OVERVIEW OF ATHENA:

ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better! We make our Clients’ Lives Easier by engaging and supporting our clients and partnering with them to be the most knowledgeable staffing partner. We make our Employees’ Lives Better by identifying and cultivating their talents and matching these talents with our customers’ needs. ATHENA places a high value on customer service, accountability and getting the job done.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are currently recruiting for a Laboratory Specialist. This position provides essential administrative and technical support to the laboratory within the Data IT Support group. The role involves managing client communications, tracking financial records, maintaining databases, and supporting various data-driven tasks. This Part-time position starts at $18 per hour and is in Richmond, VA.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Functions as a Laboratory Specialist in the Sample Support Services section.


• Processes urines received by the Department of Corrections.


• Reviews samples to ensure that information is correct (name, date, holding time, etc.) and resolves discrepancies.


• Accurately labels samples, delivers to testing lab in a timely manner, and updates in LIMS.


• Maintains samples received under chain of custody in strict compliance with DCLS Policy.


• Disposes and documents disposal of samples according to SOPs.


• Minimum Criteria: Knowledge of general laboratory terminology, procedures, and basic mathematics Knowledge of laboratory safety practices for the handling of chemical, microbiological, infectious, and toxic materials


• Experience with accurate documentation.


• Experience using various computer applications.


• Demonstrated ability to follow procedures, prioritize work, and identify errors.


• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally.


• Ability to lift and transport 30 pounds.


• Additional Considerations: Experience with accessioning high volumes of clinical and/or environmental samples accurately.


• Experience with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)


• Ability to lift and transport 30 pounds Additional Considerations:


• Experience with accessioning high volumes of clinical and/or environmental samples accurately.


• Experience with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)


• Participate in developing department goals, objectives, and systems.


• Participate in staff meetings and attend other meetings and seminars as assigned.


• Recommend new approaches, policies, and procedures, to continually improve efficiency of the department and services performed.


• Efficiently performs duties as assigned and works as a team within division and company.


• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required:

• Provide administrative and technical support to the laboratory within the Data IT Support group.


• Receive and accession dry blood spot cards for newborn screening (NBS).


• Perform data entry for NBS and clinical submissions.


• Prepare results reports for distribution.


• Respond to telephonic inquiries from both internal and external customers.


• Track timeliness of workload to ensure efficiency and accuracy.


• Maintain inventory and department records.


• Ensure all tasks are completed in compliance with departmental guidelines and timelines.


• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices


• Experience with the use of standard office equipment


• Experience with the use of standard computer and Microsoft Office Suite products


• Experience performing accurate data entry of time sensitive demographic information


• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally


• Ability to work in an open team environment


• Demonstrated ability to follow procedures and identify differences


• Demonstrated ability to organize and document information accurately


• Ability to routinely work weekends and holidays

Preferred:

• Demonstrated ability to accession laboratory samples accurately


• Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)


• Knowledge of and experience with handling potentially infectious materials


• Associate degree in science with coursework in biology, chemistry or medical laboratory science

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent, preferred.


• 1 year of Laboratory experience

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 


• Must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds at times. 


• Standard hours of work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.


• Travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

Successful ATHENA employees will display the following characteristics:

• You strive to be the best in your field currently and in the future.


• You like to make your employer look good.


• You find solutions, where others only see problems.


• You are proactive, you make and meet commitments, and you perform your duties exceedingly well.


• You are aware of the employer’s needs at all times and are well-versed in what you personally and ATHENA can offer them as a whole.


• You have the ability to work with diverse, integrated, deliverable-driven teams to accomplish the larger mission.

The benefits of working for ATHENA include:

• Support from a team of professionals committed to making your life better.


• Medical, dental and vision insurance.


• Medical and dependent flexible spending account.


• Pet insurance.


• Mass transportation benefit for the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area.


• 401k with a generous employer match.


• Easy to use employee self-serve HR portal.


• Paid time off varies by contract – be sure to inquire with your Recruiter.


• Holiday pay varies by contract – be sure to inquire with your Recruiter.

The statements in this Job Posting are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required.  The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required to meet the criteria for this position.  Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application for employment is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment and if hired, employment with the company is on an at-will basis and could be terminated at the will of either party.

ATHENA Consulting LLC does not discriminate in hiring based on federally protected classifications to include but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.