Position Summary
Join licensed genetic counselors in the Department of Neurology with specialty clinics in epilepsy, brain malformations, autism spectrum disorder, mitochondrial disease, metabolism, neuromuscular and movement disorders, Rett syndrome, CDKL5, tuberous sclerosis complex, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The genetic counseling assistant will support Neurology Department providers in their daily tasks which primarily center around pre- and post-test genetic counseling. Our team provides cutting edge medical treatment and care coordination, and conducts groundbreaking research focused on the genetics of neurological disorders as well as the psychosocial aspects of genetic testing within this population.

Key Responsibilities

• Triages genetic counseling referrals, phone calls, and emails, coordinating with program PER and schedulers to ensure timely and accurate patient scheduling.
• Performs pre-visit preparation, including collecting medical records, lab reports, estimates, and intake forms.
• Responds to post-visit questions regarding genetic testing and sample status; escalates genetic counseling questions to the appropriate Genetic Counselor (GC).
• Assists with obtaining consent from additional family members under supervision.
• Coordinates genetic testing logistics, including identifying laboratories, researching submission requirements, arranging shipment of testing kits, and submitting required medical records.
• Tracks genetic testing samples and follows up on missing samples, documentation, or patient information with patients, GCs, laboratories, and providers.
• Submits and tracks prior authorizations and appeals, including letters of medical necessity, supporting clinical documentation, CPT/ICD-10 coding, and peer-to-peer coordination with insurance providers.
• Completes genetic testing requisition forms, including review of pedigrees and assignment of diagnosis codes.
• Maintains patient testing databases and ensures results are accurately entered into program systems.
• Responds to inquiries regarding genetic testing from staff, patients, families, and external healthcare providers.
• Assists with patient education materials, educational events, and quality improvement initiatives, including preparation of referral and testing metrics reports.
• May participate in supervised patient-facing activities, including obtaining basic family histories and communicating negative test results.
• Supports program projects such as case write-ups, data entry for grants or case series, posters, and presentations.
• Plans and records Genetic Counseling Team meetings and distributes meeting minutes.
• Attends clinical meetings and prepares presentations, figures, posters, slides, and related materials as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Biological Science, Clinical Laboratory Science or related scientific field, Advocacy and Social Sciences.

Experience:

• One year of experience in a laboratory setting or healthcare, public service or insurance customer service setting is preferred.
• Spanish fluency preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and provide empathy in difficult interpersonal situations.
• Ability to gather and synthesize data, resources, and literature related to relevant genes, variants, diagnoses and test results.
• Ability to demonstrate professional behavior by adhering to departmental and organizational policies and procedures, and assuming authority appropriately.
• Analytical skills and judgment to interpret data and take the appropriate action in circumstances or situations that vary.