Job Description

Job SummaryJOB 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.

Requirements:

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.

Qualifications:

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