Lab Clerk - Seattle, WA

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Under general supervision, the Laboratory Support Services Specialist ensures the timely accessioning of lab orders and specimens, distribution of reports, and handling of reference lab specimens, acting as a key point of contact for lab-related inquiries and assisting physicians, clinical staff, and phlebotomists with the necessary information to complete their work efficiently. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in client services, addressing phone inquiries, resolving billing issues, and providing support to clinicians and other clinical staff, fostering positive relationships and ensuring seamless communication channels. By fulfilling these multifaceted duties, the Specialist contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the clinical laboratory, ensuring high standards of service and operational excellence.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Specimen Processing: Responsible for meticulous specimen processing including receiving, verifying patient identification, sorting, preparing, and distributing blood, urine, and other biological specimens according to protocol. The Specialist operates laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and copiers and utilizes the organization's EHR and LIS computer systems to perform these functions. Review data in the laboratory information system, label specimens, centrifuge, aliquot, and load specimens onto laboratory equipment
• Phone and Customer Service: Field phone calls, provide ordering information on lab tests and specimen requirements, answering telephones, taking and relaying messages, and offering phone customer service. Includes receiving calls regarding test ordering information and patient results from providers, and contacting reference laboratories for test inquiries and resolution. Effective communication ensures that inquiries are addressed promptly and accurately, supporting overall laboratory efficiency
• Documentation and Resource Management: Serving as a lab resource, the Specialist handles documentation related to lab incidents, fills out reference lab forms, resolves specimen issues, and reports issues. Ensure results are received from external testing sites, and scan results into EHR ensuring results are sent to providers
• Maintenance of Equipment: Maintenance duties include recording temperatures, defrosting freezers, and cleaning laboratory equipment. Ensures that all equipment is functioning correctly and adheres to maintenance schedules, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of the lab
• Quality Improvement and Compliance: Contributes to Quality Improvement and Lean Process Improvement activities. They complete all mandatory learning requirements on time and attend and participate in department, team, and committee meetings. Compliance with all department and location-specific policies and procedures is mandatory
• All staff members are to promote a positive and productive work environment by acting maturely and responsibly, satisfactorily performing job responsibilities, and conducting themselves professionally, courteously, and respectfully toward fellow employees, physicians, and patients
• Must relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions: (a) get along with co-workers or peers without exhibiting behavioral extreme; (b) perform work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others; and (c) respond openly and appropriately to feedback regarding performance from a supervisor
• Performs all duties in a manner that promotes and supports the Core Values of the organization
• Integrates Lean principles, practices, and tools to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction
• Must follow written and oral instructions and complete routine tasks independently
• Complete all compliance training, including but not limited to HIPAA/Privacy/Confidentiality/Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Integrity Statement and signed Agreements
• Ensures confidentiality of patient information by following HIPAA guidelines and policies
• Attends training to meet job position requirements and as needed or mandated by policies, Div. of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), OSHA, L&I, and other state/federal regulations
• Have regular and predictable attendance

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• BLS certification, or ability to obtain within the first 30 days of employment
• Thorough understanding of clinical laboratory procedures and protocols, including specimen processing, lab test requisitions, and result management
• Familiarity with medical terminology and regulatory compliance standards
• Comprehensive understanding of biological hazards and safety protocols, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Demonstrated exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written
• Proficiency in using computers, including the ability to navigate and operate software applications including Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven ability to work effectively and cooperatively within a team environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in medical laboratory technology, biology, or a related field
• 1+ years of experience working in a clinical laboratory or healthcare setting

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds
• Standing or sitting for extended periods
• Performing repetitive tasks such as typing and handling specimens
• Frequent use of laboratory equipment, requiring manual dexterity and fine motor skills
• Capable of wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods to ensure safety while handling biological materials
• Solid cognitive abilities, including attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Handle high volumes of administrative and semi-administrative tasks accurately and efficiently
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, manage stress, and remain focused during repetitive or complex tasks

Working Conditions:

The Laboratory Support Services Specialist typically works in a clinical laboratory setting. The environment may involve exposure to biological hazards, chemicals, and potentially infectious materials, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols and the use of PPE. The role involves working with various laboratory equipment and computer systems, often requiring prolonged periods of standing or sitting. The Specialist may also interact with other departments, healthcare providers, and clients, necessitating a collaborative and communicative work style. The position may require shift work, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on the laboratory's operational hours.

The hourly range for this role is $16.00 to $28.85 per hour based on full-time employment. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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