Genetic Counselor Jobs

General Summary of Position
Interviews and counsels patients either at risk for or affected with genetic disorders. Responsible for pre-, peri-, and post-natal genetic counseling of referred individuals. Takes family, medical, and pregnancy histories, assesses genetic risks, logs information, makes referrals to appropriate specialists, and explains genetic information.

Minimum Qualifications
Education

• Receives referrals and schedules appointments within a week of referral and logs with accuracy.
• Collects genetic information preparing for each patient referred.
• Must be certified within one year of hire. Required
• 1-2 years 2 years genetic counseling experience Preferred
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Interviews patients by taking family, medical, and pregnancy histories to identify significant genetic and environmental risk factors.
• Gives lectures and educational sessions on genetic counseling and medical genetics issues to residents, staff, and community.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Explains to patients and their family members genetic risks, diagnosis, and available intervention. Supplies pertinent written information to patients and physicians.
• Identifies at-risk individuals and offers appropriate tests and referrals to genetic specialists.
• Master's degree in Genetic Counseling. Required
• Participates in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams, in meetings and on committees, and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts.
• Gathers information and utilizes resources from various sources; calculates or cites empiric genetic risks to each individual patient or family member.
• Basic computer skills preferred.
• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
• Prepares letters to patients and physicians after counseling session.
• ABGC - American Board of Genetic Counseling American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification Preferred and
• Maintains patients' files and records, such as number of patients counseled and types of referrals, according to departmental and laboratory standards.
• Prior work experience not required Required