Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) Analyst - Everett, WA

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data, and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits, and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The LIS Analyst is responsible for the comprehensive management, implementation, and optimization of the Laboratory Information System (LIS). This role supports a core laboratory and 23+ satellite locations, ensuring seamless integration and functionality across all sites. The LIS Analyst will have ongoing interaction with the organization's IT and EHR staff to ensure effective system operations. Under minimal supervision, the LIS Analyst will oversee system building, testing, troubleshooting, and training of lab staff, ensuring the LIS meets the dynamic needs of the Clinical Laboratories and integrates effectively with other information technology systems.

Location (Onsite): 3901 Hoyt Ave. Everett, WA

Schedule (Full-Time): Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm PST

Primary Responsibilities:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that could be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment.

• Day-to-Day Operations: Manage the daily operations of the Laboratory Information System (LIS), including workflow, updates, file maintenance, results, and reports. Correct errors and collaborate with staff to implement improvements. Control and maintain all data entered, ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Interface Maintenance: Maintain interfaces with reference labs, EHR, and other relevant systems. Work with reference labs' information system support issues, include anatomic pathology services vendor
• Reporting: Prepare reports for the Laboratory and Administration on all aspects of laboratory testing, workload reporting, and financials
• Problem Solving and Proposals: Investigate, identify, and prepare proposals to solve operational problems within the clinic. Report operational issues to IT and the Administrative Lab Director as needed
• Liaison Responsibilities: Act as a liaison between the organization and the LIS vendor
• Billing Support: Work with reimbursement and the business office managers to ensure appropriate billing
• Communication: Communicate changes, policy revisions, new services, and other information to staff through written forms and meetings. Effectively communicate with employees regarding department policy and procedures related to the LIS
• Project Participation: Participate in LIS-related projects, including system upgrades, expansions, and new module implementations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scope, timelines, and deliverables. Provide technical expertise and support throughout project lifecycles to ensure successful project outcomes
• Meetings and Professional Development: Attend and participate in department meetings. Attend seminars and training sessions to maintain an appropriate level of professional competence. Participate in committees as required
• Off-Hours Support: Be prepared to work off-hours to ensure smooth operation of the LIS and provide technical support during off-hours
  

Duties integrated into all job functions:

• All staff members are to promote a positive and productive work environment by acting maturely and responsibly, satisfactorily performing job responsibilities, and conducting themselves professionally, courteously, and respectfully toward fellow employees, physicians, and patients
• Must relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions: (a) get along with co-workers or peers without exhibiting behavioral extreme; (b) perform work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others; and (c) respond openly and appropriately to feedback regarding performance from a supervisor
• Performs all duties in a manner that promotes and supports the Core Values of the organization
• Integrates Lean principles, practices, and tools to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction
• Must follow written and oral instructions and complete routine tasks independently
• Complete all compliance training, including but not limited to HIPAA/Privacy/Confidentiality/Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Integrity Statement and signed Agreements
• Ensures confidentiality of patient information by following HIPAA guidelines and policies
• Attends training to meet job position requirements and as needed or mandated by policies, Div. of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), OSHA, L&I, and other state/federal regulations
• Have regular and predictable attendance

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in medical technology, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience working with laboratory information systems in a clinical laboratory setting

Preferred Qualifications:

• A background in lean methodologies, project management, or process improvement
• Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by a nationally recognized agency (e.g., ASCP, AMT, AAB)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Note that these requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform this job.

Knowledge: The LIS Analyst must possess a comprehensive understanding of networks, including their components, capabilities, limitations, and functions. They should demonstrate in-depth knowledge of laboratory information systems and a working understanding of laboratory instrumentation as it relates to the operation and interaction with the LIS. Additionally, a solid grasp of laboratory processes and the functions and interactions of its different departments is essential. Knowledge of regulatory standards and compliance requirements related to laboratory operations and information systems.

Skills: The LIS Analyst will have strong technical skills with experience in LIS management, including implementation, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Proven project leadership skills for managing medium to large-scale projects, including budget forecasting capabilities and the ability to deliver projects on time and within budget. They should be adept at collecting, analyzing, and distributing statistical reports, drawing meaningful conclusions, and suggesting improvements to resolve issues. Basic skills in vendor management, risk mitigation, and system vulnerability management are also required. The ability to communicate changes, policy revisions, and new services effectively, both in written form and meetings, is crucial for maintaining smooth operations and fostering a collaborative work environment. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively train and support end-users.

Ability: The LIS Analyst must be self-motivated, with a strong ability to learn new concepts and job requirements quickly. They should be proactive in following up on error corrections, improving current methods, and contributing new ideas to enhance workflow. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary to convey a positive and supportive attitude, promote good working relationships with staff members, and demonstrate cooperation, flexibility, and dependability. A passion for learning and growing within the role is essential for continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving laboratory needs. Finally, the ability to adhere to confidentiality requirements, ethical standards, and regulatory guidelines, including HIPAA, is vital for maintaining the privacy and security of patient information.

Physical and Mental Demands: Employees must meet the physical and mental demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands: The LIS Analyst role primarily involves working in an office or clinical laboratory environment, which requires extended periods of sitting, typing, and using a computer. The job may also involve occasional lifting and moving of computer equipment and laboratory instruments, typically weighing up to 25 pounds. The role may require moving between different laboratory locations, necessitating walking and standing for short periods. Good manual dexterity and visual acuity are necessary for handling detailed tasks related to system management and data entry. This position typically operates in a clinical laboratory environment, with exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, and biological substances, necessitating the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, and goggles. The role may require occasional off-hours support and maintenance, as well as travel to different laboratory locations or for professional development.

Mental Demands: This position requires a high level of mental concentration and attention to detail to ensure accuracy and efficiency in managing the Laboratory Information System. The LIS Analyst must be able to troubleshoot complex issues, analyze statistical data, and make informed decisions to improve system performance and laboratory workflows. The role involves multitasking, prioritizing tasks under pressure, and meeting tight deadlines. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with laboratory staff, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and independently are essential. The position may require off-hours work for system updates, maintenance, or to address urgent issues, while also necessitating an ability to work in an environment with biological materials and wearing PPE as needed.

Typical Working Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the job's essential functions.
The LIS Analyst typically works in a clinical laboratory setting, which may include a combination of office space and laboratory environments. The role involves regular interaction with laboratory personnel, IT staff, and external vendors, requiring effective communication and collaboration. While the position generally follows standard business hours, it may require off-hours work for system updates, maintenance, or to address urgent issues. The working environment is dynamic, with frequent changes and updates to the LIS, necessitating flexibility and adaptability. The analyst must be able to work in a laboratory environment with exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, and biological substances, wearing PPE such as gloves, lab coats, and goggles as required. Occasional travel to different laboratory locations may be necessary to support laboratory operations, system integration, or for professional development.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Contact: Healthcare providers, staff, patients, the public, and vendors.

The salary range for this role is $28.61 to $56.06 per hour based on full-time employment. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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