CLINICAL LABORATORY ASSISTANT

PLEASE BE ADVISED that this job posting is ONLY for Agency Contract Workers who are currently working at CCH. You will be eligible for the position, location, department, and shift in which you are currently placed.

Please note that external applicants or individuals not currently under contract at CCH are not eligible for this opportunity.

By applying, you acknowledge that your application will be considered solely based on your current contract placement at CCH.

LOCATION: STROGER HOSPITAL

DEPARTMENT: VARIOUS

SHIFT: CURRENT SHIFT BEING WORKED AS AGENCY STAFF/CONTRACTED EMPLOYEE

Collective Bargaining Unit: SEIU Local 73

Job Summary

Working under the direction a Clinical Laboratory Supervisor, Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) and Medical Technologists, provides a variety of services for John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital and Provident Hospital System laboratories. Greets patients and establishes positive first impressions with patients, visitors and medical staff. Provides instructions to patients regarding the collection of various non-blood specimens for laboratory testing. Works closely with hospital staff to verify patient laboratory orders, specimen type and transport methods. Performs phlebotomy functions, receives blood, urine and other specimens for diagnostic testing. Processes specimens to be placed on the automation sample processing line and/or delivers specimen(s) to the appropriate testing location and assists the technical team.

Typical Duties

Provides phlebotomy services to inpatient, outpatient or any other patient care area where phlebotomy services are required. Must demonstrate competency for age-related phlebotomy techniques and sample processing.
Works cooperatively with other laboratory staff to provide a safe work environment that contributes to a positive work environment for staff and a positive experience for the patient.
Processes specimens according to established protocols and policies.
Processes and packages send-out samples according to regulatory requirements.
Maintains an ongoing understanding of pre-analytical specimen requirements to ensure specimen viability and result accuracy.
Verifies specimen receipt assessment, and pre-analytical processing.
Assists Medical Technologists with specimen setup and analysis in various sections of the laboratory.
Utilizes the Laboratory Information System (LIS) to enter patient test orders from manual requisitions, and test add-on requests.
As needed, transports specimens and blood products from various locations within the hospital and distributes them to the appropriate department sections.
Utilizes the Laboratory and Hospital Information Systems to review patient test orders and investigate patron laboratory and test inquires.
Answers telephones in a very respectful and pleasant manner and helps the caller to the best of abilities; properly communicates with Cook County Medical Examiner Personnel.
Stocks and monitors inventory for laboratory supplies.
Operates and maintains Point of Care Testing (POCT) meters, automation line and conventional laboratory instruments.
Maintains a safe and clean work environment by utilizing personal protective equipment and engineered safety devices.
Participates in safety and infection control activities.
Must maintain compliance with regulatory standards when performing daily activities and participates in Laboratory's preparation for regulatory visits.
Follows established Policies and procedures to maintain a positive patient identification environment throughout the specimen collection process.
Complies with all HIPPA requirement to maintain Patient confidentiality throughout the specimen collection process.
Demonstrates flexibility with work assignments/locations and hours to meet patient care demands.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships
Reports to a Clinical Laboratory Supervisor

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED
Certified Phlebotomist or Certified Medical Assistant (must provide proof at the time of interview)
One (1) year of work experience as a Phlebotomist or Medical Assistant
Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association (must provide proof at the time of interview)
Must be able to train and draw blood on all age groups patient populations and complete 100 successful collections within first 90 days of employment
Must be able to work rotating shifts and alternating weekends

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Knowledge of and the ability to learn to proper operate and maintain POCT meters, automation line and conventional laboratory instruments.
Excellent communication and customer service skills with the ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to supervisors, patients, patient's family and other employees of Cook County Health (CCH).
Ability to analyze and pay attention to detail.
Strong organizational and time management skills, manual dexterity and good eyesight.
Ability to use measures and perform basic mathematical calculations.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and keep records of performed tasks.
Ability to follow all establish Laboratory and CCH policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient related materials in compliance with HIPAA requirements.
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor.
Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
Ability to multi-task in a high stress environment.
This position requires very good vision, excellent dexterity and full mental capacity. It also requires various types of physical exertion including but not limited to climbing, lifting, pulling, pushing, prolonged standing, operation laboratory equipment and other devices, or moving moderate to heavy weight.

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, "Typical Duties" are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

* Meet the minimum qualifications for the position .

* Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"

* Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list an Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

OR

A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver's License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER'S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

*Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH AND HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.