United Indian Health Se·Arcata, California
The Lab Assistant is responsible for collecting blood and other specimens, processing laboratory orders, and maintaining equipment. Higher levels involve managing inventory, improving laboratory processes, and guiding junior staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Greets clients courteously, providing outstanding customer service with clear communication and empathy.
Maintains a professional demeanor at all times and works effectively as a team member.
Processes laboratory orders within the Electronic Health Record (EHR), Laboratory Information System (LIS), and paper requisitions, as necessary.
Processes blood, urine, microbiology, and pathology specimens for testing.
Assists in tracking the shipment, completion, and reporting of all tests into the EHR and LIS.
Performs capillary and venipuncture specimen collection.
Understands, documents, and troubleshoots quality control procedures.
Completes routine cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance of equipment and analyzers.
Handles clerical tasks as needed.
Adheres to UIHS Infection Prevention, Safety policies, and standard operating procedures.
Reports to the Laboratory Manager on daily oversight and general processes.
Understands and complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other client confidentiality regulations.
Maintains an organized and clean working environment.
Maintains an inventory of laboratory supplies.
Must be willing to learn more about the American Indian culture and attend at least one Cultural Presentation/Training per year.
Performs all duties in accordance with the UIHS Mission, Vision, and Guiding principles.
Engages in understanding, documentation, and basic troubleshooting of quality control procedures.
Manages inventory of laboratory supplies, ensuring optimal stock levels.
Track the shipment, completion and reporting into EHR and LIS of all laboratory tests processed through a UIHS laboratory.
Collaborates closely with the Laboratory Manager for daily oversight, process improvements, and general operations.
Assists in the development and revision of laboratory policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives.
Takes the lead in resolving more complex problems encountered during the laboratory workflow.
Oversees and ensures the regular and advanced maintenance of analyzers and other equipment.
Champions the continuous education and understanding of the UIHS culture, setting examples, and guiding junior staff.
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Educational degrees must be from a US Department of Education accredited school.
Documentation of the completion of forty (40) hours of basic and advanced didactic (classroom) phlebotomy training from a phlebotomy program.
Documentation of the completion of forty (40) hours of phlebotomy practice that included the performance of at least fifty (50) venipunctures and ten (10) skin punctures.
Must have pending California Certified Phlebotomy Technician I or II Certificate.
Must have a minimum of three (3) years of full time (or equivalent) experience working in a medical facility performing phlebotomy.
Must be proficient in venipuncture and fingerstick procedures for blood collection and in handling and processing specimens for clinic diagnostic testing.
Completion and/ or maintenance of clinical cross training, or higher-level certification (i.e., National or ASCP Phlebotomy Certification)
Must have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience working in a medical facility performing phlebotomy.
Must demonstrate the ability to successfully train level 1-2 and phlebotomy interns.
May be met by having one (1) or more years’ experience as a Licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist or by assuming managerial responsibilities in the laboratory. Ability to cross train a Medical Assistant.
Candidates must have a high school diploma and completed phlebotomy training with a pending or active California CPT I or II certificate. Depending on the level, 3 to 5 years of medical facility experience may be required.
Market context
Temporary lab assistant openings in California often draw steady interest because healthcare employers need support with specimen handling, phlebotomy, and front-desk or back-office lab tasks. These roles can be competitive when they require a high school diploma, phlebotomy training, and a pending or active California CPT I or II certificate, plus several years of medical facility experience at higher levels. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certification status and recent hands-on experience before applying.
