About the role
Medical Laboratory Assistant (Hospital & Outreach) Tiered
(Levels I–III) Department: Valor Health Laboratory Services Reports To: Laboratory Manager FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Work Locations: Hospital Laboratory and Outreach Clinics
The Laboratory Assistant (Hospital & Outreach) supports laboratory operations through specimen collection, processing, waived point-of-care testing, patient interaction, documentation, and coordination of laboratory workflows. This tiered position functions across hospital and outreach clinic settings and is structured to support competency-based advancement, accountability, and equitable role differentiation. Regulatory Compliance This position performs duties in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including but not limited to CLIA (42 CFR Part 493), HIPAA, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), state laboratory regulations, and applicable accrediting agency standards.
Core Responsibilities (All Levels) Perform venous and capillary blood collection Perform waived point-of-care (POC) testing in accordance with policy and training Accurately label, process, and transport specimens Maintain patient confidentiality and safety standards Communicate effectively with patients, providers, clinic staff, and laboratory personnel Utilize laboratory and clinical information systems appropriately Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment Adhere to laboratory policies, procedures, and quality standards Perform other duties as assigned Responsibilities are performed within the scope of training and competency validation and do not replace duties of licensed laboratory personnel.
Tiered Role Expectations Level I – Laboratory Assistant I 0–1 years of relevant laboratory or phlebotomy experience and Phlebotomy certification (ASCP, AMT, NHA, etc.) Entry-level role focused on foundational laboratory and phlebotomy skills. Responsibilities include routine phlebotomy, specimen processing, waived POC testing as trained, documentation accuracy, and support of hospital or outreach workflows under established procedures.
Charge Posting/Billing: Identifies billing elements and ensures documentation completeness; does not independently post charges. Level II – Laboratory Assistant II Generally, 2-3 years of experience. Experienced role with cross-trained responsibilities across hospital and outreach settings.
Responsibilities include independent workflow management, routine troubleshooting, clinic support, cross-coverage between sites, and assistance with training and onboarding. Charge Posting/Billing: Performs basic charge posting under established workflows and identifies common billing discrepancies. Level III – Senior Laboratory Assistant Generally, 4–5+ years of relevant experience Advanced role providing operational leadership and oversight support.
Responsibilities include outreach specimen triage, extended or evening coverage, advanced troubleshooting, mentorship, coordination with laboratory leadership, and workflow oversight. Charge Posting/Billing: Performs advanced charge posting and corrections and supports revenue-cycle improvement initiatives. Experience Equivalency Consideration Relevant certifications, documented competency assessments, successful completion of waived testing validations, cross-training across hospital and outreach settings, and demonstrated performance at the next tier may be considered in lieu of a portion of the stated experience requirements, subject to leadership approval and regulatory compliance (See Laboratory Assistant Competency Validation Checklists).
Qualifications Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required Phlebotomy certification required (e.g., ASCP, AMT, NHA, or equivalent) or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe per policy Basic computer proficiency required Ability to learn and comply with laboratory and clinical systems Experience requirements vary by tier Physical Requirements Ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive motions, bend, reach, and lift up to 20 pounds.
Position involves potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens and requires adherence to safety protocols. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and may be modified to meet operational needs.
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