Job Description

Job Summary
08/2017
JOB SUMMARY
The Medical Laboratory Assistant I has responsibility for the processing, organizing, labeling, and transporting of specimens for laboratory testing. Duties also include the input and extraction of data from the Laboratory Information System and the performance of clerical tasks such as answering phones and filing documents.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental Scope of Service and Provision of Care plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

I.Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:

INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

II.Focuses on patient/customer safety
III.Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards
IV.Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)
V.Intentionally rounds with patients/customers to ensure their needs are being met
VI.Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

PEOPLE 25%
1.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. (EF)

SERVICE - 25%
1.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. (EF)
2.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. (EF)
3.Organizes workload and sets priorities. Keeps work area neat, clean and well stocked. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 40%
1.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. Handles STAT samples expeditiously. Assists pathologist and/or other laboratory personnel with specimen grossing as needed. (EF)
2.Recognizes problems (such as mislabels, incorrect tube type, etc.), identifies causes, and takes corrective action to solve basic problems. (EF)
3.Operates automated instrumentation as applicable at entity following all safety measures. Performs and documents any processing equipment maintenance. (EF)
4.Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness. (EF)

FINANCE - 5%
1.Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system. (EF)
2.Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 5%
1.Participates in departmental projects activities, and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. (EF)

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Previous experience in a laboratory preferred

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED
None required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
to perform the Essential Functions of the Job
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 to operate multiple computer systems to include Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Activity Checklist attached (see below)

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Normal hospital laboratory with typical hospital environmental hazards and concerns
Includes exposure to hazardous chemicals and possible blood borne pathogens
Adherence to universal precautions is mandatory, utilizing personal protective equipment and engineering controls
Able to flex hours and work shifts to meet needs related to unanticipated acuity, volume changes or problems

Equal Employment Opportunity
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

Company Profile
Since its founding in 1919, Houston Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition. Houston Methodist Hospital is affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's leading centers for medical education and research. Houston Methodist is consistently ranked in U.S. News & World Reports Best Hospital list and was recently named the number one hospital in Texas. FORTUNE magazine has placed Houston Methodist on its annual list of 100 Best Companies To Work For since 2006. Houston Methodist Hospital directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. With 1,119 licensed beds, 67 operating rooms and over 6,000 employees, Houston Methodist offers complete care for patients from around the world.