Lead Genetic Counselor

About the role

The Lead Genetic Counselor of WVU Medicine is charged with providing expert genetic counseling services to patients and families, and serving as an administrative, clinical and educational leader. This role involves direct patient care, oversight and mentorship of other genetic counselors, participation in research and quality improvement initiatives, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide healthcare services consistent with state law and the requirements of the professional licensing or certification authority and/or hospital privileges, where applicable.
• Obtain and interpret specific data including family history, birth history, medical history and test results.
• Integrate clinic and genetic information for specialized laboratory and clinical testing.
• Assess the patient and family members; level of understanding of development and behavioral relationships.
• Provides genetic counseling to patients and families, including a wide range of genetic conditions with assessment of recurrence and occurrence of the condition, nature of the condition, mode of inheritance, recurrence risk, treatments, prognosis, available services and support groups.
• Handle complex inquiries from patients, physicians, nurses and community agencies regarding patient referrals, management and genetic questions.
• Develop a working knowledge of healthcare and social services available to children with special needs in West Virginia and surrounding states.
• Intervention with local families, agencies and physicians by heightening the awareness of services and health behaviors that may reduce the symptoms of a genetic condition; facilitate the successful adaptation of the disease process; education about, administer and monitor responses of therapy of genetic conditions; advocate for and facilitate access to genetic resources and support groups; and network with members of the genetic community locally, nationally and internationally as needed.
• Oversee caseload management and ensure quality of work among the team.
• Train and onboard new staff.
• Develop and deliver educational programs for healthcare professionals, students, and the community including lectures and presentations on genetic evaluation and genetic conditions.
• Develop and implement clinical protocols and guidelines for the program.
• Ensure program compliance with regulations and standards.
• Assess areas of need for genetic counseling services and develop strategies for program growth and outreach.
• Work with the Office of Physician and Provider Talent Management, to provide oversight of the genetic counselor selection process, and input on specific hiring decisions.
• Work with Human Resources and the Chief Medical Officer to establish genetic counselor compensation.
• Integrate emerging technologies into clinical practice.
• Work with WVU Hospital leaders to identify competency requirements for specific privileges.
• Travel to provide care or evaluate the quality of care at outreach clinics.
• With system and local leaders, oversee genetic counselors’ professional development, ensure genetic counselors participate in required and appropriate continuing education, and promote continued learning and ongoing evaluation of education gaps in genetic counselors’ performance.
• Keep the Department Chairs and Chief Medical Officer apprised of significant issues involving the genetic counselors.
• Serve on committees to enhance patient care and operations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in genetic counseling or a closely related field such as biology, biochemistry, genetics, or psychology.
• Certified Genetic Counselor through the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
• Valid driver’s license.

Pay

This position is expected to require 50% administrative effort (WVUH 10%, Peak Health 40%), and 50% clinical effort (WVUH).

Schedule

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40