Genetics Counselor

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Master's Degree in Genetics, prefer Genetic Counseling.

2. Board Certified or board eligible for the American Board of Genetic Counseling preferred.

3. BLS Certification required with additional Advanced Life Support training at the discretion of the department.

EXPERIENCE:

1. At least one year of experience preferred working with patients and families in a clinical setting.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Participate as a team member in informative and educational sessions. Assure laboratory testing is coordinated within and outside the institution.

4. Prepare a written report of the patient's clinic visit for the referring physician, agencies and families including recommendations.

5. Coordinate the implementation of those recommendations.

6. Handle 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.

7. 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.

8. Teach classes and workshops on genetic evaluation and genetic conditions to residents, students and community groups as requested.

9. Schedule patients. Communicate with local physicians and families the timeliness of genetic evaluation for individuals and prenatal patients.

10. Fill out paperwork including computer forms, billing forms and other date forms on each patient.

11. Travel required for outreach clinics.

12. Other duties/projects as assigned.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Adheres to the established Performance Expectations for WVUH Employees in the areas of People, Service, Performance Improvement, and Shared Values & Culture.

2. Working closely with others.

3. Protracted or irregular hours.

4. Working around biohazards.

5. Working around infectious diseases.

6. Working with or near the deceased.

7. Working with hands in water.

8. Electrical hazards associated with patient care equipment.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Proficiency with computers.

2. Strong communication skills.