Specimen Processing Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Position Summary

The Supervisor of Specimen Processing and Phlebotomy oversees the daily operations of the phlebotomy and specimen processing teams within Bristol Health's Laboratory Services. This role ensures high-quality, timely, and accurate specimen collection, handling, and processing across inpatient and outpatient settings while maintaining strict adherence to safety, regulatory, and quality standards. The Supervisor provides leadership, training, and support to staff, optimizes workflows to support 24/7 hospital operations, and promotes excellent patient and customer service consistent with Bristol Health's mission and service standards.

Leadership and Staff Management

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of phlebotomists, specimen processors, and support staff.
• Conduct performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and staffing decisions in coordination with Laboratory leadership and Human Resources.
• Create and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage across all shifts, including weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations.
• Recruit, interview, and onboard new employees in partnership with the Laboratory Operations Manager and Human Resources.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement aligned with Bristol Health values.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee daily specimen collection, labeling, processing, storage, and distribution to internal testing departments and reference laboratories.
• Ensure timely processing and transport of specimens to maintain specimen integrity and meet defined turnaround time targets.
• Monitor and optimize workflows to reduce turnaround times, eliminate bottlenecks, and support inpatient, outpatient, ED, and outreach service lines.
• Manage inventory of phlebotomy supplies, processing equipment, and reagents in partnership with Supply Chain and Materials Management.
• Coordinate with Nursing, Patient Access, and clinical departments to support efficient specimen flow and patient throughput.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Maintain compliance with all applicable regulations and accreditation standards, including CLIA, CAP, OSHA, HIPAA, Joint Commission, and Connecticut Department of Public Health requirements.
• Implement and monitor quality control procedures, tracking error rates, specimen rejection rates, mislabeling events, and patient safety incidents.
• Investigate and resolve specimen-related incidents, complaints, and discrepancies; document findings and corrective actions.
• Develop, review, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies in alignment with Bristol Health Laboratory Services and Risk Management.
• Support internal audits, regulatory inspections, and accreditation surveys.

Training and Development

• Provide initial training and ongoing competency assessments for phlebotomy and specimen processing staff in accordance with CAP and CLIA requirements.
• Promote continuing education and professional development opportunities for the team.
• Ensure staff maintain current certifications, mandatory hospital education, and stay current on best practices.

 Patient Care and Service

• Ensure compassionate, professional patient interactions during blood draws and specimen collection across all patient populations, including pediatric and geriatric patients.
•  Address patient concerns, service recovery, and continuously improve the patient experience.
• Collaborate with Nursing, clinical, and Laboratory teams to support coordinated, patient-centered care.

 Additional Duties

• Participate in Laboratory leadership meetings, hospital-wide committees, and process improvement initiatives, including Lean and Six Sigma projects.
• Assist with budget preparation, capital planning, and cost control measures for the assigned cost centers.
• Perform phlebotomy or specimen processing duties as needed to support staffing, peak volumes, or coverage gaps.``
• Prepare and present reports on key performance indicators, including productivity, quality metrics, staffing, and turnaround times.

 Qualifications and Requirements

 Education:

•  Associate's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Phlebotomy, Biology, Healthcare Administration, or a related field required.
•  Bachelor's degree preferred.

Certifications and Licenses

•  Current Phlebotomy Technician certification (ASCP, NHA, AMT, or equivalent) required.
•  Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
•  Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Medical Technologist (MT/MLS) certification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 4 to 6 years of hands-on experience in phlebotomy and/or specimen processing required.
• At least 2 years of progressive supervisory or lead experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in a hospital or high-volume clinical laboratory environment highly desirable.

 Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building abilities. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Thorough knowledge of phlebotomy techniques, specimen requirements, and pre-analytical processing protocols.
•  Ability to troubleshoot technical and operational issues across multiple workflows and shifts.
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems (LIS), electronic health records, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple competing priorities. 

Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive motions.
• Capable of lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens, biohazardous materials, and infectious agents; must adhere to universal precautions and all Bristol Health infection control policies.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call as required to support 24/7 laboratory operations.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to: Laboratory Operations Manager, with indirect oversight from the Medical Director of Clinical Laboratory Services.

This position has direct supervisory responsibility for phlebotomists, specimen processors, and assigned support staff within Laboratory Services.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.