Genetic Counseling Assistant

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Preferred candidates for this role will be working toward a career as a Genetic Counselor, and will gain additional exposure to the field.

Hours for the position are M-TH working 8 hours per shift.

Job Summary:

The Genetic Counselor assistant is a vital position aiding the genetic counselor in providing the best patient care, education, advocacy, and research collaborations.  This role is a wonderful introduction to clinical and non-clinical genetics and will provide exposure and development of skillsets vital to delivering healthcare in the fast evolving field of genomic medicine.  While this is an administrative and customer service role, the position requires high analytical and problem solving skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.  

Job Responsibilities:

• Communicates with healthcare providers and patients to provide information regarding clinical and laboratory genetic services at Lurie Children’s Hospital under direction of the genetic counselor.
• Communication can include information regarding genetic test ordering process, insurance authorization process, turn-around time of test results, price of genetic testing, and what to expect during clinical genetics appointment.   
• Maintains databases, network drive folders, and insurance portals.
• Completes genetic testing requisition forms, including entries into Concert Genetics platform. Compile appropriate medical records to be sent with requisition forms for whole exome/genome sequencing under the direction of the genetic counselor
• Completes letter of medical necessity (LMN) templates for genetic tests and assists with insurance inquiries and appeals as directed by genetic counselor.
• Obtain appropriate CPT code for genetic tests needed for LMN templates
• Communicates with insurance plans regarding status of insurance authorizations and submits appropriate paperwork for insurance appeals for genetic testing as directed by the genetic counselor
• Communicates with families regarding status of insurance authorizations for genetic testing as direct by the genetic counselor.
• Assist genetic counselor in coordinating patient tests and evaluations such as coordinating lab and radiology appointments and evaluations with other specialists,
• Perform medical/scientific literature review as requested by genetic counselor.
• Identify and collate education materials on specific genetic disorders for patients as directed by a genetic counselor.
• Assist genetic counselors in production of education materials.
• Assist genetic counselors in planning educational and advocacy events.
• Obtain medical records and from patients, other institutions and providers as directed by genetic counselor.
• Complete medical and family history intake form as directed by the genetic counselor.
• Assist with maintain necessary paperwork for research studies.
• Administrative assistant duties such as copying, faxing, scheduling meetings, etc.
• For the Genetic Testing and Counseling Support Center, specific responsibilities also include:
• Triaging all telephone, group email and in-basket message communications.
• Facilitating urgent test orders, such as those for newborn screen patients and rapid WES.
• Assisting healthcare providers and other laboratories to resolve problems related to genetic testing.
• Educating healthcare providers regarding Lurie Children’s genetic testing and insurance precertification process.
• Facilitating communication between Support Center genetic counselors and their colleagues in SSPC, Financial Clearance team, Hospital Billing, and other stakeholders.
• Pulling and formatting daily in-house test orders review document.
• Assisting in resolving complaints and issues that are directed to the Support Center.
• For the Center for Genomics (molecular genomics laboratory), specific responsibilities also include:
• Use genomic visualization software and literature databases to prepare Excel files for variant interpretation as directed by the genetic counselor.
• Research genetic testing options available at outside reference labs as directed by the genetic counselor.
• Other job functions as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with major in science field preferred but not required.
• No prior experience required.
• Proficiency of Microsoft Office programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to think critically and problem solve effectively in a timely manner, take initiative and respond proactively, and work independently with guidance.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, genetics, healthcare insurance, and billing a plus but not required.     

Education

Pay Range

$24.00-$39.24 Hourly

At Lurie Children’s, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions. In addition to base salary, Lurie Children’s offer a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentives for select roles, health and retirement benefits, and wellbeing programs. For more details on other compensation, consult your recruiter or click the following link to learn more about our benefits.

Benefit Statement

For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Employer paid group term life and disability

Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave

403(b) with a 5% employer match

Various voluntary benefits:

• Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability

• Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage

• Tuition assistance

• Student loan servicing and support

• Adoption benefits

• Backup Childcare and Eldercare

• Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members

• Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities

• Discount purchasing program

There’s a Place for You with Us

At Lurie Children’s, we embrace and celebrate building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints — recognizing that different life experiences strengthen our workplace and the care we provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.  

 

Lurie Children’s and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Support email: candidatesupport@luriechildrens.org