The Genetic Counselor works as a member of a specialty healthcare team, providing information and support to patients and families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders, and to patients and families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. Identifies patients at risk, investigates problem(s) present, interprets information about disorder(s), analyzes inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and reviews available options. Provides supportive counseling to patients and their families, serves as a patient advocate, and refers individuals and families to community or state support services. Serves as an educator and resource for other healthcare professionals and for the general public. Works in a multi-disciplinary manner with ancillary service providers, nurses and physicians. Develops, implements, and maintains genetic counseling services specific to the specialty area (ie. prenatal, cardiovascular disease, oncology). Provides genetic risk assessments. Facilitates genetic testing process, including informed consent and discloses results to patient. Counsels patients and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance regarding genetic risks and inherited conditions. Provides standard recommendations for screening and prevention based on patient's personalized risks. Communicates all genetic test results, risk estimates, and standard recommendations to patient and any referring physicians. Documents other patient interactions, as appropriate. Collaborates and coordinates patient care with other disciplines and medical specialties. Responds to relevant inquiries from patients, staff and physicians. Collaborates with other health care professionals (i.e. nurse navigator, physician, sonographer) to provide genetic counseling/testing services to patients, when necessary. Promotes efficient and effective administrative processes and patient workflow, and the incorporation of technology (when appropriate and available). Assists with research protocols, when applicable. Assists with development of marketing materials and programs for various audiences when applicable. Seeks out and presents educational activities to patients, families, trainees, multidisciplinary groups within the organization and on the local, state or national level. Keeps abreast of developments in genetics and genomics. Performs other duties as assigned.
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Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Industry
Hospitals
Education Level
Master's degree