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Specimen Processing Group Lead

San Juan Capistrano, California

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More: Efficiency Discover a team that delivers the quality and speed our patients deserve.

At a glance

Behind every one of the millions of tests we carry out, you’ll find our Specimen Management team. It’s thanks to their care and dedication that patient specimens move through each stage of the testing process in an accurate and timely manner. It’s challenging and meaningful work that will give you the chance to innovate, problem solve, and grow your skills to build a satisfying and rewarding career.

“When you open the bag, it’s not just a piece of paper. It’s not just tubes that you handle. It’s the patient’s life that you are servicing, and you want to give them the best results.”

- Josephine Mendoza Valdizno, Manager, Specimen Management, Processing

Success profile

What makes a successful candidate? See if you have what it takes.

  • Collaborative
  • Efficient
  • Focused
  • Results-driven
  • Productive
  • Organized

See how your career can grow

The possibilities in Specimen Management are numerous. That means endless opportunities to make your mark on promoting a healthier world. As part of the Specimen Management team, you’ll gain new skills and discover a welcoming workplace that helps you meet your career goals. You’ll also participate in mentoring and professional development programs that take your talents to the next level. It all starts here. Here is just one example of a career path you can take.

Icon Icon
  • Specimen Management Technician Specimen Management Technician
  • Sr. Specimen Management Technician Sr. Specimen Management Technician
  • Specimen Management Group Lead or Trainer Specimen Management Group Lead or Trainer
  • Specimen Management Supervisor Specimen Management Supervisor
  • Additional Advancement Opportunities Additional Advancement Opportunities

Job Details

Category Specimen Processing Location San Juan Capistrano, California Job function Operations Job family Specimen Processors
Shift Evening Employee type Regular Full-Time Work mode On-site

Specimen Processing Group Lead - San Juan Capistrano, CA - Wednesday - Sunday - 1:00PM-9:30PM

This position assists the department supervisors by performing combinations of the following activities: Schedule coordination, general supervision of all Specimen Technicians, providing input to supervisors for performance review and disciplinary action. The Group leader typically leads 8 - 12 employees, is involved in process and compliance audits and may be responsible for performing duties listed below.  Priority consideration given to internal candidates for this position.  

Pay Range: $21.38 - $26.74 / hour


Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.


Benefits Information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:

• Day 1 Medical/Dental/Vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
• 15 PTO days first year
• Paid Holidays
• Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Variable compensation plan (AIP) bonus
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Blueprint for Wellness
• Tuition Reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate programs for FT employees who work 30+ hours
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Training provided!


  • Demonstrates a proficiency and understanding of all job duties in Specimen Processing department 
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem resolution skills; ability to work effectively with the technical departments to resolve problems  and gain cooperation as needed 
  • Assists all SPT’s in proper test selection and problem resolution 
  • Answers and clarifies employee questions (including laboratory personnel) regarding processing 
  • Provides appropriate feedback to supervisor(s) when problems arise.  
  • Completes appropriate shift paperwork, setting up for production, and insuring that their staff  has cleaned up at the end of the shift 
  • Monitors supply inventory, ordering supplies as needed 
  • Repairs and maintains department equipment notifying appropriate personnel when repairs beyond the general scope are required 
  • Assists in or performing all training, cross training and department auditing functions as assigned by the supervisor(s) 
  • Perform all other job duties as assigned 
  • In addition to above, the group leader may assist the supervisor(s) in the following: 
  • Prioritizing work assignments 
  • Monitoring production and activity of all SPT’s in order to meet departmental deadlines 
  • Coaching for improved performance by providing appropriate feedback  and maintaining a positive work environment 
  • Ensures effective employee utilization through workforce planning to include staffing weekends and holidays 
  • Makes suggestions and recommendations to enhance workflow 
  • Helps manage department overtime 
  • Ensures that all Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and Specimen Processing policies and procedures are adhered to 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Work Experience:  

Internal candidates minimum of one year in SPT III/related role 

Preferred Work Experience:  

  • 3 years experience in a laboratory environment with Specimen Processing experience preferred.  
  • Medical background preferred which includes medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory 

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

  • Performs multiple tasks simultaneously and with interruptions, physical and mental stress 
  • Works in a biohazard environment and practices good safety habits  
  • Able to sit or stand for long periods 

Knowledge: 

N/A

Skills:  

  • PC skills including the ability to run reports & use to  manage workflow; real-time thru-put 
  • Maintains confidentiality at all times. Will have access to overall employee performance, may have knowledge of disciplinary actions up to, and including termination. 
  • Demonstrates leadership by example, exhibiting good attendance, good decision making, and keep the team on task 
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills that foster a positive environment 
  • Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability 
  • Drives frequent employee interaction on the floor providing feedback, coaching, and guidance  
  • Demonstrates excellent communication skills and ability to answer questions with both  internal and external clients 
  • Adheres to Quest Diagnostics core values, safety, and compliance policies and procedures 
  • Works under pressure and assists department in maintaining productivity and quality goals 
  • Ability to diffuse tense situations and applies good judgment when making decisions and resolving problems 


EDUCATION
High School Diploma or Equivalent

LICENSECERTIFICATIONS

Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume. 

2024-68247


Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets

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Culture

We’ve built a welcoming, inclusive workplace where people are inspired to learn, develop, and progress in their careers. There’s stability, so you can explore many career paths in one field. There’s flexibility, helping you to build a fulfilling life and rewarding career. There’s training and development to align your work with your business success. No wonder there’s more to discover at Quest.

Learn more

Benefits

We’re committed to helping our people live a healthier lifestyle. One way we do this is by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, so you can take care of yourself and the ones you love. Find out how our benefits provide you with everything you need to thrive—now and in the future.

  • Medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision

    From medical, dental, and vision coverage plans designed to meet your needs, to supplemental health plans for an additional layer of financial protection, you can rest assured that your health is high on our agenda.

  • Annual incentive plans

    All eligible employees are invited to participate in our success in our annual incentive bonus plan payout.

  • 401(k)

    You’re eligible to join the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) Plan on your date of hire. The company will match up to 5% of your annual salary.

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Quest Diagnostics is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is to recruit, hire and promote qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by state or local law. Quest Diagnostics observes minimum age requirements established by federal, state and/or local laws, and will ask an applicant for verification when deemed necessary.

Quest Diagnostics is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please complete the accommodation request form.