Genetic Counselor-Intermediate

Responsibilities

• Interviews patients, relatives and others to obtain and evaluate data on personal medical and genetic family history.
• Counsels patients and families by explaining aspects of the disease, current state of knowledge, and potential diagnostic techniques. Coordinates specialized genetic counseling services for identified patient populations.
• Analyzes and interprets information about the genetic disorder and inheritance patterns to aid in diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Compare and evaluate various courses of action and have the authority to make independent decisions on matters of significance, free from immediate direction, within the scope of their responsibilities.
• Initiates and completes major projects resulting in publication, grant or presentation.
• Trains shadowing students/ GC students rotating in clinic. Provides subject matter expertise and guidance to peers and colleagues.
• Initiates, develops, and recommends changes to policies, procedures, and patient care activities in the program specific area of human/clinical genetics.
• Independently completes all paperwork and patient/insurance follow-ups.
• Actively participates in tumor board, and presents at monthly genetics meetings.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

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.

Education

• Master's degree in genetic counseling is required.