Laboratory Assistant I

 For more than 50 years, First Choice Community Healthcare has provided access to high quality primary medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare to the underserved populations of the Mid-Rio Grande Valley of central New Mexico. Today, we operate seven (7) Community Health Centers and one (1) school-based clinic. We are currently recruiting for a Laboratory Assistant I to join our team and assist in fulfilling our organizations mission, which is to improve the health, life skills and wellbeing of all members of the communities we serve. Our health centers maintain an open-door policy, providing treatment regardless of an individual’s income or insurance coverage. As a non-profit organization, First Choice is a vital community resource in Central New Mexico. Not only does our organization provide the highest quality, comprehensive medical services, but we also address our patients’ emotional, social, and cultural needs.     

In addition to serving a community-centered organization we offer an excellent benefits package to include: 

Benefits Offered

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Identity Theft
• Retirement Savings -403(b)
• 10-20 days per service year (based on length of service)
• Sick Leave 64 hours per year (unused rolls over each year into Long Term Sick Leave)
• Long Term Sick Leave 40 hours per year 
• 10 Paid holidays per year
• 40 hours of Educational Leave per year for full time employees
• $700 per year for tuition reimbursement

A. POSITION SUMMARY

Under direct supervision of the Health Center Manager and the indirect supervision of the Laboratory Manager performs various laboratory tests, including all tests in the waived category for CLIA.

B. ESSENTAIL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Greets and registers patients;
2. Collects, processes, and handles blood and/or other biological specimens according to established procedures; instructs patients in the proper collection of samples;
3. Verifies patient identity throughout the phlebotomy and send out processes;
4. Transmit tests in the electronic health record to the appropriate reference laboratory;
5. Obtain patient demographics, Advanced Beneficiary Notices (ABN), and knowledge of lab billing and diagnosis codes;
6. Orders, maintain, and distributes supplies as needed;
7. Keeps records and reports on results according to established procedures;
8. Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods;
9. Depending on training and competency performs limited CLIA waived testing;
10. Performs biohazard disposal as appropriate;
11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned;

C. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. High School graduate or GED certificate;
2. Completion of relevant phlebotomy training program and/or medical assistant certification;

D. LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

1. CPR certification required within 6 months of hire;

E. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Ability to work as a team member within a clinical environment;
2. Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards;
3. Ability to collect, prepare and process laboratory samples using established protocols;
4. Ability to perform a range of CLIA waived clinical laboratory tests and chemical analyses on biological samples;
5. Knowledge of sterile procedures;
6. Ability to draw intravenous and peripheral blood;
7. Ability to isolate and identify specimens using advanced laboratory techniques and equipment;
8. Ability to perform, monitor and/or maintain quality control standards;
9. Ability to utilize, calibrates, configure and/or troubleshoot laboratory testing systems and instruments;
10. Records maintenance skills;
11. Knowledge of laboratory and experimental protocols and procedures;
12. Knowledge of the Joint Commission, CLIA, OSHA and related accreditation and certification requirements;
13. Knowledge and familiarity with compliance program. Cooperate fully and comply with laws and regulations;

F. Age of Patients Served

1. Pediatric, Adult and Geriatric

G. COVID-19 VACCINE REQUIRED

COVID-19 Vaccination required as a condition of employment. Individuals with medical issues or religious beliefs that prevent them from getting the vaccine may request an exemption from the vaccine requirement at the time an offer is delivered.

H. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS/WORKING CONDITIONS

A person in this position has sufficient time to complete most tasks although under pressure depending on patient and organization demands. There are frequent opportunities to relax from any physical exertion or to change position in work activities.

1. Physical Effort and Dexterity: Good dexterity to operate personal computer, and basic medical and laboratory equipment. Requires moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
2. Machines, Tools, Equipment required to be operated: Capable of using medical equipment, office machines and personal computers for word processing, data entry and retrieval.
3. Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking: Must be able to read computer monitor output and results of basic medical tests accurately. Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.
4. Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly inside a clinic in a controlled environment. Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment. Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Normal clinic safety precautions and practices are required. Position may require travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends may be required to meet deadlines.