Per Diem Perinatal Counselor

About the role

Serves as a resource to patients, families and health care providers regarding genetic counseling issues.

Works closely with patients during highly stressful times and deals with sensitive information in an empathetic and supportive manner.

Responsibilities

• Counsels patients/families referred for the following: Abnormal serum screening results, Advanced maternal age, Difficult decision making, First trimester/integrated screening, Pregnancy loss, Suspected/known fetal anomalies, Significant family history, Ultrasound findings, Teratogens
• Counsels patients/families regarding diagnostic procedures: Amniocentesis, Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), Percutaneous blood sampling (PUBS)
• Obtains family histories and evaluates need for further testing/screening
• Counsels patient/families regarding significant family histories
• Makes appropriate referrals for further testing/screening
• Tripses/reviews patient histories and ensures appropriate scheduling of appointments
• Understands that needs of patients are priorities
• Interprets genetic laboratory results and communicates to patient/provider
• Gathers, interprets and delivers information to patient/families in a timely fashion
• Maintains patient confidentiality
• Serves as a resource to staff, patient, providers regarding genetic counseling issues
• Provides educational programs to health care providers
• Acts as a resource to health care providers within the hospital and the community
• Involves in training/supervising of genetic counseling students
• Adapts teaching/counseling format as appropriate to the patient's cognitive ability
• Provides appropriate follow-up support/referrals
• Supports patient/families with difficult decisions by demonstrating an understanding of the patient's reaction to "bad news" and responds with empathy and support
• Assesses patient/families ability to cope with "bad news" and makes appropriate referrals
• Maintains relationship with outside laboratories and is aware of quality assurance issues

Requirements

• Minimum Education: - Preferred MA/MS with specialty in Genetic Counseling preferred
• Minimum Work Experience: One to three years of genetic counseling or directly related experience.

Qualifications

• Good communication and interpersonal skills, especially in the areas of counseling and sensitivity to people in crisis.
• Maintains professional attitude in dealing with patients and staff.
• Ability to work in stressful situations within specific time frames while maintaining a professional and calm attitude.