What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Specialist position at Partnership Health Center?
OPENING DATE:05/21/2026CLOSING DATE:06/10/2026
05:00 P.M.BARGAINING UNIT:Non-Union Personnel PlanSCHEDULING/HOURS OF WORK:Temporary, Full-Time, 40 Hours Per WeekThis position is classified as temporary and non-union. Employees in this role are expected to transition to a regular status position within twelve (12) months of hire; however, continued employment and status changes are subject to organizational needs and business conditions. Temporary employees are not eligible for company-sponsored benefits.Located halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and home to the University of Montana, Missoula is an academic center situated in an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Depending on the season, you can hike, ski, fish, float rivers, ride mountain bikes, or just sit back and marvel at the surrounding scenery. Join us in scenic, sophisticated, and service-oriented Missoula!Partnership Health Center (PHC), 2019 and 2022 winner of the Employer of Choice Award for Missoula, and 2022 winner of the Montana Employer of Choice Award, offers impeccable, integrated services to over 18,000 individuals and families. A 14-site, Federally Qualified Health Center in Missoula County, PHC fulfills its mission through the provision of a full range of primary care services - medical, dental, behavioral health, and an on-site pharmacy with a dedication to attending to the social determinants of health. Please visit our website to see the amazing benefits you will receive by joining our team such as medical (no cost for employee), dental, and vision insurance, loan forgiveness, retirement plan contributions, and generous paid sick and vacation time.DEFINITION:Responsible for accurately drawing blood samples from patients, preparing specimens for laboratory testing, and maintaining patient records. REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK:EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
(The following are intended to illustrate typical duties; they are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive.) ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Draws blood samples as well as collects other specimens as ordered, including urine, stool, and breath. Prepares and sends specimens for testing and/or examination. Monitors the processing of all collected specimens.Follows safety standards in the collection and testing of laboratory samples. Maintains safety procedures, tracks regular maintenance, calibration, and cleaning needs and resolves broken equipment repairs with the leadership team.Documents tests performed and test results (when applicable).Performs quality control tests on materials and equipment and sends them for review by an independent laboratory.Instructs clinical staff in the practices and procedures of medical laboratory testing.Works as part of an interdisciplinary team to achieve positive patient outcomes.Trains staff members in current safety information, practices, and precautions.Data management and data entry; data auditing as required. Maintains supplies and equipment inventories; orders supplies and equipment for the lab.May perform CLIA testing to maintain state licensure.Maintains bio waste containers and disposal of biohazard waste in the lab.Maintains OSHA guidelines in the laboratory.Recommends policies and procedures for lab operations.OTHER DUTIES:Maintaining a clean and safe work environment, adhering to compliance regulations, and effectively communicating with patients and staff. Performs related work as required or directed.SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of the Medical Assistant Manager.SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None. May oversee the training of student interns.WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Works extensively with the public seeking medical care.
Works closely with both volunteer and regular staff including Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses, Medical Assistants, Patient Services Representatives and LPNs.
Work is providing patient services in a patient centered environment, to assist the medical providers and to collect or provide information.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE: Considerable knowledge of blood drawing procedures, patient sample matching, infection prevention and control practices. Considerable knowledge of medical terminology and interviewing methods.
Working knowledge of medical office practices, procedures and techniques. Working knowledge of the principles and practices of HIPAA compliance. Working knowledge of the PHC Corporate Compliance Guidelines.SKILLS: Skill in collecting blood and urine for laboratory specimens.
Skill in the use of patient assessment equipment (thermometer, blood pressure cuff).
Skill in using an electronic medical record and in the use of personal computer (word processing). ABILITIES:
Ability to work effectively as part of a care delivery team. Ability to remain calm and tactful in stressful situations. Ability to gather information through interview.
Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to communicate effectively and to follow instructions in the English language, orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups and to be sensitive to the needs of patients.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required. Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant certification is desired.EXPERIENCE: At least one year of venipuncture and specimen collection experience in a healthcare setting.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Phlebotomy certification is required within six months of employment. Healthcare Professional BLS Certification is required within 90 days of employment. Requires immunizations or proof of immunity to certain infectious diseases and a TB test.
New employees will be asked to volunteer vaccination status for required vaccines upon hire and will be offered assistance during hiring to receive necessary immunizations.
Employees who have not received the vaccines required for their positions or who are unwilling to voluntarily provide vaccination status for required vaccines will receive a reasonable accommodation where such accommodation does not require an undue hardship or endanger the health or safely of any person.
This job may include regular nights and weekends, including Saturday clinic.
Subject To a Criminal Background Check With Fingerprinting.PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
The work is performed while walking or standing most of the time.
The work requires medium range lifting, including supply boxes (20-30 lbs.); assisting patients on and off the examination tables; carrying, lifting and restraining children.
Requires the manual dexterity to perform skills such as drawing blood.
