Full job description

Lab Assistant, Central Lab Services

Vancouver, British Columbia

The Lab Assistant, Central Lab Services performs general laboratory and clerical procedures related to the collecting and accessioning of blood specimens for analysis by technologists.

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA’s Agencies/Divisions/Services, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Laboratory Assistant, Anatomic Pathology performs a variety of site-specific laboratory and clerical duties related to the preparation and processing of tissue specimen slides for interpretation by laboratory technologists and pathologists, including tasks such as receiving and preparing pathology specimens for analysis, performing related cleaning and maintenance duties as delegated by the supervisor.

What you’ll do

• Performs venipuncture and micro blood collections from patients, collecting specimens according to the requirements of tests as indicated in requisitions.
• Processes test requisitions by entering patient data into computer systems, issues new patient identification number where required and identifies duplicate record problems, obtains or clarifies missing or questionable information, corrects errors and omissions in patient demographic data and enters corrections into computer systems. Enters test requests into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Verifies that specimens meet acceptable identification criteria and verifies specimen type according to established procedures, sorts and assigns laboratory numbers to specimens, in priority according to pre-defined criteria, and applies barcode labels according to established operating procedures.
• Performs sweat collection.
• Prepares specimens for testing in accordance with established procedures by performing duties such as preparing smears, staining and coverslipping slides, centrifugation, aliquoting (subsampling), and loading samples onto specimen racks.
• Receives telephone/fax/over the counter requests for information and answers or directs requests according to established procedures.
• Prepares, records, and sends specimens and appropriate request forms to outside/referral laboratories and hospitals according to Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) and other regulatory requirements.
• Receives incoming specimens and requisitions and checks for accuracy and completeness of information such as personal health number, name, date of birth and tests required. Contacts physicians or labs for missing information and makes necessary corrections. Organizes, stores, and retrieves specimens under appropriate conditions, documents and ships samples to other laboratories and discards samples according to established procedures.
• Delivers samples and related documentation to and from in-house laboratory sections. Sends lab results to wards, clinics and/or physicians according to pre-defined criteria.
• Responds to requests for test results, faxes same, as required. Forwards requests for test interpretation to Medical Laboratory Technologist in accordance with established procedures.
• Files and organizes records, such as requisitions, statistical information and work schedules.
• Identifies and communicates operational issues and computer/equipment related problems to supervisor.
• Orders and receives supplies.
• Maintains laboratory equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges autostainers, coverslippers and testing equipment as directed by performing duties such as cleaning, and temperature recording. Performs maintenance procedures according to established procedures. Recognizes malfunctions in equipment and reports these to the lead hand or designate.
• Maintains daily cleaning and disinfection of work areas and equipment according to established schedule and procedure by performing duties such as: preparing fresh disinfectant solutions; wiping bench tops and equipment following established procedures; cleaning centrifuges and testing and maintaining the section safety eyewash and shower according to established weekly and monthly procedures. Performs waste management duties as per standard operating procedures.
• Performs other related duties as required.

What you bring

Qualifications

• Completion of Grade 12, successful completion of a recognized Laboratory Assistant training program plus one year’s recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Surrey Memorial Hospital contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
• Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Ability to type at 25 wpm.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.