Job DescriptionResponsible for coordinating specialized genetic counseling services for identified patient populations by designing, developing, implementing and supervising patient/family genetic counseling programs. Analyzes and interprets information about the genetic disorder and inheritance patterns to aid in diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Counsels patients and families by explaining aspects of the disease, current state of knowledge, and potential diagnostic techniques. Mentors lower level genetics counselor in preparing effective presentations, documents and assists them in developing and gaining new skills.
Responsibilities- Interviews patients, relatives and others to obtain and evaluate data on personal medical and family history. Counsels and educates patients and families by explaining aspects of the disease, current state of knowledge, possible risks, potential diagnostic techniques and appropriate management.
- Analyzes and interprets information about the genetic disorder and inheritance patterns to aid in diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Compares and evaluates various courses of action and has the authority to make independent decisions on matters of significance, free from immediate direction, within the scope of their responsibilities.
- Actively contributes to the development in the field and conducts multiple presentations and publications. Presents at a national conference or patient program as an invited technical expert, or must have an active leadership role in a national or state genetics organization.
- Initiates, develops, and recommends changes to policies, procedures, and patient care activities in the program specific area of human/clinical genetics.
- Initiates, develops, and leads a quality improvement team to implement changes to policies, procedures, and patient care activities in the program specific area of human/clinical genetics.
- Mentors new genetics counselors in preparing effective presentations, documents and assist them in developing and gaining new skills. Trains students and staff, and facilitates research projects.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications- Demonstrated knowledge of clinical neurogenetics and human genetics.
- Knowledge of psychosocial aspects including risk perception, support mechanisms, coping mechanisms, relationships, and decision making processes.
- Ability to recognize, assess, and make appropriate recommendations regarding solutions or clarifications to concerns, problems, and quandaries that should present themselves while performing patient care.
- Ability to identify, evaluate, and administer appropriate educational materials in order for patients to understand complex genetic information.
- Ability to provide appropriate support and responsiveness to anxious patients and families.
- Working knowledge of available clinical and research resources for patients and ability to perform medical/research literature searches.
- Ability to provide guidance and support as a mentor to other genetic counselors and genetic counseling students.
- Skills in genetic counseling management and leadership.
Education
- Master's degree in genetic counseling is required.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:
Certified Genetic Counselor by the American Board of Genetics Counseling preferred.