The employee may risk exposure to bio-hazardous waste (blood, urine body fluids), disinfectant chemicals and communicable diseases. Work schedules rotate and may include evening and weekend hours. This job is not eligible for remote work.TO APPLY:
05:00 P.M.BARGAINING UNIT:Non-Union Personnel PlanSCHEDULING/HOURS OF WORK:Temporary, Full-Time, 40 Hours Per WeekThis position is classified as temporary and non-union. Employees in this role are expected to transition to a regular status position within twelve (12) months of hire; however, continued employment and status changes are subject to organizational needs and business conditions. Temporary employees are not eligible for company-sponsored benefits.Located halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and home to the University of Montana, Missoula is an academic center situated in an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Depending on the season, you can hike, ski, fish, float rivers, ride mountain bikes, or just sit back and marvel at the surrounding scenery. Join us in scenic, sophisticated, and service-oriented Missoula!Partnership Health Center (PHC), 2019 and 2022 winner of the Employer of Choice Award for Missoula, and 2022 winner of the Montana Employer of Choice Award, offers impeccable, integrated services to over 18,000 individuals and families. A 14-site, Federally Qualified Health Center in Missoula County, PHC fulfills its mission through the provision of a full range of primary care services - medical, dental, behavioral health, and an on-site pharmacy with a dedication to attending to the social determinants of health. Please visit our website to see the amazing benefits you will receive by joining our team such as medical (no cost for employee), dental, and vision insurance, loan forgiveness, retirement plan contributions, and generous paid sick and vacation time.DEFINITION:Responsible for accurately drawing blood samples from patients, preparing specimens for laboratory testing, and maintaining patient records. REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK:EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
(The following are intended to illustrate typical duties; they are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive.) ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Draws blood samples as well as collects other specimens as ordered, including urine, stool, and breath. Prepares and sends specimens for testing and/or examination. Monitors the processing of all collected specimens.Follows safety standards in the collection and testing of laboratory samples. Maintains safety procedures, tracks regular maintenance, calibration, and cleaning needs and resolves broken equipment repairs with the leadership team.Documents tests performed and test results (when applicable).Performs quality control tests on materials and equipment and sends them for review by an independent laboratory.Instructs clinical staff in the practices and procedures of medical laboratory testing.Works as part of an interdisciplinary team to achieve positive patient outcomes.Trains staff members in current safety information, practices, and precautions.Data management and data entry; data auditing as required. Maintains supplies and equipment inventories; orders supplies and equipment for the lab.May perform CLIA testing to maintain state licensure.Maintains bio waste containers and disposal of biohazard waste in the lab.Maintains OSHA guidelines in the laboratory.Recommends policies and procedures for lab operations.OTHER DUTIES:Maintaining a clean and safe work environment, adhering to compliance regulations, and effectively communicating with patients and staff. Performs related work as required or directed.SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of the Medical Assistant Manager.SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None. May oversee the training of student interns.WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Works extensively with the public seeking medical care.
Works closely with both volunteer and regular staff including Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses, Medical Assistants, Patient Services Representatives and LPNs.
Work is providing patient services in a patient centered environment, to assist the medical providers and to collect or provide information.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE: Considerable knowledge of blood drawing procedures, patient sample matching, infection prevention and control practices. Considerable knowledge of medical terminology and interviewing methods.
Working knowledge of medical office practices, procedures and techniques. Working knowledge of the principles and practices of HIPAA compliance. Working knowledge of the PHC Corporate Compliance Guidelines.SKILLS: Skill in collecting blood and urine for laboratory specimens.
Skill in the use of patient assessment equipment (thermometer, blood pressure cuff).
Skill in using an electronic medical record and in the use of personal computer (word processing). ABILITIES:
Ability to work effectively as part of a care delivery team. Ability to remain calm and tactful in stressful situations. Ability to gather information through interview.
Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to communicate effectively and to follow instructions in the English language, orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups and to be sensitive to the needs of patients.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required. Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant certification is desired.EXPERIENCE: At least one year of venipuncture and specimen collection experience in a healthcare setting.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Phlebotomy certification is required within six months of employment. Healthcare Professional BLS Certification is required within 90 days of employment. Requires immunizations or proof of immunity to certain infectious diseases and a TB test.
New employees will be asked to volunteer vaccination status for required vaccines upon hire and will be offered assistance during hiring to receive necessary immunizations.
Employees who have not received the vaccines required for their positions or who are unwilling to voluntarily provide vaccination status for required vaccines will receive a reasonable accommodation where such accommodation does not require an undue hardship or endanger the health or safely of any person.
This job may include regular nights and weekends, including Saturday clinic.
Subject To a Criminal Background Check With Fingerprinting.PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
The work is performed while walking or standing most of the time.
The work requires medium range lifting, including supply boxes (20-30 lbs.); assisting patients on and off the examination tables; carrying, lifting and restraining children.
Requires the manual dexterity to perform skills such as drawing blood.
The employee may risk exposure to bio-hazardous waste (blood, urine body fluids), disinfectant chemicals and communicable diseases. Work schedules rotate and may include evening and weekend hours. This job is not eligible for remote work.TO APPLY:
- Please complete all sections of the online application at partnershiphealthcenter.org/careers, even if a resume is submitted. A resume will not substitute for completing the work history section of the application.
- Please include with your completed application the following attachments: Cover Letter, Resume, BLS Certification, Phlebotomist Certification, and copy of valid MT Driver’s License.
- Incomplete applications and applications without required attachments will be disqualified.