"Genetic Counselor 1"

Overview

This position will be a split between clinical genetics clinic and patient care as well as research with scholarly activity. There are also opportunities for teaching at various levels of medical education. The position will report to the Chief/or Associate Clinical Chief of Genetics. The Genetic Counselor 1 (GC1) will work directly with faculty in medical genetics and perform general clinical genetics responsibilities with direct patient contact. Duties will include but are not limited to taking history in clinic, providing broad genetic counseling, follow up after genetics consultation, coordination, and interpretation of genetic testing results. The GC1 will communication with patients, families and other health care providers about genetic disorders, evaluations, and testing. They will perform genetic laboratory support, including communication with patients and providers about genetic testing and results, and assisting with ordering and authorization of testing. They may triage patient referrals or professional inquiries for genetic consultation, including ascertainment of acuity of problem and of the type of evaluation required with support of clinical geneticists. They will obtain patient histories, review and analyze pertinent medical records both clinical and research. Serve as a patient advocate by assisting family with referrals for services, assisting administrative team as needed with special scheduling issues and determination of financial coverage/authorization for special tests, and identifying research studies. Document patient-related activities in medical records. Participate in follow-up by tracking test results, reviewing as appropriate with the M.D. team member and conveying those results to patients, and the primary care provider(s). Participate in case conferences, patient care, scholarly activities, and in teaching, including continuing education events which are relevant to the position. As appropriate, supervise trainees in genetic counseling. Perform special projects as needed.

The GC1 for this position will also assist NIH funded clinical and translation research. The research projects include genomic studies of recurrent pregnancy loss, genome editing therapy for neurogenetic disorders, and precision medicine. The GC1's responsibilities include genetic counseling, patient consent, data collection, and project coordination etc. The GC 1 will work with a team and will report directly to the principal investigator for any research projects.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Thorough knowledge of theories and principles of human and medical genetics and genomics.
2. Ability to obtain and evaluate a detailed pedigree using standardized nomenclature.
3. Ability to analyze and interpret information obtained from any appropriate resource material relevant to each case for diagnostic evaluation and management.
4. Skilled at providing comprehensive information to families and to health care providers regarding the etiology, inheritance, incidence/carrier risks, and natural history/prognosis for genetic condition/diseases in culturally appropriate terms that each will comprehend.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

Board eligibility or certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC).

Principal Responsibilities

1. Obtains and assesses patient and family medical and psycho-social histories.
2. Prepares summary of patients’ medical history for review.
3. Assesses information and refers cases to appropriate clinic or counselors.
4. Discusses results of diagnostic tests with higher level authority to determine direction of counseling plans.
5. Coordinates nationwide consultation services for patients and families involved in genetic counseling.
6. Develops genetic information material for distribution to potential patients and families.
7. Counsels and explains genetic services to patients and families.
8. Coordinates case review sessions for patients and families.
9. Ensures appropriate counseling support is developed and implemented for individuals and families.
10. Evaluates genetic counseling progress of individual or family and reports progress to higher authority.
11. Interprets genetic testing results and counseling assistance.
12. Develops written reports on family pedigree and profiles.
13. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in Genetics or a related field or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

Board eligibility or certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) or American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG).