Genetic Counselor Assistant

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career! 
 

JOB SUMMARY

The Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA) supports the cancer center’s genetic counseling team in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals and families undergoing genetic risk assessment and management. Working under the supervision of Genetic Counselors, the GCA gathers, organizes, and documents personal and family medical histories from the medical record and assists in constructing and updating pedigrees using specialized software.
The GCA coordinates all aspects of the genetic testing process, including verifying and researching insurance coverage, preparing letters of medical necessity, completing test requisitions, ordering test kits, facilitating blood or sample collection, and preparing specimens for transport to internal and external laboratories. The role also involves tracking test status with laboratories, following up on incomplete or repeat samples, and maintaining accurate patient data in genetic databases.
In close collaboration with genetic counselors, physicians, and fellow GCAs, the GCA supports clinic operations and patient flow, including on-site clinic assistance and coordination of joint visits. The position includes direct patient and provider communication, such as reviewing normal (negative) genetic test results by phone, addressing routine questions, and preparing follow-up correspondence for patients and clinicians. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with clinical research activities, such as data collection and preparation, while upholding UT Southwestern’s PACT principles of problem-solving, professionalism, compassionate communication, and teamwork across clinical, hospital, and office settings.

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

• Education
  Bachelor's Degree in science or health related field 

Preferred

JOB DUTIES

• Enter patient data in Cancer Gene Connect Database.
• Coordinate and research all insurance coverage for genetic testing for patients. Prepare letters of medical necessity with guidance from genetic counselor.
• Contact laboratories to determine status of all genetic tests that are ordered on a regular basis.
• Assist with clinic flow, including managing coordination of joint visits with genetic counselors and physicians.
• Contact laboratories to deternine all necessary steps of gene testing for specific genes. Complete test requisition forms.
• Prepare blood samples for transportation to laboratories within and outside of UT Southwestern. Escort patients to the laboratory.
• Contact patients with normal genetic results and complete all normal follow-up letters to patients and clinicians.
• Assist with data collection for research studies.
• Draw and update pedigrees in pedigree drawing software.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.