Genetic Counseling Asst (Pediatric Genetics) - 40 hours, days

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA) works directly with the team of Genetic Counselors performing administrative and clinical tasks associated with each patient. The GCA is integral to the efficient functioning of the clinic and patient throughput including post-appointment work. The GCA is a primary liaison with outside laboratories and insurance companies.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree or Bachelor of Arts degree in related field (ex. Biology).
Familiarity with genetics and pedigrees.
Must be a self-starter with an outstanding customer service attitude.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Must have strong interpersonal skills to gather information from individuals, build relationships that support collaborative work within the clinic and provide exceptional service to patients.
Excellent oral, written, and proven organization skills.
Meticulous attention to detail.
Must have proven problem-solving abilities for routine situations and request assistance from identified resources when needed.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft office applications.

Nice To Haves

Interested or in process of acquiring Master’s degree in human genetics from an accredited program.
Familiarity with electronic medical records.
Experience working with insurance companies to obtain authorization for genetic testing.
Knowledge of office and laboratory procedures.

Responsibilities

Answer any basic genetics related questions as appropriate and refer more complex inquiries to the Genetic Counselor.
Prepare blood sample test requisitions forms to outside genetic labs that perform genetic testing, include communication with Genetic Counselor about which test should be ordered, abstract patient medical history information from the electronic medical record or direct patient contact in order to complete the requisition, identify each patient’s insurance information, and occasional phone contact with patients to determine insurance coverage.
Abstract medical and family history information from the clinical electronic health record or direct patient contact prior to Genetic Counseling appointments to facilitate the planned consultation. Create a pedigree for Genetic Counselor use during appointment (a graphic representation of a family's health history and genetic relationships using standardized human pedigree nomenclature and National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) recommendations).
Research variants of uncertain significance identified through clinical genetic testing to determine if further investigation by a Genetic Counselor is required. Call genetic testing lab with inquiries regarding variants of uncertain significance and/or family variant testing follow up as needed.
Contact patients for pertinent records/test results of family members (ex. positive genetic test results) and analyze results to determine if required information is present in preparation for, or subsequent to, meeting with the genetic counselor.
Contact patients with amended genetic test results, document and upload them into Epic (ex. variant of uncertain significance reclassified as benign) and coordinating appointment with Genetic Counselor as needed.
Respond to insurance company requests for further information to support coverage for genetic testing.
Follow up with patients for additional information after appointments when needed, including coordination of sample collection.
Proofread patient genetic test result letters, facilitate review of all letters, and mail patient letters to patients. Ensure that appropriate letters are translated to the patient’s primary language if not English.
Triage genetic counseling referrals to determine into which specialty clinic a patient should be scheduled based on indication. Flag referrals that may be inappropriate/unnecessary for review by the Genetic Counselor.
Manage Genetic Counselor pool inbox in Epic. Answer questions regarding scheduling, ongoing cases, etc.
Maintain a patient database for all genetics patients.