Genetic Counselor Assistant - Division of Genetics

About the role

Department/Unit: HBD - Pediatric Genetics

Work Shift: Day (United States of America)

Salary Range

$50,639.00 - $75,959.00

The Genetic Counselor Assistant is part of the Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics and supports the best delivery of care to Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital Albany Medical Health System patients and families receiving genetic services and molecular testing.

The Genetic Counselor Assistant is an integral part of the team and in partnership with Genetic Counselors and under the supervision of the Clinical Genetics Manager, contributes to the management of diverse aspects of service, including coordination of care for patients, optimization of clinic and operational workflow and working collaborative with the team to create a patient centered environment. Genetic Counselor Assistant, under the supervision of the Clinical Genetics Manager, provides specialized support clinicians including genetic counselors, physicians, and nursing staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Patient case preparation, and assist clinical staff with collection of family histories, patient medical histories, and relevant medical records and laboratory reports prior to the patient's clinic appointment.
• Ensure that relevant medical records and laboratory reports (if applicable) are accessible to clinical staff to the patient's appointment.
• Prepare documentation for genetic counseling and genetic evaluation.
• Construct and/or update pedigrees prior to clinic appointments.
• Assist genetic counselors with processing documentation for recommended genetic testing.
• Obtain pre-authorization for testing and other medical services.
• Prepare letters of medical necessity with guidance from genetic counselors.
• Track genetic test results and contact laboratories to determine status of all genetic tests that are ordered when turnaround times are exceeded.
• Under the supervision of genetic counselors, contact patients with normal genetic results and document records of result disclosure conversations in the patient's electronic medical record.
• Perform clerical duties (faxing, filing, mailing copying etc.) and with educational and administrative projects.
• Obtain/abstract medical records for clinical appointments.
• Coordinate and research all insurance coverage for genetic testing for patients.
• Assist clinical staff collection of family histories, past medical history and relevant medical records and laboratory reports.
• Assist with coordinating genetic testing for family members for diagnostic testing and if needed research genetic testing.
• Assist with patient chart review and case preparations for genetic counselors and other clinicians, as directed.
• Acts as a liaison between genetic testing laboratories, health insurance carriers and genetic staff.
• Provide patients and families with updates about insurance authorizations, deciston and status of testing.
• Assist with patient follow-up letters regarding testing results, and track genetic testing results.
• Collaborate with Genetic counselor and/or Providers when appropriate to communicate patients' normat genetic results and document result disclosure conversations in patient's electronic medical record.
• Handle triage and routing of phone calls regarding genetic testing for patients and/or other venues such as referrals.
• Update Pedigrees prior to clinic appointments, if necessary.
• Maintaining stock of genetic test kits.
• Compose and prepare correspondence, newsletters, presentations and additional materials as needed.
• Supports a system that encourages the identification and analysis of errors and near misses in the context of a safety culture.
• Participates in departmental safety inspections to ensure compliance with hospital safety standards as assigned, and is aware of and compliant with all hospital and regulatory agency safety goals and objectives.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in biology, chemistry, psychology or related field of study - required
• Bachelor's Degree in biology, chemistry, psychology or related field of study - preferred
• 1-3 years in an ambulatory setting within a medical facility - preferred
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels within the organization and with external customers and agencies.
• Able to communicate cooperatively and effectively with patients, family members, employees and others.
• Ability to listen well, take direction and engage in interactive dialogue with others.
• Ability to read and interpret documentation such as patient record, safety rules and procedure documents.
• Articulates clear findings with staff and members of the patient care team.
• Ability to be flexible in response to changing demands.
• Ability to plan and organize the workflow of a busy office environment and be self-directed.
• Ability to identify problems, gathers data and establish facts and draws valid conclusions.
• Understanding of the insurance prior authorization process.
• Attention to detail and follow through.
• Ability to improve job performance through continuing education.
• Possess knowledge of quality concepts, principles and problem-solving tools and techniques.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply in support of departmental and patient care quality improvement.

• Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Thank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System!
• Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:

Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.