The Genetic Counselor Assistant works as a team member with other clinicians and administrative staff. Priority will be given to applicants interested in pursuing genetics/genetic counseling as a profession. Under direct supervision and guided by the procedures of the Genetic Counselors, the Genetic Counselor Assistant is responsible for:

• Assisting with clinic flow for telehealth and in-person clinics
• Review and triage patient referrals for appropriate scheduling or other action as appropriate
• Contacting patients and documenting personal and family medical history
• Drawing and updating patient pedigrees
• Coordinating continuity of patient care with internal clinical specialties and external healthcare organizations and facilities, including requesting medical records, specific genetic test results on patient and family members, and patient specimens
• Assisting with paperwork for genetic testing and insurance authorizations
• Directing patients to laboratory for blood draws, and coordinating local or home collection of testing samples
• Ordering supplies
• Maintaining databases with patient information, pedigrees, and clinic statistics
• Other patient preparation and follow-up tasks
• Locating patient information and support resources

The Genetic Counselor Assistant must operate in a professional and courteous manner. The successful candidate must pay close attention to detail and demonstrate excellent customer service skills with patients and staff.

Application Requirements: Cover Letter or Personal Statement detailing interest in the position

• This position will work primarily with 6 genetic counselors, assisting them with aspects of patient intake, genetic counseling, and documentation. This will include:
  
  • Screening/triage of patients referred for genetic services
  • Contacting patients and documenting personal and family medical history
  • Data entry
  • Chart preparation and maintenance
  • Drawing and updating patient pedigrees
  • Working closely with laboratories and managed care during the insurance authorization process
  • Preparation of patient variant reclassification letters or other letter requests
  • Assisting with clinic flow for cancer genetics clinics 
• Phone contact with new and established patients and family members regarding genetic counseling, genetic testing, or follow-up purposes.  
• Performing other duties as assigned including database management, filing, typing, assisting patients with completing Progeny, faxing documents, follow-up with referring health professionals.

• Six months of work experience in a medical office setting, including high volume direct patient contact OR one year of work experience in a high volume direct public contact position

• Basic computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required. 

• Basic computer keyboarding skills.
  Ability to communicate effectively, both over the telephone and in person. 

• Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with patients. 

• Excellent organizational skills. 

• Excellent customer service and problem solving skills. 

• Ability to work well both independently, with little supervision, and in a team setting. 

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological/health science or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with patient and/or family contact in a community or medical setting. 

• Previous experience with clinical projects, either in an administrative or clinical role, strongly preferred. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of medical practice terminology and genetic terminology and concepts.

• Experience with Epic EMR.

Work involves walking long distances, using the aerial tram, sitting for long periods, possible exposure to blood, fluids or tissue.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.