Sr., Lab Support Specialist

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that's served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It's our passion.

PRIMARY PURPOSE Provides leadership to assigned employees for the processing of specimens, data entry, and troubleshooting to ensure integrity of specimens and to expedite completion of tests ordered.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

Education

- None

Experience

- Must have four years of laboratory support experience, to include two years of Parkland laboratory experience .

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

- May have an equivalent combination of education and experience to substitute for the experience requirements.

Skills or Special Abilities

- Must be able to demonstrate leadership abilities.

- Must be proficient at operating a ten-key calculator.

- Must be able to enter 12 digit numbers into computer without excessive errors.

- Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, visitors and hospital staff.

- Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.

- Must have clear speech, normal hearing, and good visual acuity.

- Must be able to coordinate numerous telephone calls effectively.

- Must be able to handle detailed work and maintain a pleasant demeanor while under pressure.

- Must be able to use sound judgement when making decisions and solving problems. Must be able to exhibit good organizational skills and prioritizing abilities.

- Must be able to maintain accurate records/logs.

Responsibilities

1. Provides leadership by assisting the supervisor in selecting, training, motivating, supervising, and evaluating assigned staff to ensure maximum utilization and coverage of shift. Ensures that new employees are appropriately trained and competent in proper laboratory protocol and procedures and assures the documentation is complete.

2. Checks incoming samples and requisitions to determine sample integrity. Clarifies unclear test orders on downtime requisitions with patient care providers, in order to ensure proper patient care.

3. Orders/verifies requested test in Laboratory Information Systems computer and verifies sample receipt time. Labels samples with bar code label to ensure that the two identifiers, patient name and medical record number, on the sample matches that on the bar code.

4. Prepares/processes specimens for testing/performance in the appropriate laboratory as required by that laboratory. Follows proper sample storage requirements. Delivers specimens to appropriate work area and other labs within established time limits as needed. Stocks supplies as needed.

5. Utilizes appropriate follow up skills to interface with other Parkland internal and external customers on the telephone and in person to give out appropriate information.

6. Assists with loading patient specimen on designated instrumentation and performs POC (Point of Care) testing as required.

7. Clocks in requisitions, separates by patient and triages by priority according to department protocol. Receives specimen deliveries by couriers, pneumatic tube system, or Parkland staff.

8. Performs special assignments such as teaching and orienting new employees, compiling statistics, researching errors, monitoring and ordering supplies and utilizing proper resources to verify patient account information. May function as a team leader as needed.

9. Maintains a clean working environment to ensure maximum safety for all employees.

10. Uses, monitors and maintains assigned equipment according to lab protocol (ex: refrigerators, freezers, incubators, centrifuges, etc.)

11. Responsible for additional duties such as producing schedules, work aids and procedures. Helps to ensure routing of procedure updates and internal communication. Plans and organizes effectively and mobilizes and coordinates teams efforts. Job

Accountabilities

1. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.

2. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.

3. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status.As part of our commitment to our patients and employees' wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.