Genetic Counselor Assistant

About the Role

At Stony Brook Medicine, the Genetic Counselor Assistant (GCA) is a valuable member of the Genetics team, providing collaborative support for pediatric, oncology, and prenatal genetic services. The Genetic Counselor Assistant works closely with genetic counselors and clinical geneticists to support the delivery of genetic services through case preparation, coordination of patient care and genetic testing, and assistance with clinic and operational workflows. The role supports a patient-centered environment by assisting with the collection of clinical information and case-specific research, maintaining accurate electronic medical records, coordinating appointments and communications, and contributing to team meetings and performance and quality improvement activities.

Responsibilities

• Triage incoming cases for review by genetic counselors and clinical geneticists and obtain, review, and abstract relevant medical records for clinical appointments.
• Coordinate genetic testing workflows, including insurance investigation, completion of genetic testing order forms, and tracking the status of test results.
• Research and coordinate insurance coverage for genetic testing and assist with the preparation of letters of medical necessity under genetic counselor guidance.
• Assist with case-specific research, gathering relevant clinical information, literature, and database resources to support genetic counselors and clinical geneticists in patient care.
• Serve as a liaison between genetic testing laboratories, health insurance providers, and genetic counselors.
• Ensure genetic test results are accurately documented in the electronic medical record and appropriately integrated into the patient chart.
• With appropriate training and supervision, review negative genetic test results with patients and document encounters in the electronic medical record.
• Provide patients and families with updates regarding status of testing and assist with coordination of genetic testing for family members when indicated.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of patient-facing educational materials and patient letters.
• Draft patient follow-up letters related to genetic testing results or rescheduling of missed appointments.
• Provide telephone coverage by responding to inquiries related to genetic services, collaborating with the genetics care team, and supporting the coordination and scheduling of genetics appointments as staffing necessitates.
• Manage patient databases, including data entry, year-end statistical reporting, and support for research data management as directed by the clinical team.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA and institutional policies related to patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Perform additional patient care coordination and clinical support duties as assigned, appropriate to rank and salary.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience in a healthcare or science-related setting.
• Familiarity with medical terminology and laboratory testing.
• Strong interest in genetics, genomics, or biomedical science.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Ability to obtain and abstract information from scientific or medical literature.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through.
• Ability to multitask and work independently.
• Excellent time management, verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological, Health, or Life Sciences (or equivalent).
• Experience in a genetics specialty service or clinical care setting.
• Spanish language skills (preferred, not required).

Additional Information

This position may require the wearing of respiratory protection, which may prohibit the wearing of facial hair. This function/position may be designated as "essential," meaning that when the Hospital is faced with an institutional emergency, employees may be required to remain at their work location or report to work to protect, recover, and continue operations. All Hospital positions may be subject to changes in pass days and shifts as necessary.

Prior to start date, the selected candidate must meet the following requirements: successfully complete pre-employment physical examination and obtain medical clearance from Stony Brook Medicine's Employee Health Services; complete electronic reference check with a minimum of three (3) professional references; successfully complete a 4-panel drug screen; meet regulatory requirements for pre-employment screenings; and provide a copy of any required New York State license(s)/certificate(s).

Pay

The salary range for this position is $46,818 - $61,424 base, plus a $3,400 location pay for full-time UUP, CSEA, and PEF positions. The specific salary offer will be based on the candidate's validated years of comparable experience.

Official Job Title: TH Staff Assistant II. Department/Hiring Area: Genetic Counseling. Schedule: Full-time. Primary Location: US-NY-Stony Brook.