Lab Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Oakland, CA

OverviewResponsible for the analysis of laboratory specimens and subsequent result reporting according to laboratory protocol and procedures.  Under the direction of the Pathologists and Laboratory Director/Manager, the Clinical Laboratory Scientist II performs all technical (including maintenance), analytical, clerical, and quality assurance tasks and duties associated with laboratory testing.  The Clinical Laboratory Scientist II accepts in-charge duties.  Also accepts duties and projects as assigned by Leads and Management that help ensure the overall quality and excellence of the Laboratory.  All Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) are required to maintain current CLS licensure and perform all work in compliance with all governmental regulations.

ResponsibilitiesPre-Analytic: Receives and processes patient specimens: urine, blood, spinal fluid, etc, when needed. Always verifies that the proper specimen is being analyzed for the proper patient and for the indicated test procedure.  Recognizes unacceptable specimen conditions and takes appropriate action per protocol.  Demonstrates appropriate specimen handling and ensures proper and accurate identification of specimen throughout the testing process. Assists in oversight of phlebotomists and lab assistants.  Troubleshoots problems related to patient preparation, specimen collection, specimen transportation, specimen processing, and specimen storage.Analytic: Accurately and efficiently performs laboratory testing classified as waived or of moderate or high complexity under CLIA. Responsible for maintaining and using various equipment in the Clinical Laboratory.  Performs daily, weekly, monthly, and as-needed maintenance.  Performs calibration of equipment as required.  Performs, checks, and maintains all necessary documentation.  Remains current on all new protocols and technologies.  Participates in orientation of staff, as needed. Performs quality control procedures.  Verifies acceptable QC values according to laboratory protocol.  Performs, checks, and maintains all necessary documentation.  Investigates and troubleshoots any unacceptable QC.  Identifies shifts and trends and takes remedial action to resolve these problems.  Notifies supervisor if unable to resolve the situation after troubleshooting.  Performs all necessary documentation. 

Recognizes all "Out of Control" situations.  Calls a test/instrument "Down" appropriately. Evaluates corrective action taken and appropriately declares test/instrument back up.  Brings in Supervisor/Lead as consultant when needed. Demonstrates the ability to identify instrument problems and performs appropriate troubleshooting and documentation according.  Communicates to supervisor and staff regarding status of problems and resolution when appropriate.  Appropriately notifies Biomed Engineering and/or hotline when needed. Ensures that inventory of reagents, supplies, and controls are sufficient for ongoing testing.  Notifies supervisors when supplies are below established levels.  Ensures all reagents and supplies are properly stored, including ensuring they are properly put away as soon as they arrive.  Identifies and helps to resolve processes leading to ongoing problems with inventory management. Prioritizes and organizes work to ensure turnaround times for testing are met.  Prioritizes STAT test requests right away without delay.  Identifies and helps to resolve processes leading to ongoing problems with turnaround times. Functions as a resource in resolution of issues and problems requiring the ability to troubleshoot procedures and instrumentation. Suggests changes to increase the validity and reliability of results. Performs complex and/or routine testing and analysis, including experimental testing.Post-Analytic: Verifies accuracy and clinical validity of results before reporting. Reports results within established turnaround times (STAT, routine, etc). Recognizes critical values and ensures they are communicated to the appropriate person per protocol, and documents the communication. Recognizes questionable results and takes appropriate corrective action before reporting. Identifies and helps to resolve processes leading to ongoing problems with reporting results to the appropriate individuals.Safety: Maintains a clean, neat, and organized work area.  Ensures work surfaces are disinfected each shift, and whenever visible blood, etc is present. Follows universal precautions.  Safely handles all specimens and chemical/reagents as dictated by hospital and laboratory policies, including appropriate use of PPE.  Consistently follows the laboratory Chemical Hygiene policy. Attends all required Safety Training programs and can describe his/her responsibilities related to general safety and specific job-related hazards. Consistently demonstrates appropriate body mechanics to avoid injury. Conducts safety inspections in the laboratory as needed and helps enact processes that improve safety for all laboratory staff.Customer Service: Take initiative to perform all job duties without prompting. Consistently demonstrates awareness of operations in other areas of the lab and helps out whenever possible. At start of shift, communicates in a friendly and supportive manner with the previous shift to comprehend work status, work as a team, and take over work effort. At end of shift, interacts in a friendly and supportive manner with the next shift to communicate pending work and work as a team to complete and turn over work. Consistently projects a positive professional image through appearance and behavior, acting as a role model for other laboratory staff. Demonstrates appropriate telephone courtesy, identifying self and department when answering the phone and demonstrating professionalism in content and intonation of dialog with hospital staff and external customers. Consistently demonstrates excellent interpersonal and communication skills in all dealings with coworkers.Other Essential Job Duties: Reviews pending logs regularly to ensure all specimens are accounted for and all received specimens are completed within departmental time frames.  Takes immediate remedial action to locate missing specimens/tests. Reviews results verified by self and others and identifies any non-conformities.  Takes appropriate action to resolve and informs Supervisor of issue. Effectively and proficiently uses all laboratory and hospital computer systems, including consistent reading of e-mails to ensure knowledge is current.  Performs phlebotomy if needed, after completion of appropriate training and competency. Performs other job duties as necessary, consistent with training, education, and professional ethics. Willingly and quickly learns new laboratory skills and accepts assignments in other departments as needed. Helps support laboratory management by participation in research, development, and implementation of new laboratory testing procedures. Maintains knowledge of current trends or development in the field by reading appropriate books, journals, and attending related seminars, conferences, lab meetings, etc. Shares knowledge obtained with colleagues to improve overall depth of knowledge of departmental staff. Helps orient new team members Reviews laboratory procedures and suggests improvements as needed.

EDUCATION: Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or related science  Preferred Education: Completion of a one-year Clinical Laboratory Scientist training program approved by the California Department of Public Health.

EXPERIENCE: Two years experience as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in a Clinical Lab setting (preferred)

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE: Current California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License

OTHER SKILLS, ABILITIES & KNOWLEDGE: Proficient in multiple areas of the Clinical Lab and/or expert in any one area Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English Ability to use computer systems in an accurate and proficient manner Ability to multi-task and demonstrate initiative to help others when needed and to accommodate staffing needs of the laboratory Ability to use critical thinking skills and decisive judgment. Ability and desire to work well individually and as a team member to meet testing requirements of productivity, turnaround time, prioritization, and accuracy. Must be able to work in a complex, fast-paced environment and take appropriate actions in challenging situations.