Genetic Assistant I

Overview

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Genetic Assistant to support the Clinical Cancer Genetics Program at the John P. Murtha Cancer Center (MCC) located at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland. HJF provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to MCC. US Citizenship Required.

This position will be in support of the Clinical Cancer Genetics Program at the John P. Murtha Cancer Center (MCC) located at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland. This position is ideal for individuals who plan to apply to Genetic Counseling programs or pursue a career in a similar field.

The John P. Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed Bethesda is a modern, patient-centric, tri-service military healthcare facility. Its comprehensive core of military and civilian oncologists and other cancer- trained clinicians and researchers provide multidisciplinary cancer-care delivery and patient-family support services. Our Cancer Center, the only DoD Cancer Center of Excellence within the Military Health System, offers its patients access to cutting-edge cancer diagnostic and treatment technologies. The Genetic Assistant serves as a consistent care coordinator to eligible beneficiaries at the Murtha Cancer Center WRNMMC, ensuring timely access and seamless coordination of services throughout the continuum of cancer care.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

Responsibilities

• Support genetic counselors' and clinical geneticists' clinical activities through the clinical cancer genetics program at MCC.
• Coordinate with genetic counselors and clinical geneticists the hereditary cancer genetic risk assessment process and daily clinical needs of the clinical cancer genetics program.
• Coordinate and assist with all aspects of genetic testing: researching genetic test options, completing electronic and paper test requisitions forms, ordering specimen collection kits, compiling clinical information for laboratories, tracking patients seen and the status of ordered tests. Respond to inquiries about genetic testing from other staff and patients at Walter Reed Bethesda.
• Review relevant medical records and obtain missing documents in preparation for genetic counseling visit. Assist in preparation/distribution of visit notes, result letters, and other patient/family educational materials.
• Provide both public and professional/academic education and participates in clinical research. Perform searches of medical literature and publicly available genetic variant databases.
• Work with patients to obtain family history information prior to their genetic counseling visit.
• Assist in scheduling patient appointments. Arrange meetings, create meeting agendas, and create meeting minutes.
• May call out negative routine genetic test results using aid provided by genetic counselors and arrange follow up session with genetic counselor or medical geneticist as needed.
• Serve as genetic liaison between MCC High Risk Clinic, Tumor Boards, Multi-disciplinary Clinics, and General Genetics Clinic with the Clinical Cancer Genetics Program.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma required; Associate's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Genetic Assistant training highly preferred.
• Knowledge of proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, and more.
• Excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to type at least 60 words per minute, operate a word processor or computer.
• Effectively communicate with a diverse group of people.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a clinic and office setting.

Security Requirements: U.S. Citizenship Required, ability to obtain and maintain a T3 Secret Clearance.

Some HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will be required.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.