Job Description

Genetic Counselor Assistant - Digestive & Liver Diseases

The Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics Program identifies individuals and families that may have a hereditary cancer syndrome and provides genetic risk assessment, genetic testing, screening and support. We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA). The GCA serves as an assistant to the cancer genetic counselors and responsibilities of the GCA include clinical, research and administrative duties. Individuals in this position will gain first-hand knowledge of patient care related to the field of cancer genetics and will be well-poised to pursue graduate education in genetic counseling, if so desired.

Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Communicate with patients, as necessary, related to clinical care and education
• Assist in the coordination of genetic testing, counseling, and cancer screening/risk reducing strategies across providers in the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, including review of genetic test results, patient pedigrees, cascade testing

Administrative Responsibilities

• Gather pertinent medical records and prepare patient charts
• Coordinate blood draws, package and ship clinical testing specimens, complete genetic testing requisition forms, including interpretation of patient pedigrees and assignment of diagnosis and procedure codes to ensure accurate billing
• Act as liaison between genetic testing laboratories, health insurance providers, and genetic counselors
• Perform data entry and maintenance of internal genetics databases
• Maintain stock of testing kits, patient handouts and other supplies
• Assist genetic counselors in preparing and organizing patient education materials as well as materials for genetics lectures/seminars and community outreach events
• May assist with gathering statistics for the Cancer Genetics Program
• Ensure that all genetic test results are documented in the electronic medical record and that results and result letters have been provided to the patient and referring provider either by US Mail or via the electronic medical record portal.
• Follow HIPAA guidelines for the management of patient privacy and confidentiality

Research Responsibilities

• Facilitate ongoing research protocols which includes but not limited to: screening for patient eligibility, assist with data collection, data entry and maintaining study databases
• Assistance with data analysis, preparation of IRB proposals/regulatory documentation, and preparation of manuscripts and grant proposals

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in genetics or biological sciences
• Excellent communication (both oral and written), interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Highly self-motivated and attentive to detail
• Basic math and computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office products required (Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Minimum of a 2 year commitment
• Training and mastery of EPIC electronic medical records will be required upon hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in medical facility or genetics related field
• Familiarity with medical terminology
• Spanish language skills preferred

Other Requirements

• Participation in the medical surveillance program
• Contact with patients and/or human research subjects
• Successful completion of applicable compliance and systems training requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

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