Laboratory Technical Assistant (LTA) - Clinical Laboratory/Pathology

About City of Hope

City of Hope's mission is to deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center at its core, City of Hope brings a uniquely integrated model to patients spanning cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and innovation initiatives. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and treatment facilities in Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix. City of Hope’s affiliated family of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHopeTM. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work - and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

Provides receiving, processing, routing and/or storage of specimens submitted from all areas of the hospital. Also provides support and assistance with a variety of related laboratory tasks within the specimen processing area. Works as part of the Clinical Pathology team in fulfilling departmental objectives.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Monitors and retrieves specimens from the pneumatic tube system and ensures specimens are accurately routed to the proper area of laboratory, following specific protocol instructions pertaining to the Automation Line Operations and manual specimen receiving and handling.
• Troubleshoots the Automation line, consulting the tech in charge as indicated.
• Ensures receipt and accurate processing of electronic orders into the LIS and HIS systems using standard procedures.
• Troubleshoots specimen discrepancies, communicates with providers to clarify unclear test orders
• Ensures specimens are properly centrifuged and aliquoted (if required), in adherence to proper instructions and aseptic techniques
• Transports specimens and supplies to the different areas of the campus, in adherence to proper instructions and protocols.
• Packs and ships specimens and supplies, in adherence to proper instructions and protocols.
• Process specimens to be sent to reference laboratories properly following all requisition, collection and handling specifications of the referral laboratory, with complete accuracy in a timely manner and demonstrates a low error rate.
• Upload results in LIS for Miscellaneous send out tests
• Receives, handles, and transfers phone calls and messages within the department promptly and courteously.
• Ensures assigned area is adequately stocked with supplies.
• Performs inventory, inventory control tasks, clerical duties which include maintaining, scanning and filing documents.
• Receives supplies and distributes them to the appropriate work area.
• Maintains orderliness, cleanliness and follows safety practices in work areas.
• Understands and complies with policies and procedures to perform responsibilities.
• Recognizes, troubleshoots and resolves problems/adverse situations utilizing analytical thinking skills.
• Observes best laboratory practices to ensure high quality of work with consistent accuracy and precision to promote exceptional patient care and outcomes.
• Adheres to proper safety procedures and precautions for chemical and biological hazards in compliance with College of American Pathologists (CAP) requirements, California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CALOSHA), City of Hope and Departmental policies and procedures.
• Contributes to the productivity of the work team through adaptability and flexibility to workload and schedule changes in a way that promotes cooperation and minimizes disruption to the work environment.
• Coordinates simultaneous specimen processing
• Handles the normal workload in an organized and efficient manner and priorities and multitasks to handle heavy workload as needed.
• Assumes responsibility for errors and failures to meet deadlines and takes and immediate and appropriate steps to correct errors and or improve time management.
• Acquires and maintains knowledge of various aspects of processing and storage.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

• Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum Experience: Up to one-year experience in a hospital laboratory setting preferred, working with clinical laboratory specimens and staff

Required Training:

• Post High School Vocational / Specialized Training

Preferred education experience and skills:

• Send out specimen processing
• Medical Terminology; Medical Laboratory Sciences / Laboratory Safety
• EPIC

Additional Information:

• Day shift (hours subject to change)

The estimated pay scale represents the typical [salary/hourly] range City of Hope reasonably expects to pay for this position, with offers determined based on several factors which may include, but not be limited to, the candidate’s experience, expertise, skills, education, job scope, training, internal equity, geography/market, etc. This pay scale is subject to change from time to time.

As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

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