Job Summary:
In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient and employee safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Genetic Counsellor Assistant operationally reports to the Clinical Coordinator, Genetic Counselling and has a matrix reporting to the Practice Lead, Genetic Counselling for practice related issues. Under the clinical supervision of the Clinical Coordinator, utilizing critical thinking skills and clinical judgement, the Genetic Counselling Assistant performs a variety of clinical support functions for the Hereditary Cancer Program. Duties include preparing a variety of technical and non-technical material utilizing intermediate word-processing and spreadsheet software, maintaining patient records and files, supporting the clinical team in preparing for and following up on patient appointments, assisting clinicians by performing tasks associated with ordering genetic testing, determining appointment eligibility and priority, and communicating information to and from the clinic with patients and providers. All duties are performed with established protocols, guidelines, policies and procedures under the direction of physician/clinical staff.
Duties/Accountabilities:
1. Performs baseline review and triage of specific cases by determining eligibility of patient referrals and triaging accepted referrals to the appropriate physician/clinical staff with prioritization according to established guidelines.
2. Obtains information required for assessment from patients, families and medical offices such as personal medical history, family history and associated medical documentation/reports. Documents histories in to established risk assessment models. Identifies questions or concerns to physician/clinical staff as required as per established guidelines.
3. Prepares and maintains patient charts and testing materials including paperwork and kits. Completes requisition forms for review by physician/clinical staff and assists in shipping samples to testing laboratory and/or testing kits to patients.
4. Drafts consultation and results letters using established guidelines and approved templates for review and completion by physician/clinical staff.
5. Enters patient information into computerized information system and prepares patient documentation for filing in the permanent health care record.
6. Answers general questions from the public, patients and health care providers about the Hereditary Cancer Program and referrals to the service. Identifies and triages questions to be forwarded to physician/clinical staff for response.
7. Communicates information to patients and/or physicians’ offices as required both pre- and post-appointment as directed by physician/clinical staff.
8. As directed by physician/clinical staff, refers patient to other services or arranges accordingly, such as referrals to Patient and Family Counselling and other specialists/diagnostic facilities.
9. Reviews and compiles scientific literature specific to patient diagnoses from web-based databases such as PubMed as directed by physician/clinical staff to support patient assessments and development of clinic guidelines. Provides summary to physician/clinical staff for review.
10. Administers clinical patient reported outcome surveys and records data in computerized information system.
Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience
Diploma in a related health science or social science discipline, plus two (2) years recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Skills and Abilities
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.