Job Description
The Medical Laboratory Assistant II has responsibility for the processing,
organizing, labeling, and transporting of specimens for laboratory testing. As
an experienced and fully competent laboratory assistant, performs advanced
functions such as phlebotomy andor section-specific specialty tasks and
serves as a role model and preceptor for other staff. Duties include the input
and extraction of data from the Laboratory Information System as well as
clerical tasks such as answering phones and filing documents.
**PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS**
* 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.
* Serves as a preceptor to less experienced andor new staff and students by utilizing skills and knowledge to help train and educate others.
**SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS**
* 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.
* 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.
* Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues and notifies management of issue and resolution. Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff.
* Organizes workload, sets priorities, and troubleshoots workflow issues. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.
**QUALITYSAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS**
* Receives, triages, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing. Processes specimens, aliquots, andor slidesblocks according to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as well as samples forwarded to referral laboratories. Handles STAT samples expeditiously. Assists pathologist andor other laboratory personnel with specimen grossing as needed.
* Recognizes problems (such as mislabels, incorrect tube type, etc.), identifies causes, and takes corrective action to solve basic problems.
* Operates automated instrumentation as applicable at entity following all safety measures. Performs and documents any processing equipment maintenance.
* Performs one or more of the following advanced functions:
- Pre-Analytic: In an outpatient and inpatient setting, performs phlebotomy
and other specialized specimen collection procedures for patients; maintains
competency of techniques and principles required to perform quality phlebotomy
services
- Specialty Areas (i.e., Anatomical Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular,
etc.): Performs advanced functions such as assisting with frozen sections,
special stain procedures, cytology processing, fine needle aspirations (FNAs),
and other section specific specialty tasks as per section scope.
* Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.
**FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS**
* Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmentalorganizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
* Uses department resourcesequipmentsupplies properly and efficiently.
**GROWTHINNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS**
* Guides and mentors section employees and students to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities.
* Participates in departmental projects activities, and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will
also perform other reasonably related businessjob duties as assigned. Houston
Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the
need arises.
**EDUCATION**
* High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
**WORK EXPERIENCE**
* Minimum of 3 years of related experience required
**LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED**
* NA
**LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED**
* Relevant certification (e.g., phlebotomy, medical laboratory assistant) ****
**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES**
* 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 andor 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; operates multiple computer systems to include Hospital Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
* Independently adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing work flow
* Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
* Strong training, leadership, and mentoring skills
* 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
**SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS**
**WORK ATTIRE**
* Uniform
* Scrubs
* Business professional
* Other (department approved)
**ON-CALL***
_*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie.
DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below._
* On Call*
**TRAVEL****
_**Travel specifications may vary by department**_
* May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area
* May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area
**Company Profile:**
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital opened in June 2017 as the eighth
hospital in the Houston Methodist system. This 267-bed, 725,000-square-foot,
full-service, acute-care hospital offers many of the same services as our
flagship hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Also, on the beautiful hospital
campus, located at the intersection of Interstate 45 and Texas State Highway
242, are two medical office buildings, which include a Breast Care Center;
Cancer Center; infusion center; heart and vascular services; neurology;
orthopedics and sports medicine; rehabilitation services; wellness services;
an outpatient laboratory; and several other multispecialty physician
practices. In January 2022, Houston Methodist The Woodlands opened Healing
Tower — a $250 million expansion project that added 106 beds, focused on
medical-surgical and women’s services, and provided nine operating rooms. The
project also included the expansion of the endoscopy center, emergency
department and diagnostic imaging department with an enhanced neurodiagnostic
and interventional center.
Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women,
minorities, disabled persons and veterans.
**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.
Job Tags
Full time, For contractors, Work experience placement, Relief, Immediate start,