Career Center

Department Overview

Under direct supervision and guided by the procedures of the Genetics Counselors, the Genetic Counselor Assistant may be responsible for:

• Assisting with clinic flow and managing coordination of joint visits with genetic counselors and physicians.
• Review and triage patient referrals for appropriate scheduling or other action as appropriate.
• Interviewing 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 and patient specimens.
• Assisting with paperwork in relation to genetic test ordering and insurance authorizations.
• Directing patients to laboratory for blood draws.
• Ordering supplies.
• Maintaining databases with patient information, pedigrees, and clinic statistics.
• Other patient preparation and follow-up tasks.

The Genetic Counselor Assistant works as a team member with other clinicians and administrative staff. This individual 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/Personal Statement
• CV/Resume

Function/Duties of Position

• This position will work primarily with 2-3 genetic counselors, assisting them with aspects of patient intake, genetic counseling, and documentation. This will include:
  • Interviewing patients and documenting personal and family medical history.
  • Chart preparation and maintenance.
  • Drawing and updating patient pedigrees.
  • Preparation of letters of medical necessity.
  • Assisting with clinic flow and managing coordination of joint visits with genetic counselors and physicians.
  • Contacting laboratories to determine necessary steps for gene testing for genetic testing.
• Telecommunications: Triages and documents accurately telephone calls from patients including requests for medication refills, complaints, general information inquiries, and urgent health care concerns. Delivers such information or requests promptly to the appropriate providers or their designees.
• Enrollment & Authorization: Gathers and/or verifies patient information including demographics, insurance coverage, and financial status. Confirms patient eligibility for health care coverage and clarifies any managed care arrangements. Obtains authorizations for clinical care, procedures, and laboratory studies. Enters all information accurately into OHSU databases or into the medical record when necessary. Follows up on pending authorizations until they are obtained.

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 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

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Basic computer keyboarding skills including typing of 30 - 45 wpm

• Experience with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

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

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

Additional Details

Working Conditions: Work involves remote and in-office activities, walking long distances, using the aerial tram, sitting for long periods.

Physical Demands: Lifting boxes up to 20lbs

All are welcome