Lab Clerk – Histology – Seattle, WA

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The Histology Assistant is a key member of the pathology laboratory team responsible for the precise and efficient processing of tissue specimens for diagnostic analysis. Working under the supervision of the histology supervisor and pathologists, the Histology Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and quality of specimens throughout the processing workflow. This position involves receiving, accessioning, and preparing tissue specimens for histological processing. The Histology Assistant must adhere to established protocols to produce accurate and reliable results while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and safety guidelines. Attention to detail, proficiency in laboratory techniques, and effective communication skills are essential. By contributing to the timely and accurate diagnosis of diseases, the Histology Assistant directly impacts patient care outcomes and supports the mission of the pathology laboratory to deliver high-quality diagnostic services.

Work Hours: M – F; 9 AM – 5:30 PM PST

Primary Responsibilities:

• Specimen Handling: Receive, log, and accession tissue specimens accurately, ensuring proper labeling and documentation of patient information. Verify specimen integrity and resolve any discrepancies or issues with submitting departments or clinicians
• Tissue Processing: Prepare tissue specimens for histological processing by embedding them in paraffin wax blocks or other appropriate embedding media. Operate tissue processing equipment and instruments according to established protocols, ensuring optimal tissue preservation and sectioning quality
• Lab Information System Management: Utilize the laboratory information system (LIS) to accurately record and track specimen processing activities, including specimen accessioning, processing steps, and results reporting. Enter data into the LIS promptly and ensure that all information is entered correctly to facilitate accurate specimen tracking and retrieval. Collaborate with LIS administrators to troubleshoot system issues, implement updates, and optimize workflow efficiency within the LIS platform
• Reference Lab Coordination: Facilitate the coordination of specimens sent to reference laboratories for specialized testing or consultation. Prepare specimens for shipment according to transportation regulations and ensure proper documentation and labeling to meet reference lab requirements. Communicate effectively with reference lab personnel to track specimen status, obtain test results, and facilitate timely result reporting back to the primary laboratory
• Inventory Management: Manage inventory of reagents, consumables, and supplies necessary for tissue processing and staining. Monitor stock levels, place orders for replenishment as needed, and ensure proper storage and handling of inventory items
• Filing and Refiling: File slides and blocks accurately according to designated storage protocols. Ensure that all slides and blocks are labeled correctly with patient information and specimen identifiers. Provide refiles as necessary to maintain organization and accessibility of archived specimens
• Training and Guidance: Provide training and guidance to new laboratory staff or students, imparting knowledge on laboratory techniques, procedures, and equipment. Assist in the orientation and onboarding of new team members, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures and safety protocols
• Customer Service: Demonstrate excellent customer service skills on the phone and in interactions with team members. Address inquiries and requests from clinicians, pathologists, and other laboratory stakeholders promptly and professionally, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and effective communication
• Compliance and Safety: Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols and guidelines to minimize the risk of exposure to hazardous materials and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including OSHA, CLIA, and CAP standards. Participate in laboratory safety training programs and maintain a safe working environment for yourself and others

Duties integrated into all job functions:

• 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
• 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 organization policies
• Attends training to meet job position requirements and as needed or mandated by organization 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 GED  
• Current BLS certification or ability to obtain within the first 30 days of employment
• 1+ years of experience in a clinical pathology laboratory including specimen processing

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Solid understanding of histological techniques, tissue processing procedures, and laboratory equipment operation. This includes knowledge of specimen handling protocols 
• Knowledge of laboratory information systems (LIS) for data entry and specimen tracking purposes
• An understanding of regulatory requirements, including OSHA, CLIA, and CAP standards, pertaining to laboratory safety and compliance
• Exhibit a range of technical skills, including the proven ability to process histology samples efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in computer operations, data entry, and keyboarding is essential for maintaining accurate records and entering test results into the LIS
• Solid organizational skills to ensure accurate processing, along with the demonstrated ability to multitask while maintaining a calm and effectual demeanor
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interactions with patients, laboratory team members, clinicians, and other clinical staff
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and encourage teamwork through cooperative interactions
• Demonstrated adaptability to new processes demonstrated through Continuous Process Improvement
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment, contributing to the overall efficiency of the laboratory
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, especially in tasks involving specimen processing procedures and support functions
• Demonstrated flexibility for covering team members on leave and adjusting working hours as needed
• Exhibit a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, ensuring current knowledge of advancements in the field

 

Physical and Mental Demands: Employees must meet the physical and mental demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods of time while processing tissue specimens
• Ability to manipulate laboratory equipment and instruments, including small tools and test tubes
• Ability to transport/position up to 50 pounds when moving laboratory supplies or equipment
• Manual dexterity, with the ability to perform precise movements with hands and fingers when handling laboratory samples and instruments
• Ability to distinguish between colors and read small print on labels or test results
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment with exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, and biological substances
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, and goggles

 

Typical Working Conditions:  The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the job’s essential functions.

Work is performed in a laboratory setting, with exposure to potentially hazardous materials and biological specimens.  The pace may vary but is generally dynamic, requiring individuals to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively as part of a team. The laboratory environment can be noisy and fast-paced, with multiple tests and procedures being performed simultaneously.  The work requires close attention to detail and accuracy, as laboratory results may have a significant impact on patient care.  The work may involve periods of standing or sitting or holding oneself in a stationary position for extended periods of time, depending on the types of support activities being performed.  May work independently or as part of a team, collaborating with other laboratory staff, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Contact:  Physicians, staff, patients, the public, and vendors.

 

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.

 

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

 

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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