Lab Assistant (Limited Duration)

Location Site: Salem Hospital, 890 Oak Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Department: Lab Specimen Management
Position Type: Full Time, 40 hours/week, Non-Exempt, Limited Duration
Schedule: 9:00 am. - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday

Your role with us

As a laboratory assistant at Salem Health, you will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and timely flow of patient specimens from multiple clinical disciplines. You will be responsible for collecting and processing specimens, performing waived and moderately complex laboratory tests and accurately reporting results. This position requires attention to detail, strong analytical skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment in complex situations.

What you'll do

• Performs staff workload responsibilities, setting high standards of performance, and assists in the development of policies, procedures, processes, performance improvement and quality assurance.
• Demonstrates technical expertise, including proficiency in web-based programs, equipment operation and maintenance, and supply management, ensuring optimal efficiency and turnaround time.
• Maintains a safe work environment by following infection control procedures, prescribed safety techniques, and demonstrating knowledge of and compliance with the hospital safety management program.
• Communicates effectively, receiving, recording, and relaying messages accurately and timely, resolving or directing complaints efficiently and demonstrating flexibility in response to unexpected changes.
• Embraces continuous improvement, using downtime for professional enhancement activities, demonstrating self-motivation, and supporting changes and improvements in the workplace.
• Takes responsibility for keeping professionally informed, readily volunteers or accepts assignments and outside development activities, and serves as a resource and educator for staff, promoting education and development.
• Performs various department-specific functions, including specimen receiving, processing and referencing, registration and ordering, microbiology setup, MPA operation and maintenance, specimen sorting, and STAT processing, ensuring efficient and accurate workflow.

Required qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of one year of related experience in either a clinical, medical office, or research setting preferred.

Additional information

• The ideal candidate will have experience in team processes, quality management, and problem-solving, with a strong ability to analyze current methods and identify areas for improvement.
• Experience with a laboratory information system is preferred for this role.
• Successful candidates should possess excellent interpersonal skills, conveying a positive and supportive attitude through active listening, effective communication, and professional telephone etiquette.
• Strong communication skills are essential for effectively communicating with all members of the healthcare team and providing consultation to physicians, nurses, and others in the area of specialization.
• The ideal candidate will be able to detect and investigate problems, make evaluations supported by tangible evidence, and develop reports and recommendations.
• A thorough and current knowledge of the principles, techniques, procedures, instrumentation, and safety precautions in the field of specialization is necessary, with the ability to apply this knowledge in a practical and effective manner.

Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations and professional growth. Click here for details.

Why Salem Health?

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact my.recruiter@salemhealth.org