SENIOR LABORATORY ASSISTANT/PHLEBOTOMIST (#NA4 )

$40.10-$50.73 hourly / $6,951.00-$8,793.00 monthly / $83,408.00-$105,518.40 yearly

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.

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.

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 and perform related clerical tasks.

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.