Genetic Assistant

KEY FUNCTION:
Support the function of the North Eastern Medical Genetics Program and work in collaboration with the Medical Genetics team to ensure that services from receipt of referral to follow up of patients results in a positive patient experience.

REPORTING:
Under the general direction of the Manager, North Eastern Medical Genetics Program.

DUTIES:
1. Provide ongoing operational support to the Medical Geneticists for all patients requiring a consultation with a Medical Geneticist (e.g. gather medical and family history, draft case summaries, consent for genetic testing, attend the patient appointment and act as the local point of contact for patients receiving an assessment by a Medical Geneticist).
2. Provide ongoing operational support to the Genetic Counsellors to ensure Genetic Counsellors reach new patient visit and wait time targets in accordance with the Ontario Health Provincial Genetics Program.
3. Assist with screening/triaging and accepting or declining patient referrals to the program.
4. Triage and complete requests for medical records from patients and physicians, ensuring appropriate patient consent for PHI disclosure is in place.
5. Coordinate and track receipt of written patient consent for records and the requested patient medical records.
6. Organize and prepare patient charts for a variety of genetic indications in preparation for a patient’s consultation with a Genetic Counsellor or a Geneticist.
7. Perform Medical Geneticist and Genetic Counsellor appointment follow up work; complete requisitions to order genetic testing and MOH Out of Country applications.
8. Consult with provincial and international molecular genetic laboratories to complete gene variant re-interpretation requests for a Genetic Counsellor or Geneticist.
9. Contact patients referred for a personal or family history of cancer to assess their interest in their referral and to introduce the Family History Questionnaire.
10. Complete the Ontario Breast Screening Program-High Risk Screening (OBSP-HRS) requisition and genetic assessment forms under the direction of the Genetic Counsellors.
11. Perform hereditary cancer risk assessments for the OBSP-HRS using the IBIS (International Breast Cancer Intervention Study) or CanRisk tools under the direction of the Genetic Counsellors.
12. Liaise with local and provincial partners to disseminate genetic educational material and resource literature.
13. Respond to patient and community requests and questions as required.
14. Monitor the status of patient sample collection and track the timely receipt of patient test results for Genetic Counsellors and Medical Geneticists.
15. Liaise with professionals in other related fields as a member of the genetics team.
16. Input patient visit and testing data into the Shire database.
17. Assist with research studies, chart audits and other educational opportunities as required.
18. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
19. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
20. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
21. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.
22. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
1. Minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Biology or Genetics from an accredited university.
2. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE:
1. Previous related experience as a Genetic Assistant is preferred.
2. Experience in working with Medical Geneticists and Genetic Counsellors is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
1. Demonstrated proficient knowledge of genetic principles and theory.
2. Demonstrated clinical knowledge of the various types of adult and pediatric referrals seen in a General Genetics Clinic (e.g. cardiac, nephrology, endocrinology, cancer and neurology, etc.).
3. Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory test requirements for OHIP funded genetic testing.
4. Demonstrated ability to research and synthesize information.
5. Demonstrated ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology.
7. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently as a team member in a fast paced environment.
8. Demonstrated critical thinking skills.
9. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA)/Ontario Medical Association’s (OMA) Communicable Disease Surveillance Protocols.
10. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
11. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
12. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
13. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
14. Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize as required.
15. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
16. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:
1. Ability to use tact and discretion in dealing with health care providers and patients.
2. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
4. Demonstrated ability to perform with minimal supervision; to prioritize duties.
5. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
6. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
7. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.
8. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
9. Ability to travel between local sites and occasionally within Northern Ontario.

Selection Process:  Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required.
 

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.