Lab Assistant (Limited Duration)

Location Site: Salem Hospital Main Campus; 890 Oak St SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Department: SH Lab Specimen Management
Position Type: Full Time (Limited Duration; 2 - 6 months anticipated); 40 hours/week; Non-Exempt
Start time/Shift/Schedule: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; 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.

Background/experience

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of related experience in either a clinical, medical office, or research setting preferred.
• Experience in team process, quality management, and problem solving required; Experience with a Laboratory Information System is preferred.
• Uses interpersonal skills that convey a positive and supportive attitude, such as active listening, positive communication, stopping gossip, and using proper telephone etiquette.
• Must possess strong communication skills, with effective communication with all members of the health care team being essential.
• Ability to analyze current methods and processes, look for improvements, and develop reports/recommendations. Ability to detect and investigate problems, make evaluations supported by tangible evidence, and provide consultation to physicians, nurses, and others in area of specialization.
• Thorough and current knowledge of the principles, techniques, procedures, instrumentation, and safety precautions in the field of specialization required.
• Proficient keyboarding skills, including 10-key speed and accuracy. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with many distractions and quickly re-focus on a task following a disruption to the workflow.

Total rewards package

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

• Relocation assistance available for qualified positions
• Full comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Basic and voluntary life insurance
• Short and long-term disability
• Live Well Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(K) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) accrual and holiday pay
• Onsite fitness center with 24/7 badge access
• Education assistance program
• Public service loan forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer https://studentaid.gov/
• Food and drink discounts in the cafeteria
• Impressive discounts offered by Nike, Adidas, Carhartt and others

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