Perinatal Genetic Counselor

Major Responsibilities

• Ability to function independently as the sole genetic counselor in a high-volume clinical setting.
• Constructs, analyzes, and conveys findings of family pedigree in the case of high-risk pregnancies.
• Discusses options with patients and physicians regarding genetic risk factors of prenatal patients.
• Assists with decision making utilizing counseling skills and a non-directive approach that is respectful of patient’s feelings and beliefs.
• Consults with medical staff to obtain or provide pertinent patient information.
• Prepares and updates materials used in patient education for individual patients and all educational programs.
• Orders, coordinates, and follows up on a full range of prenatal genetic testing including NIPT, carrier screening, single-gene testing, and various prenatal diagnostic tests across multiple reference laboratories.
• Independently manages prior authorization requests for genetic testing across commercial, Medicaid, and federal insurance plans, including drafting letters of medical necessity.
• Discloses results of all prenatal genetic testing, including diagnostic and complex findings, to patients and families; coordinates with MFM physicians on clinical management and counseling follow-up.
• Captures and follows up on referrals for invasive prenatal diagnosis (CVS and amniocentesis), including patient consent, procedure-day coordination, and specimen management.
• Prepares and presents the monthly perinatal/NICU case conference, including periodic educational presentations for the multidisciplinary team and participates in regular multi-disciplinary team conferences.
• Coordinates pregnancy management options and referrals for complex prenatal diagnoses and provides ongoing psychosocial support to patients navigating pregnancy loss.
• Manage inventory, accounts, and relationships across multiple genetic testing laboratory partners.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs tasks necessary for maintenance and improvement of his/her functional area within the department.
• Maintains effective, timely lines of communication with his/her supervisor and co-workers.
• Maintains acceptable attendance and punctuality in order to maximize his/her contribution to the organization in accordance with hospital policy.

Highly Valued Skills

• Proficiency with Epic EMR, including documentation, order entry, charge capture, and patient communication via MyChart.
• Familiarity with genetic testing laboratory ordering portals and result management systems (e.g., Natera connect, LabcorpLink, GeneDx portal).
• Experience with insurance prior authorization workflows for genetic testing across commercial and government payers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree (M.S.) from a graduate program accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (A.B.G.C.).
• Experience in prenatal genetic counseling required.
• 2-3 years of perinatal genetic counseling experience preferred.
• Maryland licensure and American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification as a genetic counselor, or for new graduates Maryland licensure as a supervised genetic counselor with ABGC certification within one year of employment.