Clinical Assistant, Genetics Dignostic Laboratory – Temporary Full-Time (1.0) (until August, 2027)

Please Note: If you are a current CHEO employee with access to Workday, please apply to this posting via the Workday application as an internal applicant using the Jobs Hub.

To successfully apply for this position, please submit your application by 11:59 pm the day before the advertised closing date in the posting to ensure your application is received. 

Ottawa is built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. The peoples of the Algonquin Anishinabek Nation have lived on this territory for millennia and we honour them and this land. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. CHEO also honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this land.
 
CHEO is one of the few stand-alone, global leaders in pediatric health and is home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives. Within its own walls and through partnerships with community providers, CHEO has transformed from a 20th century acute care hospital into a 21st century integrated child and youth health system.
 
Ranked in the top 1% of Canadian hospitals for the digitization of its clinical infrastructure, CHEO combines excellence in clinical care, research, and education to advance seamless care that’s provided where, when, and how it is needed. CHEO’s Research Institute is dedicated to world-class clinical, translational, and basic science research covering a wide range of children’s health concerns. CHEO has been named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and is ranked second among Canadian hospitals on its list of Canada’s Best Employers for multiple consecutive years. For the 14th consecutive year in a row, the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers has recognized CHEO as a top employer in the National Capital Region. Every year CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from Eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and Northern Ontario.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Clinical Assistant is responsible for a variety of activities, all under the supervision of a clinical provider (Clinical Geneticist and/or Genetic Counsellor) and as per existing standard work, which is designed to enhance clinic flow and efficiency.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Please note that this is not typically a patient-facing role. (This is not an exhaustive list):

• Reviewing genetic test requisitions to ensure testing is appropriate in accordance with CHEO testing policies.

• Contacting ordering providers to clarify testing strategy, request patient information, or seek required genetic reports.

• Create new patient profiles in EPIC.

• Register patients in Cadence (Epic Hyperspace) in accordance with registration standards.

• Schedule/re-schedule new and follow up patients from work queues according to priority and wait times.

• Prepare and complete pre-visit information including collection and organization of relevant medical records and lab reports, drawing pedigrees, data entry into relevant programs, organizing test requisition forms and drafting visit notes.

• Assist during patient visit to scribe notes, provide French translation if bilingual.

• Review available genetic testing options with awareness of test cost, detection rate, health insurance coverage considerations, etc.

• Print lab specific requisitions/forms.

• Coordinate requisitions as required by the clinical provider, ensuring all information is complete and accurate.

• Provide instructions, directions and information to patients and families (e.g. about sample collection, Clinic contact information, expected turnaround times).

• Consent patients and families to research studies.

• Submit completed out of province (OOP) approval requests, Ontario Breast Screening Program forms, test requisitions and research enrollment forms for processing by the appropriate parties.

• Schedule indicated procedures (e.g. amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling).

• Track tests, OOP approval requests and procedures ordered, and contact laboratories when results are overdue.

• Contact patients to provide reminders if testing has not been initiated by the patient.

• Communicate low risk/normal results.

• Draft any necessary follow-up documentation.

• Perform administrative work (file, photocopy, mail, fax, etc.).

• Conduct literature searches.

• Attend team meetings to provide updates regarding clinic workflows.

• Monitor Epic work queues associated with primary area of work to ensure quality and advise clinical team of wait times.

• Document telephone and email discussions with patients in Epic for clinical provider review and sign off.

• Respond to patient and laboratory inquiries in consultation with clinical provider.

• Perform work in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and all CHEO corporate/departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.

• Work requires occasional periods of light physical activity and/or limited accurate coordination of fine or course movement.  The speed of required manual tasks is such that average dexterity is required.

• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Criminal Record Check (Essential)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Science or a health-related field, preferably in Genetics, Biology or experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic/experience required (Essential)           

• Bilingualism (English/French) (Preferred)

• Previous experience in a clinical setting (Preferred)

• Demonstrated knowledge of genetics principles and theory (Preferred)

• Demonstrated outstanding organizational skills, time management, attention to detail, ability to manage competing priorities, critical thinking (Preferred)

• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills (Preferred)

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a dynamic and fast-paced team environment (Preferred)

• Demonstrated computer and word processing skills (Preferred)

• Demonstrated Basic office and clerical skills (Preferred)

• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail (Preferred)

• Demonstrated flexible approach to work demands (Preferred)

• Demonstrated initiative and ability to adjust priorities (Preferred)

• Demonstrated working knowledge of applicable occupational health and safety legislation; general knowledge of corporate/departmental policies and procedures related to health and safety. (Preferred)

Timeline may be extended or shortened based on operational needs

* Please note you will be represented by the Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA).

Effective March 29, 2021, CHEO will conduct a more comprehensive pre-screening and evaluation process.  This process may include more varied and multidimensional testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment. All candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested.

CHEO values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process and welcome interest from all qualified applicants.

Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third party provider. Candidates will be required to meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to the date of hire.    

We thank all those who apply, however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.