Position DescriptionWe are recruiting for a Genetic Counsellor to join our team at SickKids! This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to apply your advanced knowledge of genomics and to provide genetic assessment and counselling for patients/families with a medical history of or at increased risk for genetic disorder(s). In this role, you would work alongside internationally renowned Physicians, Genetic Counsellors, Researchers and other health professionals to provide excellent family-centered care to patients from around the world.
Here's What You'll Get To Do- Triage and management of newborn screen positive infants including result disclosure and family counselling.
- Arrange appropriate diagnostic testing to rule in/out screen positive condition
- Assess and provide expert genetic/genomic counselling to families with a newborn with positive newborn screening and an increased risk for a genetic condition
- Assess and provide expert genetic/genomic counselling for individuals/families with a known or suspected medical history of a genetic condition
- Provide comprehensive genetic information regarding the diagnosis, etiology, recurrence risk and available testing options for a variety of disorders
- Contribute to the interpretation of genetic and genomic test results.
- Provide genetic counselling regarding genetic test results and options regarding cascade genetic testing.
- Address other genetic risks identified in the patient/family.
- Assess psychosocial issues and structure counselling session(s) accordingly.
- Assist the patient/family in making informed decision consistent with their beliefs, while respecting cultural diversity and ethical issues.
- Liaise with physicians and interdisciplinary teams from multiple subspeciality groups.
- Contribute to newborn screening as a public health initiative, including clinical outcome data management and participating in provincial newborn screening meetings.
- Provide international leadership in genetic counselling services, research and education.
- Function as a resource to other members of the Hospital, other health care providers outside of SickKids and liaising with the public; striving to improve the genetic health of individual populations through discovery, application and communication of genetic knowledge.
- Teaching/supervising opportunities in the University of Toronto/SickKids MSc Program in Genetic Counselling.
- Educate other health care professionals on interpretation of genome-based results both at SickKids and at other institutions
Here's What You'll Need Essential Qualifications - A Master of Science in Genetic Counselling.
- Certification (or eligible for) by the Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling (CBGC) and/or the American Board of Genetic Counsellors (ABGC).
- Professional knowledge of the rapidly changing principles and practice of medical, clinical and laboratory genetics.
- Effective oral and written presentation and communication skills, including telephone counseling.
- Superior critical thinking, organizational, time management, decision-making, teaching and continuous learning skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and collaborative teamwork skills.
- Commitment to the provision of evidence-based, family-centred care.
- Highly developed computer skills and/or the ability to learn new computer programs
- Demonstrated commitment and actions in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion objectives.
Preferred Qualifications - Two or more years of experience in genetic counselling, with experience pertaining to pediatric genetics
Here's What You'll Love: - This position is eligible for employee benefits coverage including but not limited to, HOOPP pension plan, health and dental. The full benefits package will be discussed at the time of the offer.
- A focus on employee wellness with our new Staff Health and Well-being Strategy . Self-care helps us support others.
- A hospital that welcomes and focuses on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion .
- The opportunity to make an impact. Regardless of your role or professional interest, you will be making a difference at SickKids and contributing to our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World .
- For more on why you'll love working at SickKids, visit our careers site
Employment Type - Full time, 12-month contract
