Lab Assistant - Pathology
Health First Careers·Melbourne, Florida
Health First Careers·Melbourne, Florida
Provides quality laboratory diagnostic support by processing specimens, managing inventory, and maintaining equipment. Supports various lab sections including Blood Bank and Microbiology while ensuring compliance with federal and state accreditation requirements.
The Laboratory Assistant position is responsible for providing quality laboratory diagnostic service and stewardship by performing support functions to ensure optimal support of the laboratory department.
PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES Support the Laboratory Manager, Supervisor, Technologists, Scientists, Sr.
Scientists and Phlebotomists in all phases of laboratory testing, particularly in, but not limited to: processing of lab specimens manually or using automated lab analyzers, labeling, sample management in electronic medical record, quality control, lab supply and inventory management, equipment maintenance, lab customer service support, and other tasks assigned by lab leadership team.
May perform CLIA waived testing.
Must meet the minimum qualification set forth by state & CLIA.
May be assigned to support laboratory testing support to one of the following laboratory sections: Blood Bank, Core Laboratory, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular, Lab Supply Management, Lab Support Services, Pathology, Point of Care, or other sections as determined by laboratory leadership.
Complies with all Health First, HF Laboratory policies and procedures, along with all pertinent federal and state accreditation agency requirements.
Meets goals & shows commitment to continuously improve performance improvement metrics.
Demonstrates the appropriate skill sets as determined by the Annual Competency Assessments.
Availability to meet departmental staffing demands and demonstrates effective time management.
Ability to perform basic computer skills pertinent to job performance.
Monitors data management systems and inventory on a daily basis.
Reports variances to the Supervisor.
Assists in cleaning of laboratory equipment, emptying waste, discarding, retrieval & storage of specimens/lab records Cross trains in other departments within the laboratory or as directed by supervisor.
Complies with the Health First I-Care values and demonstrates effective communication with coworkers and management to include proper escalation when necessary.
Education: High school diploma or GED.
Education: Current enrollment or completion of a post-secondary technical or clinical program in biological sciences and/or related field.
Certification: Clinical Lab Assistant Certification from American Society for Clinical Pathology CLA(ASCP).
Work
Experience: 1 year in clinical healthcare laboratory or any clinical healthcare setting.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Laboratory skills (knowledge of pre-analytic, analytic and post analytic phase of diagnostic lab testing). PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Able to endure >8 hour workday in periods of high demand. Visual acuity and manual dexterity to perform clinical/technical tasks. Must be able to lift 10-20 lbs. unassisted. Communicating with others to exchange information. Visual acuity and hand-eye coordination to perform tasks. May require travel to various facilities within and beyond county perimeter; may require use of personal vehicle.
MENTAL DEMANDS Must be able to function in a highly stressful environment. Ability to deal with multiple problems at the same time and made independent decisions. Able to make independent decisions & interpret regulatory guidelines.
ABOUT HEALTH FIRST At Health First, diversity and inclusion are essential for our continued growth and evolution. Working together, we strive to build and nurture a culture that recognizes, encourages, and respects the diverse voices of our associates. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more collaborative work environment that delivers better results. As an organization, it fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our associates, customers, and the communities we serve.
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift Times: 730am_400pm
Paygrade: PG-26
Market context
In Florida, pathology lab assistant roles are commonly tied to steady healthcare demand and support the daily workflow of hospital and diagnostic laboratories. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for candidates who can work accurately with specimens, meet certification preferences such as ASCP, and bring prior healthcare lab experience; this platform’s AI-summarized requirements and benefits help you review the original posting faster. If you are considering applying, confirm you can pass the color blindness test and highlight any lab or specimen-handling experience on your application.
