Genetics Assistant

**About SickKids**:
Dedicated exclusively to children and their families, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the largest and most respected paediatric healthcare centres in the world. As innovators in child health, we lead and partner to improve the health of children through the integration of healthcare, leading-edge research and education. Our reputation would not have been built - nor could it be maintained - without the skills, knowledge and experience of the extraordinary people who come to work here every day. SickKids is committed to ongoing learning and development, and features a caring and supportive work environment that combines exceptionally high standards of practice.

When you join SickKids, you become part of our community. We share a commitment and determination to fulfill our vision of _Healthier Children. A Better World_.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work alongside the world’s best in paediatric healthcare.

**Position Description**:
The Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine (DPLM) at SickKids is a leading, world-class facility working towards reducing the impact of childhood illness by providing diagnostic information that allows for early selection of best treatment options. DPLM is a valuable and integral part of the SickKids team, generating original research and providing timely, specialized diagnostic services for health care providers in Canada and around the world. The department comprises five divisions: Clinical Biochemistry, Genome Diagnostics, Haematopathology, Microbiology, and Pathology. All DPLM laboratories are accredited by Accreditation Canada Diagnostics.

The Division of Genome Diagnostics (Molecular Genetics, Cytogenetics and Microarray, Clinical Fibroblast Service) specializes in advanced genetic testing for rare disorders and cancers affecting the paediatric population. Genome Diagnostics is also the first lab to establish a clinical genome-wide core sequencing service in Canada, following the culmination of a successful pilot project that enabled testing for eligible paediatric and adult patients in Ontario.

As a valued member of a large, collaborative team comprising 100 laboratory and technical staff, you will play a key role in our complex testing pathway, which utilize the latest technology in next generation sequencing and informatics, karyotype imaging and analysis, and automated sample preparation. This is a dynamic role in a rapidly advancing field, with diverse learning and growth opportunities beyond routine testing, such as test development, and case review participation.

The Genome Diagnostics Division at the Hospital for Sick Children is currently seeking a Genetic Assistant to become an integral member of our team dedicated to fostering an environment promoting excellence and innovation in patient care, research and education. Our molecular laboratory is the largest in the country serving over 15 million people. We currently offer testing for over 50 genetic conditions using a variety of molecular diagnostic technologies including next generation sequencing.

In this position you will be a key member of the laboratory team as a source for communication between clients (referring physicians or genetic counsellors) and laboratory staff. You will support test coordination and tracking, act as a client liaison and serve as a resource for in-house staff, clients, other health care professionals and the general public.

**Here's What You'll Get To Do**
- Serve as a liaison for laboratory users regarding molecular genetic testing.
- Support the coordination of laboratory office processes related to test intake and reporting, and liaise with laboratory users.
- Function as a community resource by liaising with health care providers as needed.
- Provide support for joint and multidisciplinary teams as required.
- Update patient profiles in Phenotips.
- Provide basic client services (follow-up phone calls, request information or add on test requests)
- Provide assistance in case management
- Organize and manage paperwork for new and updated tests, including the price list and info sheet updates as appropriate
- Manage submission of and updates for genetic testing
- Scan, copy, file documents
- Update team on changes to genetic testing forms, Ministry of Health bulletins
- Provide coverage for colleagues

**Here's What You Need**
- BSc with background in genetic preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent inter-personnel and customer service skills
- Previous related experience in a clinical genetics setting is an asset
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Respect for patient confidentiality and awareness of issues around age of consent
- Ability to work in a busy clinical environment with appropriate attention to detail
- Proficiency with computers and other office equipment
- Proficiency with Microso