Client Service Specialist, Clinical Hematology Laboratory - Day Shift

Job Description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Client Service Specialist in the Clinical Hematology department. Here, you will be responsible for client contact that can be over the phone or through e-mail,live chat, or fax. Additional duties are for the provision of specimen receipt, assessment, quality assurance, and pre-analytical processing services for multiple clinical laboratory sections, including, but not limited to Anatomic Pathology, Cytology, Molecular Pathology, Cytogenetics, and UChicago Medical Laboratories. Includes verification of missing information and activating a specimen rejection process as per written policies and procedures. Includes receiving specimens and requisitions for test ordering, entering orders into laboratory computer system (Sunquest, CoPath, and/or 4 Medica), Verifying/reviewing orders, generating appropriate specimen collection labels, directing samples to appropriate laboratory sections, and responding to telephone inquiries for test results and other information such as specimen collection requirements. Work may include basic or advanced pre-analytical specimen processing services and includes post-analytical processing tasks such as specimen send-out and processing of shipments. Duties include assisting the daily operations of all outreach collections facilities and following up with client requests and issues. This includes client services, phlebotomy, and courier services.This department is the Clinical Hematology Laboratory. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

 

Essential Job Functions 

• Client Service Specialists are expected to handle many client calls a day, with the ability to service callers with minimal transfers. Responds and assists in the resolution of client and patient issues or concerns, utilizing appropriate resources to make informed decisions
• Serves as a liaison and resource to the technical laboratory associates in problem-solving activities related to outreach specimen collection, processing, reporting, and courier activities. Log client contacts into the relevant application for tracking purposes. Assists the courier to ensure smooth and timely operations
• Prepares paperwork and processes molecular pathology specimens. Conducts pre-analytical specimen preparation through centrifugation, aliquotting set-ups, pHing, and other types of processing as necessary prior to distribution to appropriate laboratories
• Specimen integrity is maintained by following appropriate transport procedures as well as shipping and packaging procedures in the case of specimens being sent out for testing
• Packages appropriate specimens and related paperwork and sends to reference laboratories when necessary (i.e., molecular testing). Enters pertinent information in laboratory computer system and forwards billing information appropriately. Returns outside materials as needed to submitting institutions
• Coordinates orders for supplies and consumables needed for the operation of the Outreach sites
• Manages inventory including collection supplies, requisitions, and fax machine supplies provided to current clients in order to ensure compliance standards are being upheld. Maintains supply inventory for work areas. Enters item on order sheets and places supply orders in computer system. Receives, dates, distributes, and stores inventory appropriately. Notifies supervisor of discrepancies in product ordered / product shipped
• Monitors and records quality control/safety data as required by accrediting agencies. Performs and documents any necessary routine corrective actions. Escalates serious or persistent issues to the supervisor. Documents and performs all required maintenance procedures, continuing education, rejected specimens, quality improvement monitors, and annual compliance modules as scheduled 

Required Qualifications 

• Associates degree in clinical laboratory science, life sciences, or related field from an accredited college or university
• Knowledge and ability to appropriately handle and prepare a variety of laboratory specimen types
• Knowledge and ability to use laboratory/hospitals information systems
• Knowledge and ability to use automated and conventional laboratory equipment
• Must support the mission, vision, values, and strategic initiatives of the organization and demonstrate a commitment to quality service to patients, physicians, the public, and co-workers

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree 
• Training or experience in clinical laboratory science 
• Visual acuity; Good manual dexterity and fine motor skills; ability to multi-tas