Genetic Counselor Cancer Center, Part Time, Winston Salem, Nc

JOB SUMMARY: Under general supervision, provides interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence. Educates about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources, research and counsels to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Master's degree in Genetic Counseling from an ACGC Accredited Program.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION: Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Promotes and advocates for patient-specific decision making in an unbiased non-coercive manner that respects the patient's culture, language, traditions, lifestyle, religious beliefs and values. Uses communication skills to enable the patient to express his or her own wishes, or to pursue a chosen course of action for genetic and genomic services. Displays a non-judgmental attitude at all times.
• Evaluates impact and effectiveness of genetic and genomic technology, information, interventions, and treatments on patients outcomes.
• Plans, organizes, and conducts public and professional education programs on medical genetics, patient care, and genetic counseling issues.
• Collaborates with multi-disciplinary clinical teams and healthcare providers in providing genetic and genomic health care.
• Performs regular self-assessments to identify knowledge and skills deficits that could impact the quality of care on provides to patients in need of genetic/genomic guidance, referral and resources. Takes action to meet identifies knowledge and skills deficits relate to genetics and genomics.
• Identifies patients who may benefit from specific genetic and genomic information and/or services based on assessment data.
• Provides patients with credible, accurate, appropriate, and current genetic and genomic information, resources, services, and/or technologies specific to a given patient that facilitates decision-making. Tailors genetic and genomic information and services to patients based on their culture, religion, knowledge level, literacy, and preferred language.
• Documents case information clearly and concisely in the medical record and in correspondence to referring physicians, and discuss case information with other members of the healthcare team, as necessary.
• Orders tests and perform clinical assessments in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Integrates genetic laboratory test results and other diagnostic studies with personal and family medical history to assess and communicate risk factors for genetic/medical conditions and diseases. Explains the clinical implications of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies and their results.
• Collaborates with physicians and other health care providers to plan and implement research regarding medical genetics.
• Maintains professional growth, which includes acquiring relevant information required for a given situation, keeping abreast of current standards of practice as well as societal developments, and seeking out or establishing mechanisms for peer support.
• Explains the nature of genetics evaluation to patients. Discusses available options and delineate the risks, benefits and limitations of appropriate tests and clinical assessments.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to prioritize work activities and achieve goals in a timely manner. Problem solving, decision making, and critical thinking/analysis skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Clean, well lit, and comfortable climate. Potential exposure to contamination of blood or body fluids.