About City of Hope

City of Hope's mission is to deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center at its core, City of Hope brings a uniquely integrated model to patients spanning cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and innovation initiatives. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and treatment facilities in Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHopeTM. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work - and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

The Specimen Logistics Specialist working in the Pathology Logistics receiving area is responsible for the efficient and accurate processing of laboratory samples and collection/transport supplies throughout City of Hope. Route, transport and store laboratory specimens and collection/transport supplies in an expeditious manner, assuring that specimens are transported carefully and at the correct temperature to ensure that sample integrity is not compromised.

Key Responsibilities include:

SPECIMEN LOGISTICS:

• Follows established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for day-to-day operation for all logistics functions.
• Follows packaging and temperature transport algorithms, per specimen and test(s) ordered, to ensure specimens are stored and transported between campuses in optimal conditions.
• Complies with City of Hope policies and procedures on specimen processing and handling. Attend required laboratory training and complies with specimen handling/packaging procedures.
• Utilizes the Laboratory Information System (LIS) to track receiving / delivery of specimens to final destination.
• Utilizes the Laboratory Logistics software to manage specimen pick-up & delivery.
• Utilizes the Laboratory Information System (LIS) to accession/order laboratory specimens as they are delivered to the receiving room ensuring correct data entry of required elements.
• Ensures proper and complete patient identification is present on requisitions and specimen labels.
• Ensures no unidentified specimens leave the facility of origin or are transported further until labeling concern has been resolved. Comply with all City of Hope policies and procedures, including HIPPA and Safety procedures.
• Ensures all specimens are appropriately packaged for safe shipment, including manual safety check of all specimen containers.
• Actively supports the transport of specimens within the Rivergrade or Duarte campus.
  • For the Rivergrade campus, this position will support specimen transport from and between receiving area(s) and to the destination lab(s).
  • For the Duarte campus, this position may require transport of STAT specimens or support the specimen couriers during breaks or other related gaps in transport coverage.
• Properly handles ambient, refrigerated, and frozen specimens; storing in the correct location/temperature.
• Sorts specimens to enable delivery to the proper laboratory departments for testing. Prepare samples for transport to the required laboratory departments utilizing correct transport container to maintain sample integrity during transport.
• Follows established processes so that all specimens are appropriately packaged for safe shipment, performs manual safety check of all specimen containers.
• Maintains collection kit(s) volumes and ensures they are provided to collection sites in a timely manner, and used within expiration date.
• Performs clerical duties necessary to process specimens; responsible for all documentation required for tasks performed.
• Notifies Pathology Logistics Supervisor/Pathology Logistics Lead immediately of any specimen issues so that resolution can be made quickly.
• Complies with all City of Hope policies and procedures, including HIPPA and Safety procedures.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT / CUSTOMER SERVICE:

• Participates in process improvement initiatives for Pathology Logistics Receiving area staff at all City of Hope locations.
• Communicates appropriately with City of Hope staff and laboratory coworkers.
• Participates in all required training to include specialized specimen transport procedures.
• Immediately notifies Pathology Logistics Supervisor/Pathology Logistics Lead of any non-conformance issues.
• Follows all OSHA, DOT, and Packaging, Handling, Storage & Transportation (PHS&T) rules, regulations, and guidelines relating to the proper handling of lab specimens when transporting samples.
• Completes training and competency assessment according to department and regulatory requirements.
• Supports a culture of safety and an efficient working environment.

Follows established City of Hope and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan. Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

• High School Diploma
• One (1) year of experience in laboratory specimen receiving/processing department.

Preferred education experience and skills:

• Associate degree in Biological Sciences, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain, or another relevant field
• Two (2) years of Experience in a customer service-oriented position

Additional Information:

• As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.
• The estimated pay scale represents the typical [salary/hourly] range City of Hope reasonably expects to pay for this position, with offers determined based on several factors which may include, but not be limited to, the candidate’s experience, expertise, skills, education, job scope, training, internal equity, geography/market, etc. This pay scale is subject to change from time to time.

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.