Clinical Laboratory Assistant 1

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Core Job Summary

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant 1 performs a variety of routine duties in assisting technical and professional personnel in clinical and research laboratories. An employee in this position provides broad support for the laboratory operations.

Core Job Functions

• Identifies, handles, and accessions patient samples requiring laboratory testing.
• Transports specimens and communicates test results timely and accurately.
• Maintains required laboratory files and logs system in a neat and accurate manner.
• Performs specimen processing, such as centrifugation, aliquoting, and volume measurement.
• Maintains adequate inventory level as per protocol.
• Participates in the performance improvement processes for the department.
• Maintains assigned work area in a clean and orderly condition.
• Maintains confidentiality of all patient information according to federal and state guidelines and regulations.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

Additional information

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

Core Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent/relevant experience, certification or license
• Experience: No previous experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
• Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

Department Specific Functions

• Receive, sort, and accurately verify clinical laboratory specimens (e.g., urine, stool, swabs, sputum, blood) for testing and analysis.
• Prepare and process specimens according to established laboratory protocols and testing requirements.
• Perform data entry and/or scanning of specimen and patient information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) with accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensure all laboratory equipment is functioning properly; perform routine maintenance and minor troubleshooting as needed
• Identify and resolve specimen-related issues in collaboration with laboratory staff and supervisors.
• Handle, prepare, receive, and track specimens in the Referrals Bench (Send-Outs), coordinating workflow across various departments and reference laboratories (e.g., Quest, LabCorp, Viracor).
• Maintain adequate inventory of test bench supplies and replenish as necessary to support uninterrupted operations.
• Uphold a clean, organized, and safe work environment in compliance with laboratory safety and infection control policies
• Accurately complete logs, documentation, and administrative tasks as assigned.
• Answer phones professionally and promptly, provide accurate information or transfer calls appropriately and communicate clearly with nursing and clinical staff regarding specimen issues or missing data (e.g., labeling errors, hemolyzed samples).
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure compliance with quality assurance and regulatory standards

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes

Knowledge

• Basic understanding of laboratory safety procedures and infection control.
• Familiarity with specimen handling, labeling, and processing protocols.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and test requisitions.
• Understanding of basic computer systems, including LIS (Laboratory Information System).
• Awareness of quality control principles and documentation practices.
• Knowledge of specimen storage requirements and transport conditions.
• Understanding of confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

Skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in labeling and data entry.
• Collaborate effectively with technologists, nurses, and other assistants
• Effective time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and performing routine maintenance.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Critical thinking and problem solving when discrepancies arise.
• Adaptability to new procedures, technologies, or workflow changes.

Attitudes

• Dependable and punctual with a strong sense of responsibility.
• Positive and professional attitude toward coworkers and other departments.
• Commitment to maintaining patient safety and specimen integrity.
• Willingness to learn and continuously improve.
• Assists in orienting or training new staff or students
• Respectful, courteous, and cooperative in a team setting.
• Strong work ethic with pride in accuracy and quality.
• Support workload balance during peak times
• Calm and composed under pressure or during high workload periods.

Pay and benefits

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.

Job Status: Full time

Employee Type: Staff