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 (GTC) 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.

The Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention is a team of medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, geneticists, genetic counselors, and nurses who provide cancer risk assessment and comprehensive recommendations for managing cancer risk. We provide thoughtful partnerships with primary and specialized health care providers in order to offer exemplary cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling and testing, dedicated monthly patient reviews, and continuing educational resources in the complex and dynamic field of cancer genetics. Our unique partnering of a physician and genetic counselor provides expertise in the assessment and management of inherited cancer syndromes including hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, Lynch and other gastrointestinal syndromes, and all other cancer syndromes across the spectrum of inherited cancer risk. In addition, the team is prepared to assist with the introduction of newer genetic testing methods and the germline aspects of personalized cancer medicine.

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.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under close to moderate supervision:

• 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.

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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

PATIENT CONTACT:

Yes, Direct patient contact with Adult patients of all ages and populations and communication in-person, by phone, written letter, and patient portal (Patient Gateway).

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s degree required; biological sciences degree preferred.

Minimum Experience:
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.

License/Certification/Registration:
N/A