Operations Coordinator - Genetic Counselor, F/T

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Operations Coordinator - Cancer Genetic Counselor reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Memorial, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Under the direction of the Manager, the Operations Coordinator has the authority and accountability for facilitating the delivery of quality service for a designated section. This role works with Physicians, Genetics counselors, and staff to coordinate the assessment, the development and the implementation of genetics practices and oversees daily operations. Duties may include development of standing operating procedures, appropriate billing practices and oversight of training and competency assessment of staff.

Duties include coordination of staff to assure appropriate clinical care and managing/communicating supply and equipment needs for the section. Unique responsibilities to this job include maintaining the highest degree of expertise in that specific discipline, i.e. staying current with information on the latest developments in accrediting standards and methodology through attendance at professional, association and scientific meetings, maintaining continual dialogue with scientists and vendors.

Responsibilities:

• SECTION COORDINATION:
  • Determines and oversees referral processes, in coordination with manager and referring offices.
  • Provides support and ongoing education for program staff and providers.
  • Cultivate academic involvement of genetic counselors Develops standard operating procedures and maintains document control.
  • Ensures compliance with all federal, state, local, accrediting standards multi-disciplinary, hospital regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Investigates and resolves patient, workflow problems related to their area of responsibility.
  • Assures that service standards are implemented and evaluated.
  • Facilitates a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to patient care and interdepartmental problem solving/service delivery within the Region.
  • Oversees the education and training of learners in conjunction with the division chief.
  • Oversees improvement projects for delivery of genetics services, including EMR interfaces
• RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND TRAINING:
  • Assists Manager in the interviewing and selection of new hires.
  • Evaluates/approves the need for staff overtime and temporary help.
  • Ensures department staff provides consistent quality and customer service to all customers.
  • Oversees the orientation and training and evaluates section personnel according to guidelines established by Genetics Management and Human Resources.
  • Maintains staff competency and training documentation, including continuing education records.
  • Actively ensures staff compliance to Rules of Personal Conduct.
• CLINICAL:
  • Adheres to hospital and department policies and procedures and accreditation standards.
  • Performs genetic counseling and maintains patient volume as outlined by division policies.
  • Generates and maintains data reports for use in accreditation and operational decisions.
  • Coordinates development, revision and updating of procedures and relevant documentation.
  • Participates in and presents at genetics and interdepartmental meetings and continuing education programs.
  • As appropriate. coordinates section in-service programs.
• FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT:
  • Assures adherence to accurate billing practices, timely and in compliance with regulations.
  • Works with management to develop an operating budget and capital equipment needs.
• PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT:
  • Establishes and executes personal development objectives as part of annual objective setting process which complements current position.
  • Identifies and pursues activities/development opportunities which are appropriate for position and personal development objectives, e.g., participation/leadership in relevant professional groups associations, continuing education as participant, presenter, and planner.
  • Assesses and communicates staff development needs to Manager.
• LEADERSHIPS/PROBLEM SOLVING:
  • Adheres to Patients First Management standards on leadership, communication, and visibility.
  • Coordinates critical situations involving patients, staff, and visitors and consults with Manager or Director for guidance as needed (e.g., complaints, discipline, the press, etc.).
  • Facilitates effective interdepartmental communication of operations and standards with appropriate personnel (Manager, Director, Medical Staff; etc.).
  • Promotes philosophy and objectives of the Hospital, Division and Department.
  • Identifies and communicates key issues and trends to Manager.
  • Provides ongoing education and expertise related to genetics practices and workflows
• MEDICAL STAFF RELATIONS:
  • Works with Medical Directors in implementing goals, objectives, budgets, and new programs.
  • Works with Medical Directors on resolution of operational issues.
  • Supports Clinical Quality Management activities.
• OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Serves as first point of contact for supporting genetic counselors on daily issues.
  • Provides training and orientation to new genetic counselors and support staff.
  • Serves as a liaison to external laboratories and referring practices.
  • Attends and actively participate in programmatic meetings.
  • Assists with managing provider schedules to optimize patient care hours to enhance productivity.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures as needed to support the program.
  • Collaborates with clinical and administrative leadership on programmatic growth strategies.
  • Ensures that patient dignity and confidentiality are maintained at all times.
  • May perform other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Master’s degree in applicable discipline.
• ABGC-board certification, and current in Maintenance of Certification CEs.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.