Technical Laboratory Assistant, Microbiology (DLS Oahu)

Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. (DLS) is Hawaii’s largest locally owned and operated clinical and anatomic pathology laboratory. DLS is proud to serve the communities of Hawaii, Guam and Saipan and utilizes state-of-the-art testing and value-based informatics to promote optimal patient care to positively impact patient lives.

SCHEDULE
Regular Full-Time Position
Must be available Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm, Monday through Saturday from 3:00 pm to 12:00 am with rotating day and evening holidays.
Must be flexible with schedule changes to meet operational needs.

HIRING RANGE
$18.00 to $22.86 hourly
Actual pay commensurate with experience

JOB SUMMARY
Performs defined preparatory portions of laboratory procedures under the direction of licensed personnel, including administrative, accessioning, processing, testing, instrument maintenance and/or other duties as assigned. May perform waived, Provider Performed Microscopy Procedures (PPMP), and Point of Care Testing (POCT) as authorized by the laboratory director and allowed per CLIA/HAR.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs accessioning of specimen orders.

• Obtains and/or verify pertinent patient information for laboratory testing and/or billing purposes.
• Verifies information on requisitions for accuracy; obtains information as needed to ensure completeness.
• Enters specimen information into Laboratory Information Systems (LIS).
• Creates Test in Question (TIQs) that would affect testing.
• Orders “add-on testing” per departments’ procedures.
• Validates specimen manifests and follows up with clients if specimens are not received.
• Creates pathology billing compiled report and sends to billing office.

2.Processes specimens for testing.

• Operates lab equipment such as but not limited to centrifuges, vortex mixers, etc.
• Informs supervisor of occurrences affecting lab tests, such as but not limited to specimen quality, equipment problems or unusual patient data.
• Processes and handles specimens to maintain specimen integrity according to established procedures.
• Centrifuges specimens and prepares aliquots.
• Identifies, prepares and processes specimens for testing, transport or shipping, including but not limited to labeling, handling, preserving or fixing specimens.
• Monitors TIQ worklist for timely resolution of problem specimens.
• Process specimens for research and correlation studies.
• Loads and unloads specimens onto individual testing equipment or lab automation system (LAS), as applicable.

3.Performs receiving of specimens.

• Verifies receipt of specimens in lab computer system, including interfaced lab orders.
• Monitors pending lists and conducts investigation of missing specimens.

4. Performs maintenance according to department SOP.

5.Administrative and other laboratory duties.

• Archives and retrieves specimens from storages for add-on testing and discards specimens upon expiration of storage period.
• Organizes, racks, and maintains departmental storage of specimens such as but not limited to blood, urines, and body fluids.
• Processes shipments of supplies and verifies inventory.
• Disposes of waste items properly.
• May move equipment or necessary supplies for lab use or disposal, such as CO2 Tanks.
• Operates laboratory computer system(s) and performs necessary tasks, which may include the use of various functions to resolve problems and extract pertinent information.
• Answers telephone, receives and relays messages which may include messages regarding specimen pick-up, laboratory reports, test orders, etc.
• Maintains files and retrieves material according to established systems and procedures.
• Monitors and orders supplies required to perform duties.
• Keeps abreast of new or revised technical procedures in department's procedure manual.
• Works with clients and/or departments to resolve problems.

6. Technical Laboratory Assistant I Non-Hospital Duties and Essential Functions by Department

7. Performs other duties as required.

8. Job expectations:

• Demonstrates clear, audience-focused and effective communication with Aloha.
• Reads, interprets and writes documents, such as policies, standard operating procedures and reports.
• Creates a positive work culture and environment.
• Models organizational values and contributes to quality improvements to support innovation.
• Builds collaborative relationships with teammates: shares ideas, supports others to achieve goals and has each other’s backs.
• Follows all safety and health regulations and works in accordance with DLS safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe and secure working environment.
• Provides excellent customer service to our internal and external customers with compassion and respect.
• Maintains and values the importance of attendance at work.
• Stays current on information and requirements to perform the job while embracing continuous learning to improve skills and knowledge.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality of information.
• Uses sound judgement, analytical skills and innovation while problem solving and takes appropriate and timely actions.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability by adjusting to shifts in priorities, demands, and procedures.

JOB DEMANDS
Typical Physical Demands:

• Requires manual and finger dexterity, eye-hand coordination, corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
• Able to distinguish and identify color.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as lab coats, gloves, face shields, respirator, etc.
• Able to perform repetitive manual motion such as, but not limited to, pipetting, capping and uncapping specimens.
• Able to stand, sit, bend and key up to seven (7) hours intermittently.
• Able to lift, carry, push or pull items weighing up to thirty-five (35) pounds occasionally.

Typical Working Conditions:

• Work environment includes conditions common to a hospital/laboratory environment, including working directly with potentially hazardous chemicals and/or patients with communicable diseases. Potential for inadvertent skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other infectious materials.
• Generally works in an indoor, air-conditioned area.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent.

Preferred:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in related science field (such as but not limited to Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, etc.).

Experience:
Preferred:

• Two (2) years patient care or equivalent public contact experience.

Skills:
Required:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both in verbal and written form.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to flexible in a fast paced environment
• Ability to learn laboratory SOP’s.
• Ability to be a strong team player.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Vet

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Vet
Your Health. Our Legacy
Our Mission: To fulfill the intent of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV to provide in perpetuity quality health care services to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians and all of the people of Hawai‘i.
Our Values:
Compassion guides our actions
Aloha inspires us in all that we do
Respect and understanding are essential for the dignity of all
Excellence is our quest