Genetic Counseling Assistant - Center for Genomic Medicine - Full-Time, On-Site, Days

Ready to make a difference in the lives of others? Join our world-class Genetic Counseling team!

Learn more about the Center for Genomic Medicine: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/cedars-sinai-named-rare-disease-center-of-excellence/

The Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA), following established practices, policies, and guidelines, provides administrative and clinical support to genetics providers at Cedars-Sinai. The GCA functions as a liaison with interdepartmental members, patients, referring providers, health insurance providers, and genetic testing laboratories. Duties may include: answering incoming telephone calls; scheduling and authorizations for appointments; coordination of genetic testing and specimen collection; triaging emails and faxes; scanning records; and data entry and maintenance of databases. Applies a detailed knowledge of the areas of assigned responsibility, and general knowledge of the department and its interrelation with the larger Health System organization. Ensures the timely completion of work assignments in accord with established timelines. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists with communicating genetic test results (e.g., reclassifications, negative results, and other result notifications) under the direction of the genetics provider and documents these encounters in CS-Link.
• Monitors genetics inbox, phone line and Biscom e-faxes and responds when appropriate or triages to the appropriate team member.
• Assists with patient communications, including coordination of follow-up appointments and communications regarding updated clinical recommendations, testing or program information.
• Supports patients in completing medical and family history questionnaires.
• Follows up with referring provider offices, patients, and clinical staff to obtain missing medical records, family history, genetic testing results, or other information needed to facilitate genetic evaluations/assessments. Gathers and delivers clinical reports for provider review, prepares correspondence as appropriate, ensures medical documents are uploaded in the electronic health record, and serves as a resource for patients and internal departments.
• Completes online genetic testing requisitions and supporting documentation for commercial and institutional laboratories, including submitting prior authorization requests, tracking authorization status, communicating determinations to the care team, and assisting with appeals as appropriate while ensuring compliance with Cedars-Sinai policies and applicable healthcare regulations.
• Schedules and coordinates patient appointments effectively to ensure efficient patient flow. Provides scheduling support across clinics and programs as needed.
• Coordinates specimen collection, processing, shipment, and tracking for genetic testing, including laboratory coordination. Monitors inventory of genetic testing kits and supplies.
• Retrieves information from files as requested and assembles paperwork and reference material as requested by patients and clinical teams. Responsible for following CSMC and HIPAA confidentiality guidelines while performing all duties.
• Provides administrative support to genetics colleagues in the development and maintenance of patient education materials.
• Scans records into CS-Link and sends records to patients or referring providers as requested.
• Collects and sorts mail and prepares Fedex packages.

Teamwork/Customer Relation Responsibilities

• Establishes effective working relationships with cross-functional teams.
• Shares knowledge, time and expertise to assist other members of the team.
• Cultivates and maintains strong customer relationships and rapport with stakeholders and/or client groups.
• Ensures practices and procedures are inclusive of interpersonal and cultural diversity.
• Identifies and responds appropriately to both internal and external customer needs utilizing available resources.
• Responds timely, effectively and appropriately to deliverables.

Education, Experience & Skills Requirements:

• Associate's Degree/College Diploma required. Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• One (1) year of administrative or clinical support experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Genetic Assistant Training Program preferred within 180 days of hire.
• Experience working in a genetics, specialty care, or laboratory environment strongly preferred.
• Experience using Epic or another electronic health record (EHR) system preferred.
• Experience interacting with patients, providers, and multidisciplinary clinical teams preferred.