Genetic Counselor Assistant

Job Overview

Under the guidance of the Practice Manager and following Ambulatory Services protocols, the Genetic Counselor Assistant plays a vital role in supporting patient care within the clinical practice. This includes performing patient care tasks, managing front and back office duties such as scheduling appointments, pre-registering patients, insurance verification and authorization, and coordinating both medical and financial information. The assistant ensures smooth patient flow and collaborates with various healthcare providers including physicians and referring offices, acting as a liaison to external providers. Responsibilities cover insurance authorizations, pharmacy refills, complex treatment approvals, and hospital admission arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

• Support 5-6 genetic counselors by managing all aspects of patient scheduling, intake, counseling sessions, genetic testing, and documentation.
• Independently coordinate clinical care and patient visits by scheduling clinics, handling telephone and in-person communication about counseling, genetic testing, and support group participation.
• Assist low-income patients with eligibility evaluation for reduced or no-cost genetic counseling and testing.
• Collect and document patients’ personal and family medical histories through interviews.
• Enter and maintain data in the Cancer Risk Program database.
• Prepare and update patient charts, gather and upload external medical records.
• Use Progeny pedigree software to draw and update patient pedigrees and history forms.
• Draft letters of medical necessity and assist with clinic flow, including patient rooming and coordinating visits involving genetic counselors and physicians.
• Serve as liaison with laboratories by coordinating genetic test processes, ensuring all required samples and forms are submitted and received, and requesting complex test authorizations.
• Conduct research on specific cancer syndromes, locate relevant literature, and review research consent forms with patients.
• Assist patients with laboratory procedures such as blood draws and saliva sample collection, as well as prepare samples for shipment to various labs.
• Prepare family genetic counseling reports and maintain consultations with healthcare providers and labs.
• Manage genetic testing station duties including providing video and handout education, facilitating genetic testing, and arranging follow-up appointments.
• Participate in community outreach through events, flyer preparation, sample transport, filing, correspondence, and follow-up with health professionals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological or health sciences or equivalent education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of genetics and related concepts.
• Excellent communication skills for telephone and face-to-face interactions, demonstrating sensitivity and professionalism with patients.
• Proficient organizational abilities and customer service expertise.
• Capability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, with preferred experience in Outlook, File Maker Pro, and Progeny pedigree software.
• Preferred experience in patient or family contact within community or clinical settings, clinical project involvement, understanding of medical and genetic terminology.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills (Spanish, Cantonese, Russian) highly desirable.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a premier health sciences campus dedicated to medical research, education, and patient care excellence. Recognized globally, UCSF fosters an inclusive and diverse environment committed to equity, professionalism, and cultural competence across its workforce and healthcare delivery systems.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UCSF is an Equal Opportunity Employer valuing diversity and inclusiveness. All qualified candidates will be considered without discrimination based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories.

Compensation

Salary offers reflect internal equity and experience in accordance with university policies and union agreements where applicable. For detailed benefits information, please consult the official university resources.