Careers at UMass Amherst

Departmental Assistant (Technical Assistant I)

Apply now Job no: 524684
Work type: Hourly
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Laboratory
Union: Non-Benefited
Categories: Administrative & Office Support, Temporary Non-Benefited

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

 

Job Summary

This position is responsible for, receiving patients who report for lab work, performing routine and special phlebotomy on patients, perform simple, routine tasks requiring minimal technical expertise and related clinical functions in the clinical laboratory. Works under the direct supervision of the Laboratory Manager who assigns duties and reviews work. This is a temporary, unbenefited position. 

 

Essential Functions

  • Collects specimens from patients and departments, record time of receipt and forwards to lab area including the timely processing of specimens from satellite clinics.
  • Obtains blood samples from patients including difficult phlebotomy on infants and other patients requiring knowledge of anatomy, specimen requirements and sensitivity to patient needs.
  • Performs data entry for laboratory services by checking the encounter form for accuracy and completeness.  Codes all test requests by utilizing the complex CPT coding system for billing and daily/monthly reports for UHS administrative use.
  • Performs the data entry for the test requests for all contracted laboratory services utilizing the vendor coding system and the computerized requisition/report computer.
  • Reviews the returned reports from the contracted reference laboratory for accuracy, completeness and abnormal results for the purpose of alerting the laboratory supervisor and appropriate clinicians or clinic staff.
  • Maintains logs of UHS laboratory patient results, logs for Quality Assurance tracking and logs of requested tests sent to reference laboratories.
  • Packages all send out tests to external lab service, logs out tests and logs in results.
  • Obtains information from reference and other labs for requirements for specimens, packaging and interpretation of data.
  • Responsible for the timely faxing of patient reports to outside physicians.
  • Requires to do minimal typing as directed by Laboratory Manager or Supervisor.
  • Greets patients by helping them to sign in; checks lab forms for accuracy; answers questions and gives information regarding lab procedures and policies.
  • Answers telephones, takes messages for technicians, and refers patients to appropriate departments, copies information for providers and patients.
  • Performs simple technical functions requiring minimal technical expertise (i.e. planting cultures).
  • Performs clerical tasks for department; this requires ordering supplies, embossing lab slips, photocopying.
  • Maintain laboratory supplies.
  • Performs maintenance of a hygienic and safe lab environment.
  • Participates in facilitation of skills training for UHS staff.

 

Other Functions

  • May train student in various aspects of job functions.
  • Performs other related tasks associated with a senior clerk position.

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • High School graduate.
  • Phlebotomy experience.
  • Experience with medical office practices.
  • Working knowledge of general medical terminology and laboratory specific terminology and concepts.
  • Ability to understand the principle of confidentiality of medical records and the ability to observe practices assuring this confidentiality.
  • Working knowledge of CPT coding and concepts.
  • Experience in the performance of general clerical duties, including: data entry, computer and typing skills.
  • Working knowledge of the operation and application of various office machines.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.
  • Ability to make minor decisions in accordance with laws and regulations and to apply these to work problems.
  • Ability to assign, supervise, and review the work of clerical subordinates.

 

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Additional related education and/or experience.
  • Phlebotomy or Medical Technician certification.

 

Additional Details

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB (List knowledge, skills, abilities)

  • Use of contract laboratory software for reporting processes.

 

Work Schedule

  • Weekends 10:30am - 5:30pm.
  • Potential to pick up additional shifts if coverage needed.
  • This is a temporary, unbenefited position. 

 

Salary Information

$18.25 - $24.25/hour, pay commensurate with experience.

 

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. 

 

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

 

 

Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Eastern Standard Time

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