Genetic Counselor Assistant (Genetic Medicine)

The Department of Genetic Medicine is seeking a Genetic Counselor Assistant to work under direct supervision by the Genetic Counselor Manager and guided by the procedures of Genetic Medicine Clinical Services.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Supporting the outreach and education function for the clinic to provide counseling and testing.
• Managing coordination of joint visits with genetic counselors and physicians.
• Preparing and shipping blood and saliva samples for transportation to Laboratories within and outside of JHU.
• Tracking all genetic test orders and following up on results.
• Track all clinical provider and genetic counselor visits.
• Facilitate follow up with referring healthcare providers and Laboratory personnel.
• Other patient preparation and follow-up tasks to support genetic counselors.
• Works as a team member with other practice staff and consistently projects a professional and courteous demeanor. They must pay close attention to detail and demonstrate excellent customer service skills with patients and staff.
• They must support the goal to accomplish more for patients in a collaborative work environment.

80% Assisting Geneticists & Genetic Counselors

• Patient intake, genetic testing, genetic counseling and documentation.
• Manage all aspects of genetic test orders by clinical providers and genetic counselors including sample transport, documentation, completing or reviewing requisitions, ensuring authorization, and following up on genetic test results.
• Communicate effectively with patients and referrers regarding the status of genetic testing, including any negative results and setting up communication as needed with a Genetic Counselor.
• Interview patients for family history as requested and document personal and family medical history.
• Interface with patients and providers to identify and gather key outside records; meet with team for review and coordinate to schedule appropriate patient visits and any follow up or reflex genetic testing.
• Stay up to date on genetic testing CPT codes, pricing, insurance authorizations, and new tests offered in the market. Regularly perform market analysis for genetic testing.
• Preparation of Letters of medical necessity.
• Assist and provide coverage for coordination of visits and/or test requests in the division, whether the Clinical Genetics team or JH Genomics.
• Provide phone coverage for Clinical Genetics or JH Genomics.
• Contact Laboratories to determine all necessary steps for testing for specific genes, and act as Liaison with laboratories to make sure all samples and required forms and consents are completed and received.
• Research and complete searches for relevant articles and databases.
• Prepare blood samples for transportation to laboratories within and outside of JHU.
• Other patient or patient sample preparation, care, and follow-up tasks.
• Database updates in all necessary systems outside of Epic (clinical visit tracking, test order tracking, results database, LIMS, Soft, etc).
• Facilitate patient outreach and education for the clinic or Lab.
• Create and maintain sample database.

10% Program Outreach

• Provide administrative support to the Center of Genetic Counseling.
• Examples of this include scheduling monthly meetings, booking meeting space, and taking meeting minutes.
• Primarily phone contact regarding specific genetic testing programs, either clinical or research.
• Examples of this include enrollment of a patient in clinical trials based on genetic variant interpretation, enrollment in the ongoing Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Mutation Analysis Program, etc.

10% Performing other duties as assigned

• This may include event participation and preparation of materials for events, staffing outreach events, filing, stocking all needed supplies, transporting samples to and from labs, preparing sample kits and sending to families as needed, letters, follow up with referring health professionals, typing.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of genetics and genetic concepts.
• Strong 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.

• Bachelor's Degree in a Biological/Health Science or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge of medical practice terminology and genetic terminology and concepts.
• Experience with phlebotomy is an asset.

Classified Title: Genetic Counselor Assistant  
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB  
Starting Salary Range: $42,330 - $74,110 Annually ($45,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F, 9-5pm 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/School of Medicine Campus  
Department name: SOM Genetics Medical Genetics Clinic   
Personnel area: School of Medicine