3 years of related experience required LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Preferred Relevant certification (e.g., phlebotomy, medical laboratory assistant) SKILLS AND ABILITIES Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills, competency assessments and/or performance reviews Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers Strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload and maintain accuracy Demonstrates a working knowledge of specimen requirements for testing, processing, and proper waste disposing Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include Hospital / Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents Independently adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing work flow Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action Strong training, leadership, and mentoring skills Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Serves as a preceptor to less experienced and/or new staff and students by utilizing skills and knowledge to help train and educate others. SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Prepares specimens for courier pick up and delivery to referral lab as necessary. Communicates with other laboratory personnel when specimens need to be transported to other areas. Performs various Laboratory Information System functions. Files requisitions, reports and other pathology materials appropriately. Answers the telephone and refers requests for the delivery of results to physician offices appropriately. Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues and notifies management of issue and resolution. Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff. Organizes workload, sets priorities, and troubleshoots workflow issues. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks. QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Receives, triages, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing. Processes specimens, aliquots, and/or slides/blocks according to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as well as samples forwarded to referral laboratories. Handl