Genetic Counselor 2

Job Description

Who we’re looking for:

The UW Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Genetic Counselor 2 with the Genetics Team at the University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake.

As a Genetic Counselor 2, at a senior level, you will initially focus on cytogenetics, constitutional microarray analysis and cell-free DNA prenatal screen assay. You will perform test utilization management, analysis and variant interpretation, and reporting. Additionally, you will play a key role in maintaining client relations for service area of expertise. You will collaborate with a highly talented and experienced group of Genetic Counselors, Variant Scientists, lab staff, students, faculty, and fellows as part of a cross-functional team working towards a common goal of providing high-quality patient care.

Bonus! As a Genetic Counselor 2, you will have the opportunity to cross-train in other clinical service areas as we expand our test menus to support more innovative and improved genomic assays.

Work schedule:

• 100% FTE
• Monday – Friday
• Initial training is 100% onsite; one day telework per week thereafter
• Day shift

What you’ll contribute:

Client Relations

• Provide information, technical assistance and guidance on test availability, composition, selection, and interpretation.
• Assist with the resolution of genomic and/or cytogenetic testing issues, such as inadequate specimens, questions regarding variants, and research enrollment.
• Coordinate indicated follow-up testing for at-risk family members.
• Maintain and update patient and provider materials and webpages.
• Represent the team and department at national conferences, journal publications and/or invited presentations.

Laboratory Operations

• Review genomic and cytogenetic test orders for urgency and accuracy.
• Obtain relevant patient clinical history for case review and interpretation.
• Review pending samples and build runs for the week; collaborate with laboratory and billing teams to troubleshoot issues as needed.
• Provide clinical support to billing department, including case review documentation of medical necessity, as part of the pre-authorization process.
• Compose reports with laboratory medical directors, genetic counselors, and variant review scientists.
• Review reports before release into laboratory information system and EMR.
• With lab directors or supervisor support, call out preliminary results, abnormal results, or unusual results to ordering provider, as needed. This may include recommendations for follow-up based on the results and discussion of implications of the results on other family members.
• Coordinate reflex testing and send out testing with other labs.
• Participate in laboratory’s program for analyzing variants of uncertain significance.
• Participate in scientific and quality-assurance studies and research related to the laboratory's services.
• Develop training materials and participate in training Genetic Counseling students and other members of the team.

Administrative and Quality Improvement Operations

• Work with Genomic Analysis Manager to develop and update procedures and job-aids for the clinical genomic analysis (CGA) team.
• Assist in testing and/or implementing new workflows, software, and IT infrastructure updates in collaboration with partner teams.
• Participate in ongoing literature reviews to incorporate latest knowledge into the clinical classification of genes and gene variants.
• Assist with review, maintenance, and update of billing codes.
• Help develop and implement improvements in electronic reporting of test results

Senior Genetic Counselor Responsibilities

• Act as a mentor/consultant to genetic counselor(s) and other members of the CGA team such as variant review scientists, genetic counseling assistants, and student assistants.
• Responsible for monitoring work quality and reporting issues to managers and directors.
• Perform analysis and variant interpretation for service area of expertise such as exome sequencing, somatic and inherited cancer panels, constitutional and neoplasia SNP array etc.
• Work with directors, variant review scientists and laboratory staff to solve complex client inquiries/issues and provides follow-up to research principal investigators.
• Serve as an expert for run building, billing and other internal processes pertinent to the assay assigned.
• Participate and/or manage research and clinical service projects to support the division goals.
• Participate, as needed, in teaching of undergraduates, graduate students, residents, and fellows.
• At the direction of the GC Lead and Genomic Analysis Manager, train and support new staff, residents, fellows, genetic counseling students and other trainees on rotation through the department.
• Represent the team and department at national conferences, journal publications and/or invited presentations.
• Serve as backup for GC Lead to assist with lead tasks including not limited to scheduling in-service for staff, schedule orientations and onboarding activities for new employees, residents, students, and other health care professionals, and submit written evaluation of staff as needed.

What you’ll need:

• Master's degree in Genetics.
• Two (2) to three (3) years of clinical or research experience in genetics.

Additional qualifications:

• At least two years of experience in a CLIA-laboratory environment collaborating with R&D, bioinformatics, laboratory technicians, clinical directors and other crucial departments in a laboratory environment.
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly distill concise and succinct summaries from complex and potentially contradictory literature sources.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, and work under tight deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desired qualifications:

• Board eligibility or certification by American Board of Genetic Counseling
• Licensed or eligibility for license as Genetic Counselor in Washington State
• Experience with cascade testing in families
• Experience with family history and genealogy
• Experience with Clinical cancer genetics
• Experience with next-generation sequencing-based testing
• Experience with microarray variant interpretation and reporting
• Familiarity with cell-free prenatal DNA screening
• Familiarity with cytogenetics testing

What we offer:

• Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly, including 12 paid holidays.
• State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.
• Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
• Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
• Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.
• And much more!

About the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology:

A regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for innovative patient care, research and educational programs, the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine combines the sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution in its delivery of clinical and anatomic pathology services. Recognized for excellence in clinical training, world-class research initiatives, and a commitment to community service, we serve labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally.

Please visit our website to learn more about our department.

About the UW:

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$110,400.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$129,600.00 annual

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .