Specimen Processing Specialist 1 - job 1 of 2

Department Overview

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. Driven by its mission to end cancer as we know it, the institute is building upon its expertise in targeted treatments to advance the early detection of cancer when the disease is most treatable.

 

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles: 

• We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team—We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

Function/Duties of Position

Position Summary:

 

This position is an integral part of Knight Diagnostic Laboratories (KDL) front office team, and is primarily responsible for pre-analytic processes including receiving and accessioning specimens, and facilitating specimen acquisition and return logistics. Professional and friendly verbal and written communication and telephone skills are applied to all contact with both internal and external clients of KDL, as well as KDL lab staff and other OHSU stakeholders. The position follows standard operating procedures to unpack incoming samples, check for completeness of information, accession tests into LIS, affix labels to containers, and distribute incoming workload to lab sections. Additional responsibilities include resolving problems with incoming specimens (e.g., missing, mislabeled, or otherwise discrepant specimens, requisitions and paperwork) and accessioning requests for “add-on” tests. The position prepares and provides shipping supplies, requisitions and reports to clients as needed, and participates in team efforts and cross training to improve processes for effective and efficient accessioning and client services activities. 

 

Key Responsibilties: 

 

SPECIMEN PROCESSING: Receive, identify and sort packages based on sample type, testing and client. Recognize and expedite STAT and priority testing. Direct samples to appropriate testing area. Open and verify package contents are appropriate for orders sent. Evaluate orders for accuracy, completeness and integrity of specimens. Notify lab supervisor of special requests or circumstances (e.g., limited specimen). Perform order entry (with < 1% error rate) into Laboratory Information System (EPIC Beaker). Have a clear understanding of and ability to properly complete chain of custody, proficiency, validation and research testing orders when required. Accession and prepare all sample types (blood, urine, CSF, tissue, amniotic fluid, chorionic villi, BM aspirates, etc.) for genetic and molecular pathology tests for oncology, infectious diseases, and rare genetic disorders. Create an aliquot sample when indicated. Deliver samples to appropriate testing areas while maintaining appropriate transport and stability requirements. Coordinate local courier pickup and delivery between OHSU and KDL laboratory locations, as well as FedEx or UPS shipments from outreach clients. Track missing specimens and resolve discrepancies quickly with documentation and communication to lab and client. Assemble and mail specimen shipper kits to clients as needed. Manage kit inventories and facilitate orders and restocking. Maintain proper documentation to ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., CLIA, CAP, OHSU policies, etc.). Adhere to federal and state laws and regulations, including HIPAA, for protecting the confidentiality and privacy of patient and research participant personal health information (PHI).

 

TELEPHONE CUSTOMER SERVICE: Initiate calls to health care providers to clarify orders, referring physician, requesting location, or patient history. Cover telephones as assigned. Provide assistance with test ordering, specimen tracking, test price inquiries, obtaining additional demographic or billing information from clients, and track and troubleshoot specimen logistics. Generate "add-on" requisitions at the request of the client or Medical Director, and coordinate and document client approval. Assist clients in reaching Medical Directors for consultation before or after testing results are reported. Meet performance standards for telephone communications, seeking the highest level of professionalism. Exemplify excellent written and personal communication skills by listening, maintaining a positive and helpful attitude.

 

ADMINISTRATION AND REPORTING: Initiate setup of new clients in appropriate databases. Communicate special needs to supervisors and Medical Directors. Copy, sort, mail and/or fax final reports upon request to appropriate customer locations. Maintain workflow statistics for Quality Assurance. May be asked to receive, sort, and deliver incoming and outgoing mail and requests for information. Maintain printers and copiers in front office area and arrange for service when required. Provide overhead speaker announcements when appropriate and regular email communications with OHSU hospital staff and outreach client offices.

 

BILLING: Review requisitions for completion of all information necessary for correct testing, interpretation of results, and billing. Contact clients or coordinate with Client Services to contact client as needed to obtain missing information. When directed, follow process for providing clean claims to billing service for both technical and professional fees. Work collaboratively with KDL Client Services Representatives on efforts to resolve billing issues/errors.

 

OTHER DUTIES: Prepare reagents for kits, package and provide to clients as needed. Perform general housecleaning and maintain work areas in clean and organized manner. Assist in other activities as requested.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience: 

 

• High school diploma and at least two years of college lab science courses, plus one year of college math or computer courses, OR
• High school diploma and two years of clinical lab experience, OR
• High school diploma and successful completion of a Lab Assistant
• Training Program, including clinical lab experience.

 

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

 

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
• Must have excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills: both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems.
• Must be proficient with computers running Windows and PC applications e.g. MS Excel, Oracle, Access, Word and PowerPoint).
• Must have demonstrated excellent customer service skills both on the phone and in person.
• Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science field
• 1-2 years of biology or clinical lab work with responsibilities in a fast paced, multidisciplinary lab environment
• Lab or hospital computer experience

Additional Details

We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
  • Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
• Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
• 104 hours of vacation time per year (increases over time)
• 96 hours of sick leave a year (prorated for part-time employees)
• Commuter subsidies
• Tuition reimbursement
• Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
• Annual Raises
• Growth/Development Opportunities
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses

#linkedin #indeed #knightcancerjobs #knightresearchandlabjobs #knightresearchjobs  

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or [email protected].