"Genetic Counselor 2"

Overview

This position will primarily focus on clinical genetics clinics and patient care with possibility for teaching and scholarly activity. The position will report to the Chief/or Associate Clinical Chief of Genetics. The Genetic Counselor 2 (GC2) will work directly with faculty in medical genetics and perform general clinical genetics responsibilities with direct patient contact. The GC2 will also have additional responsibilities to see patients independently. 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 GC2 will communicate with patients, families and other health care providers about genetic disorders, evaluations, and testing. They will provide 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 the problem and assess the type of evaluation required with the 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 families 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 GC2 will have additional autonomy and teaching options.

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 certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Preferred to have one or more years’ experience as a clinical genetic counselor.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Interprets and evaluates patient and family medical histories to determine suitability for genetic counseling.
2. Analyzes medical, diagnostic and genetic tests and interprets results for patients and families.
3. Evaluates and recommends follow-up treatment for individual patients.
4. Arranges patient referrals to medical specialists for further evaluation.
5. Plans coordinates and organizes patient’s genetic counseling programs.
6. Designs and prepares portions of genetic research projects.
7. Writes and edits articles for professional journals.
8. Provides consultation to patients on details of the diagnosis and resources available.
9. Formulates criteria and guidelines for the development of counseling plans.
10. Diagnoses genetic problems and develops short and long-term genetic counseling plans.

Required Education and Experience

Master's Degree in Genetics or a related field and two years of related work experience 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).

Salary Range

$68,000.00 - $120,500.00

Location

25 York Street, New Haven, Connecticut