SENIOR LABORATORY ASSISTANT/PHLEBOTOMIST
Job Specifications
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SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
DEFINITION
Under general direction, is responsible for supervision, coordination, and oversight of Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomists; monitors and coordinates breaks for other lab assistants; trouble shoots and problem solves errors within various lab related record systems; performs venipuncture and specified tests to obtain specimens; receives specimens, reviews specimen labeling, checks condition of specimens; processes and distributes collected specimens; performs clerical work; and performs other duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This single class position is the supervisory level in the Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist series. Incumbents in this classification supervise and evaluate the work of Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist while also providing direct services to clients. This classification requires an advanced level of professional knowledge in laboratory operations. The Supervising Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist differs from the lower level classification of Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist in that the latter spends the majority of time obtaining specimens while the Senior Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist provides direct supervision over the former and spends time coordinating error resolution with various lab record systems in addition to other duties. The Senior Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist works more independently and at a higher level of proficiency than the journey level Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist.
TYPICAL TASKS
· Supervise, train, and evaluate Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomists;
· Coordinate error resolution with various lab record systems;
· Track and gather information on quality assurance;
· Perform venipuncture and finger sticks on patients of varied ages who may be carriers of infectious agents, or who may be hostile or unstable;
· Receive specimens from patients and staff, check for condition and necessary information, and distribute specimen to the appropriate staff;
· Operate centrifuge to spin blood;
· Greet patients and obtain information such as fasting times, medication and insurance;
· Insure that paper test requisitions have all required information;
· Insure that laboratory procedures and policies are adhered to daily;
· Maintain a clean, well-stocked phlebotomy room;
· Enter test information into the computer and search computer files;
· Work with Lab Director and other lab or clinic staff to develop new workflows and processes;
· Coordinate the daily work duties, assignments and breaks of other lab assistants;
· Train new and current employees on routine lab assistant duties;
· Answer phone and direct calls;
· Perform related clerical tasks.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge:
Working knowledge of:
· Phlebotomy techniques and equipment.
· Universal precautions.
· Sterilization requirements and techniques involved in the care and use of equipment.
· Fundamentals of medical laboratory work
· Laboratory equipment and terminology
· Dangers of harmful bacteria and communicable disease
· Basic office procedures and record keeping techniques
Some knowledge of:
· Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system
· Laboratory Information System (LIS)
· Windows 10, Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel and Word
Ability to:
· Supervise, train, evaluate and motivate assigned Laboratory staff;
· Perform work using the automated Laboratory Information System (LIS), computers and related software
· Provide direction to Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
· Train staff and provide oral and written directions of a technical nature
· Investigate and solve problems with follow-up given to management staff
· Track and gather information on quality assurance
· Obtain adequate blood samples from patients whose veins are difficult to locate, or from patients who may be hostile or unstable.
· Discern when to request assistance in drawing blood.
· Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
· Follow oral and written instructions.
· Perform routine clerical work.
· Keep accurate records.
· Prepare standardized reports and forms.
· Move quickly to support a fainting patient or move away from a patient having a seizure.
· Communicate with patients in noisy and quiet environments.
· Perform venipuncture requiring manual dexterity, hand steadiness and balance.
· Maintain awkward body positions, which may cause muscle fatigue.
· Discern colors to determine order of draw, based on color-coded test tubes.
· Apply routine laboratory techniques.
· Enter a variety of data into computer system.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these would be:
Two years of full-time experience working in a medical laboratory with duties of the type and level of the Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist in the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency or related health agency/institution which has provided the required knowledge and training.
Training in supervisory techniques or supervisory experience is highly desirable.
Special Requirements/Conditions:
License/Certificate:
· Possess and maintain a valid Certified Phlebotomy Technician Certificate issued by the California State Department of Health Services;
· Valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment.
Special Working Conditions:
Continuous exposure to: infectious agents which can cause chronic disease or death; allergens and irritants such as latex, talc, soaps, lotions and water which can cause reactions such as dermatitis; chemicals such as bleach, formaldehyde and mineral acids/ bases; and offensive odors such as urine, feces, and vomit.
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