Genetic Counselor-Senior

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 makes independent decisions on matters of significance, free from immediate direction, within the scope of their responsibilities.
• Presents at a national conference or patient program as an invited technical expert, or has 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.

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.

Licenses/Certifications

Certified Genetic Counselor by the American Board of Genetics Counseling preferred.