Lab Clerk

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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, 9am-5:30pm 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
* 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 must meet the physical and mental demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
* Ability to remain stationary for extended periods of time while processing tissue specimens
* Ability to manipulate laboratory equipment and instruments, including small tools and test tubes
* Ability to transport/position up to 50 pounds when moving laboratory supplies or equipment
* Manual dexterity, with the ability to perform precise movements with hands and fingers when handling laboratory samples and instruments
* Ability to distinguish between colors and read small print on labels or test results
* Ability to work in a laboratory environment with exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, and biological substances
* Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, and goggles

Typical Working Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the job's essential functions.

Work is performed in a laboratory setting, with exposure to potentially hazardous materials and biological specimens. The pace may vary but is generally dynamic, requiring individuals to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively as part of a team. The laboratory environment can be noisy and fast-paced, with multiple tests and procedures being performed simultaneously. The work requires close attention to detail and accuracy, as laboratory results may have a significant impact on patient care. The work may involve periods of standing or sitting or holding oneself in a stationary position for extended periods of time, depending on the types of support activities being performed. May work independently or as part of a team, collaborating with other laboratory staff, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $16.00 to $27.69 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment

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