The Role
Performs routine and specialized clinical laboratory tests across departments, uses the LIS and analyzers, manages QC/QA and proficiency testing, troubleshoots instruments, trains staff and students, supports regulatory compliance, and participates in continuous education and shared governance to maintain laboratory quality and operations.
Summary Generated by Built In
Performs a range of standard laboratory tests to gather data for patients diagnosis and treatment. May work in various departments, including Blood Bank, Microbiology, Automated, General laboratory, or Specialized areas as defined by the work site. Conducts both routine and specialized tests, providing work direction and instruction to students, trainees, non-licensed personnel, and new staff. Carefully checks tests results for accuracy, reliability, and validity before reporting them from the laboratory. At this level of higher experience, teaches students and trainees, and demonstrates more in-depth troubleshooting capabilities. The CLS II also participates in proficiency testing and identifies any outliers or non-conformance events, resolving them when possible.
ResponsibilitiesThis is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees will be required to perform any job, with related instruction given by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
LEVEL OF EDUCATION
Minimum:
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Preferred:
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Minimum:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
All knowledge, skills, and abilities listed indicate the minimum level deemed necessary to perform this job proficiently.
- Demonstrates technical proficiency, adaptability, and precision in their assigned responsibilities. Skillfully utilizes the laboratory information system (LIS) to access inquiries, manage specimen requirements, and review patient results. Appropriately handles medical supplies, reagents, test kits, controls, and calibration materials. Accurately and reliably evaluate, resolve, and document quality control (QC) data. Exhibits effective problem-solving including abilities, including follow-through on identified issues and documentation of corrective actions. Also participates in instrument maintenance and troubleshooting. (70%)
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) principles. It involves monitoring the appropriateness and acceptability of test results, as well as participating in CAP proficiency surveys. Additionally, follows regulatory compliance guidelines and assists with preparation for inspections by accrediting agencies. Competency evaluations are completed as required, and all mandatory continuing education in-services are attended and fulfilled. (10%)
- Actively contributes to shared governance initiatives. Provides training to students and staff through lectures and in-services sessions. Also evaluates new tests, methods, and equipments. Writes and updates procedure manuals and technical checklists. Participates in organization-wide efforts to enhance service and quality. (10%)
- Demonstrates commitment to professional development by completing required continuing education for licensure, maintaining a technical checklist, and proactively planning and participating in training to meet laboratory, system, and personal goals. Enhances technical flexibility through cross-training on tests and analyzers, and shares knowledge gained from development activities to help achieve organizational objectives. (5%)
- Effectively collaborates with their team members to accomplish assigned tasks. Organizes and prioritizes their duties as needed, demonstrating flexibility and team-oriented approach to support the laboratory and health system objectives. Manages their time well, prioritizing, performing, and completing tasks to meet department deadlines and needs. Takes initiative and assume a leadership role when appropriate. (5%)
LEVEL OF EDUCATION
Minimum:
- Bachelors Degree
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Preferred:
- California license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, validated and deemed qualified under the guidelines of the State of California and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) to perform clinical laboratory tests and examinations classified as waived, moderate, and high complexity as described under CLIA.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Minimum:
- Hands-on experience using a variety of common laboratory analyzers and computer systems, including PC's.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
All knowledge, skills, and abilities listed indicate the minimum level deemed necessary to perform this job proficiently.
- Able to work independently, the candidate takes initiative and collaborates to find solutions as problems arise.
- Assumes responsibility for creating a collaborative work environment, follows oral and written instructions, and holds self and others accountable to the Code of Conduct.
- Demonstrates proficiency in oral and written communication, in accordance with the CH English Proficiency and Usage policy.
- Must complete a Code of Conduct training within six months of hire to upload the mission, vision, and values of CH.
Cottage Health is a leading acute care hospital system, located on the central coast of California, widely known for our superior patient care, innovation, medical research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, since 1888, and consists of three acute care hospitals, a Rehabilitation Hospital, multiple clinics and a multi-site Urgent Care system. Our mission is to serve the central coast communities with excellence, integrity, and compassion. Every day we touch thousands of lives in many different ways, resolute in our mission to put patients first. We take pride in helping our patients get back to living their lives - in the places they love.
Cottage Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Cottage Health applicants are considered solely based on their qualifications, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, transgender, gender expression and identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status or any other classification protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of the relationship between Cottage Health and an applicant or employee. Cottage Health is committed to upholding discrimination-free hiring practices. We strive to cultivate an environment where exceptional people bring diverse perspectives and find belonging, support and connection to their work.
Any Cottage Health applicants who require assistance or reasonable accommodations during the application process may request the need for accommodation with the Recruiter.
*Pay for non-physician positions is determined based on related years of experience and internal equity. Eligible employees may also receive additional forms of compensation, including shift differentials, on-call pay, incentive pay, and bonus opportunities, where applicable. Manager and above positions may participate in Cottage Health’s annual management incentive program. Physician compensation is determined based upon specialty and may include bonus potential. For more information on our comprehensive Total Rewards offerings, please visit https://cottagehealth.org/careers/total-rewards.
If you're already a Cottage Health employee, please apply on this link only.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree
- California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license (validation under CLIA)
- Hands-on experience with common laboratory analyzers and instruments
- Experience using a Laboratory Information System (LIS) and general computer systems (PC)
- Knowledge of quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), and participation in CAP proficiency testing
- Ability to work independently, collaborate, and strong oral and written communication skills
- Completion of Code of Conduct training within six months of hire
- Maintain required continuing education for licensure and competency evaluations
Cottage Health Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cottage Health and has not been reviewed or approved by Cottage Health.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered competitive for the area and often described as fair or among the best locally. Noted examples of meaningful raises over time reinforce the perception of market-aligned compensation.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as very good, with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision alongside robust mental health resources. Wellness supports like an EAP, onsite fitness/yoga, and incentives enhance overall value.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Distinctive programs such as substantial down‑payment assistance, workforce‑affordable housing, wellness dollars, and onsite childcare broaden total rewards beyond core insurance. These offerings are positioned to help offset local cost pressures and support daily life.
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The Company
What We Do
Mission Statement: To provide superior health care for and improve the health of our communities through a commitment to our core values of excellence, integrity, and compassion. Founded in 1888, the not-for-profit Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital has been serving the community for more than 125 years. Cottage Health, formed in 1996 as the not-for-profit parent organization of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and its affiliated Cottage Children’s Medical Center, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, and Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, is guided by a volunteer board of directors from the greater Santa Barbara community and provides the residents of the Central and South Coast with exemplary health care, continuous improvements in medical practice, and a commitment to our communities.
