Master's degree in human genetics, counseling, or related field
Board certified by the American Board of Genetic Counselors
Strong oral and written communication skills
Effective organizational skills
Responsibilities
Obtain and interpret personal and family history for genetic risk assessment
Provide professional genetic counseling services to patients
Document and update medical records, collaborating with the healthcare team
Coordinate handling and shipping of samples for genetic testing
Assist with insurance authorization for genetic testing
Monitor test results and ensure continuity of patient care
Consult with patients and families on emotional distress related to genetic findings
Benefits
Monday to Friday work schedule
Opportunity for in-person and virtual consultations
Engagement in continuing education and case conferences
Supervision and training of genetic counseling graduate students
Teaching responsibilities for OB/GYN residents and fellows
Full Job Description
Department Overview
The Senior Genetic Counselor provides outpatient genetic counseling services in the ambulatory clinics of the Center for Women's Health. They provide preconception/reproductive and prenatal genetic counseling, educate patients and professionals about genetic diseases and genetic testing options, advise patients on the social and ethical issues associated with a genetic disorder or genetic test result, and help patients cope with a diagnosis of a genetic disease.
Function/Duties of Position
Obtains accurate personal and family history and interprets the data obtained in terms of genetic risks to the offspring and whether these conditions are detectable through various tests.
Provide professional genetic counseling services and assist patients in understanding genetic disease or congenital anomalies.
Documents in and updates medical records, works with the healthcare team apprised of the patients' problems.
Work as part of the healthcare team, dealing with a broad range of
individuals such as the patient, referring physician, outside agencies, and OHSU physicians and staff.
Coordinates handling and shipping of samples for specialized genetic testing.
Work with managed care regarding insurance authorization for genetic testing as needed.
Monitors information resulting from test results and reviews case for further evaluation to assure continuity of patient care and education of patient/family in nature of disease/problem.
Assesses patients' physical and emotional needs to plan appropriate subsequent care.
Consult with patients and families facing emotional distress and assist them in understanding and coping with unexpected fetal and genetic findings.
Receive and respond to inquiries regarding a wide range of genetic topics from a variety of individuals including health care providers, existing patients, and others in the community.
Continue to keep current on advances in the field of genetics including continuing education.
Participate in and attends case conferences, in services, and continuing education events which are relevant to the position.
Supervise and train genetic counseling graduate students.
Teaching responsibilities of CWH learners including OB/GYN residents, MFM and REI Fellows, as well as continuing education of referring providers .
Required Qualifications
Experience: 5 years' experience as a genetic counselor
Education: Master's degree in human genetics and counseling or related field
Certifications/Licenses: Board certified as a genetic counselor by the American Board of Genetic Counselors
Preferred Qualifications
Effective oral and written communication skills Effective organizational skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Knowledge of psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling
including risk perception, support mechanisms, coping mechanisms, relationships, and decision making processes
Knowledge of available resources for practitioners and patients Ability to perform medical literature searches from various databases. Ability to read, understand, interpret, and extrapolate information found in the literature and apply to clinical situations
Ability to identify, evaluate, develop, and administer appropriate educational materials to enhance patient understanding of potentially complex genetic information
Ability to communicate with individuals from a broad range of socioeconomic, educational, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds
Additional Details
Monday - Friday, days
Provide in-person and/or virtual/remote consults to meet the needs of the clinic.
Must be able to sit, stand, walk, push/pull, climb stairs, carry and lift up to thirty (35) pounds without undue
strain, and other similar normal physical activities which may be inherent in the position described.
