Genetic Counselor Assistant (PAS Specialist)

Department Overview

Under direct supervision and guided by the procedures of the Genetics Counselors, the Genetic Counselor Assistant is 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.
• Assisting Genetic Counselors establish the outreach and education function for the clinic to provide counseling and testing for underserved populations.

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.

Function/Duties of Position

1) 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.
• Data entry.
• 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 all necessary steps for gene testing for specific genes.

2) Phone contact with new and established patients and family members regarding genetic counseling, genetic testing, and follow-up

3) Performing other duties as assigned including outreach event participation and preparation of fliers, etc. Filing, typing, transporting samples to labs, formulating letters, follow-up with referring health professionals.

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

Competencies: 

• Basic computer skills and 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.

Competencies: Experience with EPIC EMR. 

Additional Details

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

Physical Demands & Equipment Usage: Lifting boxes up to 20lbs

All are welcome

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. As an organization devoted to the health and well-being of people in Oregon and beyond, OHSU requires its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.