Laboratory Assistant

Position Overview The Laboratory Assistant at United Health Services (UHS) plays an important role in supporting laboratory services and patient care. This position helps ensure specimens are handled accurately and efficiently from collection through testing, while maintaining quality standards and supporting the flow of information within the laboratory. The Laboratory Assistant also helps keep daily operations running smoothly by managing supplies, supporting laboratory processes, and working closely with patients, caregivers, providers, and colleagues to deliver reliable service and coordinated care where every connection matters. Primary Department, Division, or Unit: Lab Services, UHS Hospitals and Physician Practices Primary Work Shift: Rotational Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Compensation Range: $17.05 - $22.17 per hour, depending on experience ----- Job Responsibilities   Essential Functions:   Coordinate specimen processing activities by receiving, labeling, assessing, centrifuging, aliquoting, storing, and retrieving specimens to support   accurate   and   timely   laboratory testing   Enter patient demographics, insurance information, and test orders into laboratory systems with accuracy to support efficient registration, tracking, and   results   workflow   Prepare, track, package, and ship specimens to internal laboratory sites and external reference laboratories, resolving routine specimen issues according to established guidelines   Maintain laboratory supplies and inventory, support   reagent   and consumable ordering, and   assist   with supply evaluations to promote operational readiness and continuity of care   Monitor and document environmental, refrigerator, and freezer temperatures to help protect specimen integrity and   maintain   laboratory quality standards   Transport specimens, requisitions, and reports within the hospital and between laboratory departments   S upport analyzer setup by loading carriers, cassettes, and specimen racks   Scope and Impact:   Contribute directly to turnaround time, specimen integrity, laboratory quality, and patient experience by ensuring work is completed accurately, safely, and on schedule   Exercise judgment within defined procedures by   identifying   specimen quality concerns,   validating   collection details, and escalating issues that could affect testing or patient safety   Work under supervision while managing assigned laboratory support, clerical, and patient-facing responsibilities across inpatient, outpatient, and reference testing workflows   Build strong connections with patients, caregivers, and laboratory colleagues to support a coordinated care experience and dependable service across the organization   Compliance and Professional:   Follow laboratory, departmental, infection control, NYSDOH, CDC, and blood and body fluids requirements during specimen collection, processing, handling, transport, and shipping   Protect patient privacy and handle clinical information   in accordance with   HIPAA access expectations and organizational confidentiality standards   Complete required training, education, and competency validations within established timelines to   maintain   readiness for assigned laboratory support duties   Use required personal protective equipment and safe work practices when handling blood, body fluids, hazardous materials, and potentially infectious specimens   Maintain   accurate   documentation and promptly report quality, safety, equipment, or specimen concerns through   appropriate escalation   channels   Safeguard sensitive data by following established security policies and procedures, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations   As applicable to your role, support   cybersecurity   and data protection requirements throughout the supplier lifecycle by coordinating vendor risk assessments,   monitoring   third-party compliance, and promptly reporting identified supply chain or cybersecurity risks   Additional Expectations:   Communicate clearly and professionally with patients, providers, and colleagues to support service excellence and a positive care experience   Support a clean, organized, and well-stocked work environment that promotes safety, readiness, and efficient laboratory operations   Participate in departmental improvement efforts and adapt to changing workflows, priorities, and operational needs in a fast-paced healthcare setting   Participate in and apply principles learned in Customer Service Training   Demonstrate UHS Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation in all daily work and interactions   Execute responsibilities   in accordance with   organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations   Perform   additional   responsibilities as   required   to meet department and organizational needs   Position Qualifications   Required:   High School Diploma or equivalent   Preferred:   Up to 1 year of direct experience performing the exact or   very similar   duties required by the job within the same role or function   Up to 1 year of customer/patient-facing experience directly interacting and communicating with the public   Up to 1 year of technical/systems experience using specialized tools, software, or equipment   required   for the role   ----- Why You’ll Love Working at UHS At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection—to patients, to purpose, to each other—makes a difference. That’s why we’re intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job. Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we’re here to help you thrive in work and life. A Culture of Connection – We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard. Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes f