JOB SUMMARY

The Genetics Counselor provides professional genetic education, counseling, and help to people and families who have members with birth defects, genetic disorders, or who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. Identifies, investigates, interprets, and communicates potential risk factors and options to patients and families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE ROLE

• Studies and interprets patient and family historical medical data obtained from patient, medical records, laboratory results and resource material and communicates findings to patients or physicians.
• Maintains appropriate records and writes detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
• Discusses testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed outcomes.
• Helps patients and family members to comprehend the diagnosis, probable cause of the disorder, and available management strategies.
• Educates patients and families on alternatives for dealing with the risk of genetic disorders, choosing a course of action, and recurrence risks.
• Serves as an advocate, provides counseling and coordinates family support meetings.
• Advises patients and families regarding financial and community resources.
• Coordinates the scheduling of appointments for general, specialty and outreach genetics clinics to include contacting patients and families, obtaining medical records, notifying patients and referring physicians of upcoming appointments, and documenting missed appointments.
• Advises and consults with local and national lay organizations and community support groups through participation on boards, advisory councils and national meetings.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS

• Advanced knowledge of human genetic disorders and birth defects, therapies, terminology, medications and equipment.
• Ability to communicate in lay terms medical information, test results, recurrence risk, diagnoses, and proposal treatment.
• Knowledge of community support services.
• Ability to help patients and/or family members in understanding genetic disorders.
• Ability to apply genetic counseling methods and techniques.
• Must be able to communicate thoughts clearly; both verbally and in writing.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with a wide-range of constituencies.
• Must have critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Able to maintain a calm and helpful attitude, even under times of stress, and take appropriate and reasonable steps to resolve issues.
• General computer skills, including but not limited to: using required software applications, data entry, information security, electronic medical documentation, hand held scanning and email.

BENEFITS

Our competitive benefits package includes the following

• Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
• 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
• Tuition Reimbursement
• PTO accrual beginning Day 1

Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level

QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION - Masters'
• EXPERIENCE - Less than 1 Year of Experience

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION

• Board Certified (BC): ABGC Board Cert or within 2 yrs of hire date.