Genetic Testing Coordinator

Overview

The Genetic Testing Coordinator I (sometimes referred to as Genetic Counselor Assistants), provides administrative support to Genetic Counselors in the Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention and conducts in-person visits with patients through the Rapid Access Cancer Genetic Testing process to offer them the option of genetic testing. The Genetic Testing Coordinator I (GTCs) is responsible for various tasks, including entering genetic testing orders with outside labs, tracking patients throughout the various stages of the genetic testing process, and maintaining patient databases.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate an in-person standardized video education appointment with patients regarding their options surrounding genetic testing, collect informed consent for genetic testing, and obtain family history.
• Utilize provided guidelines and sound judgement to determine whether patients will need an additional appointment with a genetic counselor or brief communication with a genetic counselor during/after GTC visit.
• Manage communication and follow up regarding genetic test results with patients, providers, and genetic counselors.
• Enter personal and family history, test results, and other information into pedigrees in the Progeny database.
• Manage phone and email inquiries from patients, internal and external providers, and other DFCI groups.
• Complete electronic and paper test requisitions for outside genetic testing labs.
• Communicate with genetic counselors for testing information and gather patient medical information from the electronic medical record, Epic.
• Support genetic counselors with various administrative tasks, including tracking patients and genetic testing results, managing faxes, mailing patient letters, drafting letters of medical necessity, and saving patient records.
• Maintain a patient database for all Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention patients who undergo genetic counseling at satellite, affiliate, and main campus locations.
• Communicate with outside laboratories and insurance companies regarding genetic testing questions and insurance coverage.
• Pick-up and package biological samples for send out to outside laboratories.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; biological sciences degree preferred.
• No prior experience required.
• 1 year of administrative and/or customer service experience preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and cancer genetics is a plus.
• Experience working in a medical or scientific research setting or comparable technology orientated business environment preferred.
• Ability to comprehend and implement new concepts or modifications to processes requests quickly.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to function as an integral member of the team and judgement to know when to escalate clinical concerns.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational, time management, and customer service skills.
• Ability to multi-task, problem solve on the spot, and pivot quickly to accommodate changes in the clinical schedule.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of patients, medical personnel, and research staff via in-person, phone, and e-mail contact.
• Recognize time sensitive issues and appropriately respond using standard operating procedures and critical thinking skills.
• Ensure quality clinical care and adherence to standard operating procedures and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure seamless coverage and task management in times of full and partial staffing levels.
• PC proficiency required, including proficiency with Microsoft Office products.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.