Laboratory Assistant, Central Lab Services

 

Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS),Vancouver, BC

 

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

 

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.
• 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 healthcare settings. This involves 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 Provincial Lab Medicine Service 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, Anti-racism Data 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 leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.  
• Knowledge 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.
• Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and 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 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.  
• 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.   

   

Job Type: Temporary Part-Time
Salary Range: $29.27 / Hour
Hours/ Days of Work:7.5 hr shifts between 2300-0700 rotating 4 on 4 off
Location:  BC Children's Hospital & BC Women's,4500 Oak Street Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1- Provincial Health Services Authority Site

Job Req: 194695E

  

What we do   

Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS), part of Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), is at the forefront of diagnostic testing in BC, operating across 31 sites in the Lower Mainland and Central Coast. From hospitals to specialty labs within Vancouver Coastal Health, Provincial Health Services Authority, Fraser Health Authority, and Providence Health Care, our dedicated teams deliver fast, accurate results that drive critical patient care and medical innovation. Whether detecting diseases, guiding treatments, or supporting groundbreaking research, PLMS plays a vital role in advancing healthcare and saving lives across the province   

 PHSA plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.  

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services  

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.  

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.  

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents  including 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 and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.  

Attention current employees of PHSA:   

You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.  

The internal job posting expires on 18 Feb, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.  

If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.   

If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at careers@phsa.ca.