Position overview
The Laboratory Assistant at United Health Services (UHS) plays an important role in supporting laboratory services and patient care. This position helps ensure specimens are handled accurately and efficiently from collection through testing, while maintaining quality standards and supporting the flow of information within the laboratory. The Laboratory Assistant also helps keep daily operations running smoothly by managing supplies, supporting laboratory processes, and working closely with patients, caregivers, providers, and colleagues to deliver reliable service and coordinated care where every connection matters.
Primary Department, Division, or
Unit: Lab Services, UHS Hospitals and Physician Practices
Primary Work Shift
Rotational
Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Compensation Range
$17.05 - $22.17 per hour, depending on experience
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Job responsibilities
Essential Functions
Coordinate specimen processing activities by receiving, labeling, assessing, centrifuging, aliquoting, storing, and retrieving specimens to support accurate and timely laboratory testing
Enter patient demographics, insurance information, and test orders into laboratory systems with accuracy to support efficient registration, tracking, and results workflow
Prepare, track, package, and ship specimens to internal laboratory sites and external reference laboratories, resolving routine specimen issues according to established guidelines
Maintain laboratory supplies and inventory, support reagent and consumable ordering, and assist with supply evaluations to promote operational readiness and continuity of care
Monitor and document environmental, refrigerator, and freezer temperatures to help protect specimen integrity and maintain laboratory quality standards
Transport specimens, requisitions, and reports within the hospital and between laboratory departments
Support analyzer setup by loading carriers, cassettes, and specimen racks
Scope and Impact
Contribute directly to turnaround time, specimen integrity, laboratory quality, and patient experience by ensuring work is completed accurately, safely, and on schedule
Exercise judgment within defined procedures by identifying specimen quality concerns, validating collection details, and escalating issues that could affect testing or patient safety
Work under supervision while managing assigned laboratory support, clerical, and patient-facing responsibilities across inpatient, outpatient, and reference testing workflows
Build strong connections with patients, caregivers, and laboratory colleagues to support a coordinated care experience and dependable service across the organization
Compliance and Professional
Follow laboratory, departmental, infection control, NYSDOH, CDC, and blood and body fluids requirements during specimen collection, processing, handling, transport, and shipping
Protect patient privacy and handle clinical information in accordance with HIPAA access expectations and organizational confidentiality standards
Complete required training, education, and competency validations within established timelines to maintain readiness for assigned laboratory support duties
Use required personal protective equipment and safe work practices when handling blood, body fluids, hazardous materials, and potentially infectious specimens
Maintain accurate documentation and promptly report quality, safety, equipment, or specimen concerns through appropriate escalation channels
Safeguard sensitive data by following established security policies and procedures, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations
As applicable to your role, support cybersecurity and data protection requirements throughout the supplier lifecycle by coordinating vendor risk assessments, monitoring third-party compliance, and promptly reporting identified supply chain or cybersecurity risks
Additional Expectations
- Communicate clearly and professionally with patients, providers, and colleagues to support service excellence and a positive care experience
- Support a clean, organized, and well-stocked work environment that promotes safety, readiness, and efficient laboratory operations
- Participate in departmental improvement efforts and adapt to changing workflows, priorities, and operational needs in a fast-paced healthcare setting
- Participate in and apply principles learned in Customer Service Training
- Demonstrate UHS Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation in all daily work and interactions
- Execute responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations
- Perform additional responsibilities as required to meet department and organizational needs
Position qualifications
Required
• High School Diploma or equivalent
Preferred
- Up to 1 year of direct experience performing the exact or very similar duties required by the job within the same role or function
- Up to 1 year of customer/patient-facing experience directly interacting and communicating with the public
- Up to 1 year of technical/systems experience using specialized tools, software, or equipment required for the role
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Why you’ll love working at uhs
At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection—to patients, to purpose, to each other—makes a difference. That’s why we’re intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job. Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we’re here to help you thrive in work and life.
A Culture of Connection – We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard. Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes for senior leaders are just a few ways we foster belonging and collaboration. Outside of work, we stay connected through team events like trivia, trunk-or-treat, volunteer days, our staff choir, or seasonal celebrations.
Comprehensive Benefits for Life & Family – We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week. With flexible plan options and coverage tiers, you can choose what fits your life best. Additional perks include discounted childcare through Bright Horizons and voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.
Well-Being & Financial Security – From day one, PTO starts accruing so you can take time to recharge. We support your long-term wellness with a 403(b) retirement plan and company match, flexible spending accounts, access to financial advisors, and up to $400/year in wellness rewards. When life gets tough, we’re here with 24/7 EAP counseling, virtual mental health support, a food pantry, PTO donation program, and professional attire through the Classy Closet.
Growth That Moves with You – With access to 100,000+ online courses, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility, we help you grow wherever your passion leads. We also continuously review compensation to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity, so you can feel confident your work is valued and rewarded fairly.
A Place to Call Home – Located in New York’s Southern Tier, UHS offers more than a career—we offer a lifestyle. Enjoy four-season recreation, affordable living, top-rated schools, minor league sports, craft brews, a close-knit community, and more, all within reach of the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and major Northeast cities.
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About united health services
United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system in New York’s Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long-term care and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two-thirds of the region’s population, produces $1.3 billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers.
At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we’d love for you to consider joining us!
United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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United Health Services, Inc. and the members of the UHS System neither are affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed nor approved by, nor otherwise associated with, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS), UHS of Delaware, Inc. nor their affiliates, which can be found at www.uhsinc.com.
