Lab Assistant Lead, UWMC Northwest Lab

Job Description

Who were looking for:

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Lab Assistant Lead with the Specimen Procurement Team at the University of Washington Medical Center Northwest.

The Lab Assistant Lead provides leadership primarily to the pre-analytical staff in the clinical laboratory. This area includes receiving processing and distributing routine and STAT specimens for analytical testing as well as phlebotomy. Our team prides itself on its patient-centered care our collaborative nature and our efficient work ethic. Our Lab Assistant Leads stand out as leaders in a fast-paced setting by bringing confidence and knowledge to any situation or issue.

Work schedule:

• 100% FTE
• Monday - Friday
• Evening shift

What youll contribute:

Responsible for smooth day-to-day operations in the laboratory processing area:

• Plans organizes and assigns staff work assignments and training to maintain a smooth workflow regardless of workload.
• Calls staff in to work during low or critical staffing as needed.
• Communicates with the supervisor concerning the labs operational status training needs personnel issues and staff concerns.
• Works with manager/supervisor to review workplace procedures and policies.
• Reports issues or concerns from other laboratory divisions or hospital staff through hc1 or other reporting mechanisms.
• Must be able to perform tasks on all benches in processing areas to oversee and fill in on all benches whenever needed during short staffing periods.
• Performs limited test setup and reporting as required.
• Perform routine benchwork to effectively oversee staff making process improvements and fill in during short staffing.
• Perform other duties as required or as assigned by supervisor or manager.

Problem Resolution:

• Solves specimen problems promptly thoroughly and accurately providing appropriate documentation for manager/supervisor review.
• Makes constructive suggestions for improvements in the laboratory and staffing distribution.
• Keeps laboratory staff informed regarding specimen and/or handling problems or procedural changes.

Training of New Staff and Continued Training of Current Employees:

• Oversees training of new staff to ensure that training is complete and documented on time.
• Updates and provides training materials.
• Works with supervisor to perform assess and document competency evaluations of current employees in MediaLab.
• Informs staff about continuing education opportunities.

Safe Work Practices and Responsibilities:

• Directs staff to ensure the workplace is clean neat and professional in appearance.
• Oversees and ensures that biohazardous precautions are always followed including the disposal of biohazard waste in a timely manner.
• Wears personal protective equipment and ensures staff properly use personal protective equipment as required.

Computer/Application Functions:

• Performs computer functions required for completion of tasks and acts as a resource to others.
• Ensures that specimen processing runs smoothly during scheduled and unscheduled computer downtimes.
• Understands how to use the Laboratory Information System (LIS) PuTTY Epic/Beaker (HIS) Hc1 OnBase MediaLab and Sunquest Collect for problem resolution.

Documentation:

• Ensures that staff follow established departmental policies and division-specific processes and guidelines.
• Integrates new or revised processes into the workplace.
• Authors new guidelines and job aids under the direction of the manager/supervisor.
• Performs a biennial review of current documentation per CAP requirements.

Confidentiality:

• Maintains patient confidentiality regarding all written verbal and computerized patient information per UW Medicine requirements.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding staff and personnel issues.

Other Miscellaneous Duties:

• Reports equipment and/or facility problems promptly and provides adequate notice to staff.
• Ensures temperatures are monitored daily and takes corrective action in case of equipment failure.
• Provides support to the department to ensure we have adequate supplies and tools for the staff to do their job.
• Maintains and/or notifies manager/supervisor of supply inventory needs; orders as needed.
• Provides safety checks of equipment reagents or bench practices as needed.

Specialized Roles:

• Under the direction of a manager and/or supervisor may serve in several other specialized roles.

What youll need:

• High school graduation or equivalent AND three (3) years of chemical clinical or public health laboratory experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Phlebotomy course or current Medical Assistant-Phlebotomy Certification (MA-P) with the Washington State Department of Health. If you do not have the MA-P you must obtain the certification within 90 days of your start date.

Desired qualifications:

• Associate or bachelors degree in science.
• Experience in a major medical hospital laboratory.
• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) information systems.
• Experience with Laboratory Information System(s) (LIS).

What we offer:

• Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly including 12 paid holidays.
• State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.
• Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
• Excellent healthcare dental disability retirement and other plan options.
• Lots of free fantastic fitness healthy eating finance and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.
• And much more!

About the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology:

A regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for innovative patient care research and educational programs the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine combines the sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution in its delivery of clinical and anatomic pathology services. Recognized for excellence in clinical training world-class research initiatives and a commitment to community service we serve labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally.

Please visit our website to learn more about our department.

About UW Medicine:

UW Medicine is Washingtons only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicines mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region and preparing tomorrows physicians scientists and other health professionals.

All across UW Medicine our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful welcoming environment where every patient family student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29000 healthcare professionals researchers and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that include Harborview Medical Center UW Medical Center - Montlake UW Medical Center - Northwest Valley Medical Center UW Medicine Primary Care UW Physicians UW School of Medicine and Airlift Northwest.

Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.

Compensation Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Temporary or Regular

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier return they enjoy outstanding benefits opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity intellectual excitement artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin citizenship sex pregnancy age marital status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information disability or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Services Office at or .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.