Genetic Counseling Assistant

Essentia Health; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Essentia Health in Duluth, MN is seeking a Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA) to provide administrative support to the genetic counseling team. The GCA will interact with patients, clinicians, insurance companies, and testing labs to support the genetic counseling and testing process, helping ensure clinic efficiency and patient understanding of the genetic counseling profession.

The role involves case preparation, processing documentation, coordinating testing kits, maintaining patient

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, healthcare, genetics or related field.
• Minimum five years of relevant clinical work experience including administrative and scheduling duties.

Responsibilities

• Case preparation and processing of genetic testing documentation.
• Contacting patients pre- and post-visit; liaising with providers and labs.
• Enter and maintain patient data and test results in EHR; ensure timely documentation.
• Coordinate scheduling and follow-up appointments; maintain confidentiality per HIPAA.

Skills

Genetic concepts

Medical terminology

EHR systems

Microsoft Office

Organization

Problem solving

Multitasking

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Excel

Outlook

EHR software

Job description

Building Location: Building A - Duluth Clinic - 1st Street Department: 2901670 GENETIC COUNSELING - EH DC

Job Description: The Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA) will be responsible for providing administrative support to the genetic counseling team. In support of the clinical staff, the GCA will interact with patients, clinical providers, and other medical professions, as well as insurance companies and testing labs through all aspects of the genetic counseling and testing process. The GCA will work collaboratively with the Genetic Counselors to ensure clinic efficiency. Additionally, the GCA will promote understanding of the genetic counseling profession.

Key Responsibilities

• Case preparation


• Processing of genetic testing documentation and laboratory send-outs


• Contacting patients pre- and post-visit


• Conduct scientific review of the literature


• Assist with education and resource collection


• Perform clerical duties (faxing, filing, mailing, copying, etc.)

Genetic Testing Coordination and Documentation

• Process genetic testing documentation and laboratory send-outs.


• Prepare, coordinate, and ship genetic testing kits as needed.


• Track patient genetic testing status, results, and turnaround times.


• Flag results or testing concerns for genetic counselor review as appropriate.


• Enter and maintain patient information, pedigrees, test orders, and test results in the electronic health record EHR or other tracking systems.


• Ensure accurate and timely documentation throughout the testing process.

Patient and Provider Communication

• Serve as a liaison between patients and genetic counselors.


• Communicate with patients regarding appointments, follow-up needs, testing updates, and other important information.


• Coordinate scheduling of follow-up appointments as needed.


• Communicate professionally and sensitively with patients, clinical providers, laboratories, and other healthcare professionals by phone, electronically, and in person.


• Help ensure patients receive timely and appropriate information throughout the genetic counseling and testing process.

Insurance and Administrative Support

• Contact insurance companies to facilitate genetic testing coverage.


• Assist with prior authorization and related insurance documentation when required.


• Perform general administrative duties, including faxing, filing, mailing, copying, scanning, and document management.


• Maintain organized records and support efficient clinic operations.


• Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and all patient privacy standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of genetic concepts and medical terminology.


• Experience with electronic health record EHR systems.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook.


• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.


• Strong problem-solving skills.


• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new processes.


• Ability to multitask and remain organized in a fast-paced clinical environment.


• Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and healthcare professionals, both over the phone and in person.


• Ability to interact compassionately and professionally with patients.


• Ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.

Education Qualifications: Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas (biology, healthcare, health sciences, genetics, psychology, sociology, anthropology or related field).


• A minimum of five years of relevant clinical work experience, including administrative and scheduling experience.

Licensure/Certification Qualifications

No certification/licensure required.

FTE: 0

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option: Shift Rotation: Day Rotation (United States of America) Shift Start Time: 0800 Shift End Time: 1700 Weekends: Holidays: No Call Obligation: No Union: Union Posting Deadline:

Compensation Range: $19.86 - $29.79

Employee Benefits at Essentia Health: At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at [phone].

Essentia Health seeks employees who embrace our commitment to patient- and family-centered care in communities both large and small. We're looking for people who are committed to making patients and their families feel known and understood. People who understand what it means to be Here with you. People who are willing to use their strengths to help others.

Our Values Quality | Hospitality | Respect | Joy | Justice | Stewardship | Teamwork

Essentia Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Essentia Health does not discriminate in employment because of age, color, creed, culture, disability (physical or mental), ethnicity, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, language, local Human Rights Commission activity, national origin, military service, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or public assistance status.

Job offers are contingent upon successful completion of post-offer screenings. Screenings includes verification of your legal right to work in the United States, a health screening and immunization review, verification of applicable licensure, certifications, education, and experience, and background checks including criminal, urine drug screen and MVR where required.