About this opportunity
Actalent lists this Phlebotomist opportunity in palm desert, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Phlebotomist
This Phlebotomist role focuses on high-quality blood collection and specimen processing in a dynamic, high-volume healthcare environment. The position requires proficiency in venipuncture and capillary techniques across all age groups, including pediatric and neonatal patients, and the ability to handle difficult draws in inpatient and outpatient settings. The Phlebotomist plays a key role in maintaining compliance and safety standards, supporting patient service operations, and contributing to a collaborative, patient-centered care experience.
Responsibilities
Perform blood collection using venipuncture and capillary techniques for patients of all age groups, including pediatric and neonatal populations.
Conduct phlebotomy procedures in high-acuity inpatient settings such as pediatrics, ICU, and other high-volume hospital units.
Handle difficult blood draws, including patients in medical office buildings and other challenging clinical situations, with professionalism and care.
Process and label specimens accurately to ensure proper handling, tracking, and timely delivery to the laboratory.
Adhere strictly to all compliance, safety, and infection control protocols, and consistently promote a culture of safety.
Effectively communicate the importance of compliance and safety to colleagues and support staff.
Provide orientation and training to patient service staff and assist in developing their skills in blood collection and specimen handling.
Respond to same-day call-ins and on-call requests, providing reliable coverage as needed across assigned locations.
Work flexibly across 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts, including weekends and holidays, based on operational needs.
Participate in training on 1st shift at Riverside, then transition to Palm Springs and other designated locations for ongoing assignments.
Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality, meeting minimum weekly hour expectations after the training period.
Adapt to scheduling changes such as split shifts or occasional cancellations, while remaining available for at least 30 hours per week post-training.
Collaborate with supervisors and schedulers to accept available shifts, especially those arising from same-day call outs.
Deliver courteous, compassionate, and efficient service to patients and clinical teams in both inpatient and outpatient clinic settings.
Essential Skills
High school diploma or equivalent.
Active CPT I License (Certified Phlebotomy Technician I).
At least 1 year of phlebotomy experience in a hospital setting, including exposure to pediatrics, ICU, and high-volume inpatient environments, or a minimum of 3 years of high-volume outpatient phlebotomy experience with a strong attendance record and positive attitude.
Demonstrated proficiency in venipuncture and capillary blood collection techniques across all age groups.
Experience with neonatal and pediatric blood collections.
Ability to perform difficult blood draws in medical office buildings and other challenging clinical settings.
Strong understanding of compliance, safety, and infection control standards in a clinical environment.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with patients, clinical staff, and other team members.
Willingness and ability to work weekends and holidays.
Comfort with on-call work and responding to same-day calls to cover shifts.
Reliable attendance and the ability to maintain a consistent work schedule after the training period.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience as a Phlebotomist, Lab Assistant, or in a similar clinical support role.
Experience in inpatient phlebotomy and specimen processing is highly beneficial.
High-volume outpatient clinic experience, particularly in fast-paced environments, is an asset.
Ability to provide orientation and training to patient service staff.
Strong customer service mindset and ability to work effectively in diverse clinical settings.
Flexibility to float between multiple locations within the service area to increase hours and support patient care.
Comfort working under union-influenced scheduling structures, including variable and contingent shifts.
Access to and willingness to use professional development resources such as online learning platforms and care roadmap tools, when available.
Work Environment
The role is based in a busy, patient-focused healthcare environment that includes both inpatient hospital units and outpatient clinics. Primary outpatient locations include clinics in the Coachella Valley region, such as Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Indio, with training initially conducted on 1st shift at Riverside before transitioning to Palm Springs for the first few weeks. Phlebotomists may also have opportunities to pick up additional hours at other medical office buildings and service areas, including high-volume locations in Riverside and Moreno Valley. The position is per diem/on-call, with a strong emphasis on flexibility: you must be comfortable working 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shifts, covering weekends and holidays, and responding to same-day call outs. Scheduling is influenced by a union agreement, which means many available shifts arise from same-day absences, and supervisors and schedulers will contact you to offer shifts. During the 12 month training period, you will be scheduled for full-time hours; after training, you can expect to work a minimum of approximately 30 hours per week, though there may be occasional split shifts or cancellations with advance notice. The environment is fast-paced and high volume, requiring strong attention to detail, adherence to safety and compliance standards, and collaboration with multidisciplinary clinical teams. The dress code for this role is scrubs, appropriate for a professional clinical setting. The organization offers access to resources such as Abenity, Care Roadmap, and Udemy, supporting ongoing professional development and overall well-being.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Palm Desert, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $26.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Palm Desert, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 2026.
Worksite address
palm desert, CA, 92261, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.