Genetic Counselor Assistant - Department of Pediatrics

The School of Medicine at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Genetic Counselor Assistant in the Department of Pediatrics

About the Opportunity

The Genetic Counselor Assistant (GCA) is responsible for providing administrative and clerical support to the genetics team. This position ensures smooth coordination of genetics services for patients and healthcare providers, while managing the logistical aspects of test orders, prior authorizations, and client communications. The GCA plays an essential role in facilitating communication across teams and resolving patient and client inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of services.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
* 37.5-hour work week
* 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
* 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
* 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
* WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
* 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
* Wellness programs

What You'll Do

* Provide administrative and clerical assistance to the genetics team, including scheduling and organizing appointments.
* Assist in the management of patient files, medical records, and genetic test orders, ensuring they are processed efficiently and accurately.
* Triage and route client and patient inquiries to the appropriate departments or external partners.
* Assist patients and healthcare providers in coordinating patient genetic services.
* Facilitate communication between patients, healthcare providers, laboratory partners and internal teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
* Manage and track straightforward test orders, ensuring timely execution and follow-up with internal and external parties.
* Serve as a liaison between the laboratory, healthcare providers, and patients, ensuring the resolution of inquiries and issues in a timely and professional manner.
* Contacts insurance companies to determine eligibility, benefits, and authorization for requested genetic testing.
* Maintain current knowledge of major insurance policies, practices, and requirements regarding all relevant procedures.
* Maintain effective and clear communication with laboratory clients and partners, providing updates and addressing concerns as needed.
* Perform follow-up and assists with denial management issues through written communication, phone calls, or by facilitating peer-to-peer reviews between physicians.
* Adhere to all relevant compliance standards, including HIPAA regulations, ensuring the confidentiality of patient information.
* Contribute to continuous improvement efforts within the genetic counseling process by suggesting and implementing operational enhancements.
* Duties shall not be limited to these activities but shall also include other activities as assigned by the Program Assistant III or the Division Chief of Medical Genetics.

Pay Grade: 12

• Associate's degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience

• Bachelor's degree in biology, healthcare administration, or a related field preferred.

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in the following:
  • Administrative or clinical support experience, preferably in genetics, healthcare, or a related field.
  • Experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Experience working with patient information and medical records.
* Familiarity with HIPAA regulations and privacy requirements.
* Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
* Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customers and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
* Skilled at using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
* Skilled at talking to others to convey information effectively.
* Skilled at communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
* The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
* The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.