Genetic Counselor I - Laboratory
About The Position
Assesses risks, interprets results, provides complex medical information, and genetic counseling to patients and/or healthcare professionals in a clear and compassionate manner. This role involves assisting in obtaining patient histories and records, coordinating complex testing, and determining differential diagnoses and appropriate test selection with physicians. The Genetic Counselor will discuss testing options, including their advantages, disadvantages, risks, and limitations, and provide follow-up support. They will interpret results in collaboration with physicians, discuss additional test options, and answer client questions regarding genetic testing and its implications for family members. The position also includes tracking and managing items for clinical and research purposes, summarizing literature for patient findings, and providing in-service education to community providers, students, and other healthcare professionals. Maintaining and updating client materials is also a key responsibility.
Requirements
- Two-year Master’s degree in accredited program in Human Genetics, Genetic Counseling or a related field, required.
- Current, valid Ohio license or a supervised practice license to practice as a genetic counselor, required. License must be in place within 90 days after start date.
- Board-Certified or eligible (if graduated in the last 3 years) to sit for the Genetic Counseling Board Examination administered by the American Board of Genetic Counselors, required.
- Expertise in the principles of human genetics, including cytogenetics, molecular genetics, biochemical genetics, and human growth and development.
- Excellent interviewing and non-directive counseling skills.
- Extensive knowledge of social, legal, and ethical issues in genetics.
- Ability to draw a multigenerational pedigree, or family tree, preferably using a template as a guide.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft office and Electronic Medical Record.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in genetic counseling, preferred.
- BLS Certification may be required depending on department.
Responsibilities
- Assists in obtaining necessary patient histories and records to ensure correct test paperwork and samples are provided for genetic testing.
- Coordinates complex testing and ensures all required needs are met before beginning appropriate testing.
- Assists in determining differential diagnosis, appropriate test selection, and plan of care with physicians.
- Discusses testing options available including advantages, disadvantages, risks, and limitations of the laboratory analyses.
- Transmits information about genetic risks and mechanisms, assists in assimilation of information, discusses implications, and uses counseling skills and visual aids if appropriate.
- Provides follow-up support and additional consultation as needed.
- Interprets results in collaboration with physicians or other ordering providers and discusses additional test options for patient if recommended.
- Answers client questions about appropriate genetic testing and how results may affect other family members of the patient.
- Collaborates to obtain or clarify patient information and test requests.
- Tracks and manages items for clinical and research purposes.
- Assists in summarizing literature for patient findings.
- Provides in-service education to community providers, students, and other health care professionals regarding genetic issues and testing available to patients.
- Maintains and updates materials for clients.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
