Genetic Counselor I - Extra Help

County of Santa Clara•San Jose, CA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under direct supervision, to be trained to counsel, educate, and inform individuals and families at risk for inherited genetic disorders and birth defects about the medical, scientific, and psychological resources available to them; to promote an understanding of birth disorders so that individuals and families can adapt to the risk or condition and make informed choices. This recruitment is to establish an eligible list for Extra-Help opportunities. Because we serve patients throughout multiple hospitals and clinics, you may have to work at different sites. We will meet any obligations we may have when this occurs.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Genetic Counseling/Human Genetics or closely related field
Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work
Possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization
As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.
Knowledge of inherited disorders and detectable conditions
Knowledge of effective counseling technique and session structure
Knowledge of benefits and risks of noninvasive screening and invasive diagnostic testing
Knowledge of effective techniques for individual case management and collaboration with multidisciplinary health professionals to promote patient care
Knowledge of relevant community agencies and available public and private support services
Knowledge of age-specific competencies required for effective counseling on cases involving infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics
Knowledge of English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling
Knowledge of common computer systems and applications
Ability to obtain and interpret family medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence
Ability to identify and respond to issues and problems effectively and in a timely manner
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to listen and obtain clarification to ensure that instructions/requests are fully comprehended
Ability to assist in educating individuals and families about inherited genetic disorders or birth defects and the medical testing, scientific research, clinical trials, psychological resources, and other options available
Ability to counsel patients and families to promote informed choices on the various treatment options and adaptation to the risk or birth health condition
Ability to counsel patients and families with sensitivity toward those at risk of genetic defects or birth disorders
Ability to translate complex language of genetic medicine into understandable terms
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies

Nice To Haves

Upon appointment, obtain temporary Genetic Counselor license issued by the California Department of Public Health, in good standing, once obtained, possess and maintain licensure, for the duration of employment in this classification.
Eligible for Board Certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Board Certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling must be obtained within two (2) years of hire to maintain licensure as stipulated by the California Department of Public Health or vacate the position.
Travel to and provide services at satellite clinics as required.

Responsibilities

Establishes a mutually agreed upon genetic counseling agenda with the patient and their family
Elicits and obtains family history and medical information, including pregnancy development
Assists in providing professional psychosocial genetic counseling to individuals regarding hereditary conditions posing potential risks to their children
Recommends medical or genetic testing to individuals/families at risk for genetic diseases or birth defects
Educates and explains technical and medical aspects of diagnostic and screening methods and reproductive options, including associated risks, benefits, and limitations
Assists in coordinating communication between patient and multi-disciplinary medical team in the diagnosis and evaluation of birth conditions
Supports in-patient and out-patient care, including at satellite clinics
Assists in charting, reporting, coordinating, and categorizing clinical testing and test results that are approved by the specialty clinician
Responds in a timely manner to individuals/families
May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required
Performs other duties, as required