Lab Clerk (ISSAQUAH)

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Under general supervision, the Laboratory Support Services Specialist ensures the timely accessioning of lab orders and specimens, distribution of reports, and handling of reference lab specimens, acting as a key point of contact for lab-related inquiries and assisting physicians, clinical staff, and phlebotomists with the necessary information to complete their work efficiently. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in client services, addressing phone inquiries, resolving billing issues, and providing support to clinicians and other clinical staff, fostering positive relationships and ensuring seamless communication channels. By fulfilling these multifaceted duties, the Specialist contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the clinical laboratory, ensuring high standards of service and operational excellence.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 1:30pm - 10:00pm PST

Primary Responsibilities:
*Specimen Processing: Responsible for meticulous specimen processing including receiving, verifying patient identification, sorting, preparing, and distributing blood, urine, and other biological specimens according to protocol. The Specialist operates laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and copiers and utilizes the organization's EHR and LIS computer systems to perform these functions. Review data in the laboratory information system, label specimens, centrifuge, aliquot, and load specimens onto laboratory equipment
*Phone and Customer Service: Field phone calls, provide ordering information on lab tests and specimen requirements, answering telephones, taking and relaying messages, and offering phone customer service. Includes receiving calls regarding test ordering information and patient results from providers, and contacting reference laboratories for test inquiries and resolution. Effective communication ensures that inquiries are addressed promptly and accurately, supporting overall laboratory efficiency
*Documentation and Resource Management: Serving as a lab resource, the Specialist handles documentation related to lab incidents, fills out reference lab forms, resolves specimen issues, and reports issues. Ensure results are received from external testing sites, and scan results into EHR ensuring results are sent to providers
*Maintenance of Equipment: Maintenance duties include recording temperatures, defrosting freezers, and cleaning laboratory equipment. Ensures that all equipment is functioning correctly and adheres to maintenance schedules, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of the lab
*Quality Improvement and Compliance: Contributes to Quality Improvement and Lean Process Improvement activities. They complete all mandatory learning requirements on time and attend and participate in department, team, and committee meetings. Compliance with all department and location-specific policies and procedures is mandatory
*All staff members are to promote a positive and productive work environment by acting maturely and responsibly, satisfactorily performing job responsibilities, and conducting themselves professionally, courteously, and respectfully toward fellow employees, physicians, and patients
*Must relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions: (a) get along with co-workers or peers without exhibiting behavioral extreme; (b) perform work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others; and (c) respond openly and appropriately to feedback regarding performance from a supervisor
*Performs all duties in a manner that promotes and supports the Core Values of the organization
*Integrates Lean principles, practices, and tools to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction
*Must follow written and oral instructions and complete routine tasks independently
*Complete all compliance training, including but not limited to HIPAA/Privacy/Confidentiality/Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Integrity Statement and signed Agreements
*Ensures confidentiality of patient information by following HIPAA guidelines and policies
*Attends training to meet job position requirements and as needed or mandated by policies, Div. of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), OSHA, L&I, and other state/federal regulations
*Have regular and predictable attendance

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:
*Current BLS certification or ability to obtain within the first 30 days of employment
*1+ years of experience in a clinical pathology laboratory including specimen processing

Preferred Qualifications:
*Solid understanding of histological techniques, tissue processing procedures, and laboratory equipment operation. This includes knowledge of specimen handling protocols
*Knowledge of laboratory information systems (LIS) for data entry and specimen tracking purposes
*An understanding of regulatory requirements, including OSHA, CLIA, and CAP standards, pertaining to laboratory safety and compliance
*Proven ability to exhibit a range of technical skills, including the proven ability to process histology samples efficiently in a fast-paced environment
*Proficiency in computer operations, data entry, and keyboarding is essential for maintaining accurate records and entering test results into the LIS
*Demonstrated solid organizational skills to ensure accurate processing, along with the demonstrated ability to multitask while maintaining a calm and effectual demeanor
*Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills for interactions with patients, laboratory team members, clinicians, and other clinical staff
*Proven ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and encourage teamwork through cooperative interactions
*Demonstrated adaptability to new processes demonstrated through Continuous Process Improvement
*Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment, contributing to the overall efficiency of the laboratory
*Proven attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, especially in tasks involving specimen processing procedures and support functions
*Demonstrated flexibility for covering team members on leave and adjusting working hours as needed
*Proven ability to exhibit a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, ensuring current knowledge of advancements in the field

Physical and Mental Demands: Employees m